Polar Bear Swims - Sooke. Sidney, and Victoria, British Columbia

Get your heart rate up for an invigorating start to 2023, join a Polar Bear Swim or Splash being held at various beaches within the vicinity of Victoria, British Columbia!

Every year hundreds of people don their swimsuits or dress up in costumes to participate in an icy Pacific Ocean plunge on January 1! Warm clothes and hot chocolate afterwards are a must.

These are free events, the only other thing you need to bring is your courage!

Featured here is the Otter Point Volunteer Fire Department's annual Polar Bear Swim at Whiffn Spit.

When: Saturday, January 1st, 11:30 a.m. registration. Canon start 12 p.m. swim
Where: Whiffin Spit, Sooke, British Columbia

If you are located in Sidney, British Columbia, the Peninsula Celebrations Society is hosting a Polar Bear Swim at Glass Beach, located at the end of Beacon Avenue.

When: January 1st, 2023, 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Beacon Avenue at Glass Beach in Sidney, British Columbia

In Victoria, British Columbia, the Cold Water Addicts Swim Club is encouraging participants to wear appropriate New Year attire (hats, dresses, umbrella hats and to bring party blowers) to its Polar Bear Swim at Willows Beach. This sounds like a lot of fun!

When: January 1st, 2023, 11 a.m. arrival, 12 p.m. swim
Where: Willows Beach, Victoria, British Columbia