Polar Bear Swim

English Bay Polar Bear Swim January 1st 2010

Start the year with a bone chilling dip in the frigid waters of English Bay at the annual Polar Bear swim.

Vancouver's polar bear swim started in 1920 and that makes 2010 it's 90th year.

To be part of the official count of brave hearted souls register for free at the English Bay bathhouse between 12:30 and 2:30 or clip and fill out a coupon from the Province Newspaper and take it to the registration desk.

As an official polar bear club member you'll get a souvenir pin after your swim not to mention bragging rights.

There will be a collection of non-perishable items for the foodbank.

Don't be shy about dressing up in a costume for the occasion lots of people do.

The polar bear swim is just the start of many public events that happen at English Bay all year round.

This popular beach is a favorite destination for runners, walkers and cyclists as well as for strolling along the seawall into Stanley Park or leisurely romantic evening beach walks.

In the summer there's the fireworks festival that is usually held in the last week of July and the first week in August.

So bring in the New Year at the most popular beach in Vancouver.

The official plunge into the chilly water is at 2:30.

Afterwards head to a nearby West End coffee shop or restaurant on Denman Street or Davie Street and get yourself a steaming bowl of wonton soup or a cup of hot chocolate.