Some brave souls from Burnaby will be among the crowd that will welcome the arrival of 2021 by taking a dip in the icy waters of the North Pacific.
The annual English Bay Polar Bear Swim, which was first held in 1920, is set to go ahead once again this year. The last swim was a record-setting event, and the planners are hoping that 2021 will be just as much of a success.
Before it is time to hit the water, the bathers will shed their winter clothes, and some will don fun costumes, with others wearing a simple bathing suit. They will then head to the starting line, wait for the horn to sound, run to the ocean and dive in. It is expected that most will be in and out very quickly, but a few brave individuals may stay and enjoy a brisk swim.
This event tends to draw a large crowd of spectators cheering on the swimmers, and there will be a variety of prizes awarded. Souvenir buttons will be distributed to everyone who takes a dip, and items like these can be prepped for the occasion by local printing services.
The 2021 instalment of the Annual Polar Bear Swim will be taking place on January 1st. Everyone who attends is asked to bring along a generous donation to the Vancouver Food Bank.
Location
6991 Buller Ave
Burnaby, BC V5J 4S1
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Phone
Hours
Mon: 8:30 - 5:00
Tue: 8:30 - 5:00
Wed: 8:30 - 5:00
Thu: 8:30 - 5:00
Fri: 8:30 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed