Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of people across Canada participated in polar bear dips on New Year’s Day to mark the start of 2026.
- The events were held in various locations, including Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, Ontario.
- Participants took the plunge to challenge themselves, support local charities, and enjoy the thrill of the experience.
- Many first-time participants found the experience exhilarating and refreshing, despite the initial shock of the cold water.
- The events brought communities together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection among participants.
Introduction to Polar Bear Dips
The start of a new year is often marked with resolutions and a desire to try new things. For hundreds of people across Canada, this meant taking the plunge into icy waters on New Year’s Day. The tradition of polar bear dips has become a popular way to kick off the year, with many participants seeking to challenge themselves and push their limits. In Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, hundreds of people gathered at Lake Banook to take part in the annual polar bear swim. Alejandra Lopez, a visitor from Mexico, was among the brave participants, who had never done a polar plunge before. She found the experience to be a lot of fun, despite the initial shock of the cold water.
Participant Experiences
As participants entered the icy waters, many reported feeling a range of emotions, from excitement and exhilaration to fear and discomfort. Brian Summerhayes, who joined his sister-in-law Alejandra in the dip, described the experience as "very, very cold" and joked that he wasn’t sure if he would do it again. However, despite the initial shock, many participants found the experience to be refreshing and invigorating. Laurel Floyd, who took the plunge with her daughter and son-in-law, described the atmosphere as "wonderful" and noted that the experience brought a sense of peace and camaraderie among the participants.
Organizing the Events
The polar bear dips were organized by local groups, such as the Darkside Dippers in Dartmouth, who worked to create a safe and enjoyable experience for participants. Organizer Koko McNeill reported that 550 people registered online to take part in the Dartmouth event, with many more coming out to cheer on their loved ones and friends. In Toronto, the event was held in support of Boost, a child and youth advocacy centre, and featured a dance party to warm up the crowd before the plunge.
Toronto’s Polar Bear Dip
In Toronto, hundreds of people gathered at Sunnyside beach to take part in the polar bear dip. The event was a fun and festive atmosphere, with participants donning costumes and enjoying the music and company of others. Pardeep Singh Nagra, a participant who has taken the plunge over 15 times, described the experience as a "great way to start up a new year" and noted that the event was an important fundraiser for local youth. Friends Laura Kanas, Georgina Blanchard, and Selina Whittaker held hands as they took the dip together, describing the experience as "invigorating" and a great way to start the new year.
Community and Charity
The polar bear dips were not just about personal challenge and thrill-seeking; they also brought communities together and raised funds for local charities. In Toronto, the event supported Boost, a child and youth advocacy centre, while in Dartmouth, the event was organized by a local group of enthusiasts. The events highlighted the importance of community and connection, as participants came together to support one another and make a difference in their local communities. As Georgina Blanchard noted, the plunge represented a "fresh start to the new year – friendships and fun," and was a great way to kick off 2026.
