Thousands of brave souls rang in the New Year with a heart-pounding, bone-chilling tradition on Thursday, taking the plunge into the icy waters of English Bay for the 106th annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim. The event, one of the city's most beloved and enduring rituals, saw participants of all ages dash into the Pacific Ocean on January 1, 2026, seeking fresh starts, a dose of invigorating health, or simply a connection to a century of local history.
A Veteran's Unbroken Streak
Among the shivering masses was Terry Saik, 60, a man for whom the swim has become a defining annual rite. Saik has not missed a single Polar Bear Swim in 46 years, a commitment he proudly displays through a collection of commemorative buttons from each year. "It started with a drunken, stupid bet," Saik admitted, noting he doesn't recommend that origin story today. "Things were different back then."
He recalls a much simpler event in the early days—no warming tents, merchandise tables, food trucks, or DJs. "Back then it was just you and the water," he said. Now, the ritual is an inseparable part of his identity. "It's better than Halloween, better than Christmas. It's the highlight of my year," Saik explained.
Evolution of a Century-Old Tradition
The swim was founded in 1920 by Peter Pantages, a young immigrant from Andros, Greece, who dared friends to join him for a bracing dip. Originally, swimmers would change in the basement of the Sylvia Hotel, dash across the street for the plunge, and then regroup at Pantages' Peter Pan Cafe on Granville Street for hot toddies and prizes like a 5 lb ham or a case of rum.
While Pantages died in 1971, his quirky challenge blossomed into a major civic event. Early photographs show more spectators than participants, but today, up to 2,500 people register officially each year, with total participation numbers being much higher as the swim is open to all. Participants can earn a certificate and the coveted commemorative button.
The Culture and Camaraderie of the Plunge
Saik is a card-carrying member of the informal Polar Bear Veterans' club, which requires at least 20 dips. The veterans' uniform is a mix of wacky hats, clown noses, and rows of buttons. Saik's own collection is now complete, though he once lost the buttons from his first three years after a celebratory visit to the Sylvia Hotel. "I got them all back by searching Value Villages," he said with pride. "Now I'm whole again."
His approach has matured with time. He has long since "cooled it on the drinking," wears protective water booties, and for health reasons, only wades in up to his belly to avoid the risks of full cold-water shock.
The event at English Bay continues to be a vibrant, community-focused spectacle, drawing families, groups of friends, and international visitors alike, all united by the shared, shuddering thrill of welcoming the New Year in Vancouver's most refreshing way possible.
