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Vancouver's favourite New Year's Day swim returns for in-person icy plunge

Kick off the new year with a cold plunge. Vancouver's beloved Polar Bear Swim returns for its 103-year anniversary and first in-person swim in three years. The annual event will take place on Jan. 1, 2023 from noon to 4 p.m. at English Bay.
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The 103rd annual Polar Bear Swim is happening on Jan. 1, 2023 at English Bay, Vancouver, B.C. |Photo: Vancouver Is Awesome files

Kick off the new year with a cold plunge. 

Vancouver's beloved Polar Bear Swim returns for its 103-year anniversary and first in-person swim in three years. 

The annual event will take place on Jan. 1, 2023 from noon to 4 p.m. at English Bay. Though the festivities get underway beforehand, the 100-yard race will take place at 2:30 p.m.

Swimmers will meet behind the start line and the first three swimmers to touch the marker buoy by the lifeguard boat should give their names to the lifeguard. 

Participants can pick up a commemorative button and, those who registered ahead of the event, receive a participation certificate after the race.

Warming tents and changing rooms will also be available for swimmers.

Vancouver Is Awesome