Courageous dip returns to Oakville
A long-running charitable tradition, the Courage Polar Bear Dip will ring in the new year in Oakville, challenging residents to brave the winter waters.
Participants will jump into Lake Ontario in January temperatures to show their toughness and enjoy the health benefits of a cold plunge. Participants are required to bring a “spotter” and water shoes or old sneakers, and there will be heated change tents provided for warming back up quickly.
The dip, named after its founder Gaye Courage, will be part of a broader festival environment, which will include live music provided by Mike Whaling and barbecue food from Tin Cup Oakville. There will also be a costume contest, with prizes for the best individual and group outfits. Following the plunge, participants can head to Tin Cup’s physical location for a post-dip party, with raffles for prizes and a percentage of food sales going back to the event.
Dippers will be raising money for clean water projects in Ghana and Honduras through the World Vision Canada organization. Fundraisers will also be entered into a prize draw, and all participants will receive a wristband and t-shirt. Charitable challenges like this often provide promotional products to help commemorate the occasion.
The 2026 edition of the Courage Polar Bear Dip will take place on the afternoon of January 1 at Coronation Park in Oakville.
Participants will jump into Lake Ontario in January temperatures to show their toughness and enjoy the health benefits of a cold plunge. Participants are required to bring a “spotter” and water shoes or old sneakers, and there will be heated change tents provided for warming back up quickly.
The dip, named after its founder Gaye Courage, will be part of a broader festival environment, which will include live music provided by Mike Whaling and barbecue food from Tin Cup Oakville. There will also be a costume contest, with prizes for the best individual and group outfits. Following the plunge, participants can head to Tin Cup’s physical location for a post-dip party, with raffles for prizes and a percentage of food sales going back to the event.
Dippers will be raising money for clean water projects in Ghana and Honduras through the World Vision Canada organization. Fundraisers will also be entered into a prize draw, and all participants will receive a wristband and t-shirt. Charitable challenges like this often provide promotional products to help commemorate the occasion.
The 2026 edition of the Courage Polar Bear Dip will take place on the afternoon of January 1 at Coronation Park in Oakville.