New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dips Across Ontario

This is a great opportunity to stick to your first resolution of 2025 and help raise funds for a good cause.

Polar Bear Dips are taking place on New Year’s Day all over Ontario, offering an exciting winter experience and a chance to connect with fellow adventurers.

Don’t forget to bring lots of towels, blankets, extra clothes, and hot drinks to warm up after the jump.

It’s also wise to wear suitable shoes like water sandals or water socks. Old running shoes work too, as long as they fit well. Avoid flip-flops.

Here are some upcoming Polar Bear Dips scheduled for New Year’s Day.

Barrie

The Barrie Polar Bear Dip, organized by Josef Polcz, benefits the Barrie Food Bank, the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This event takes place at Centennial Beach (65 Lakeshore Dr., Barrie) at noon.

Participants should gather near the public restrooms located in the center of the park.

Clarington

The Clarington Polar Bear Dip is known as both the “Dash of Insanity” and the “Plunge for Life.” Swimmers will brave the chilly waters of Lake Ontario at Bond Head in Newcastle at 2 p. m. Registration starts at 12:45 p. m.

This event is organized by Hollylynn Towie’s family in memory of her; she was a 17-year-old Whitby resident who tragically passed away in a fire in 2012.

Proceeds go towards her memorial fund and initiatives supporting adults with autism in Durham Region.

You can register at autismhomebase. com/polarbearswim.

Grimsby

The Grimsby Polar Bear Dip operates on a donation basis to support Mc Nally House Hospice. Registration begins at 1:30 p. m., followed by the dip at exactly 2 p. m.

This event occurs at Bal Harbour Beach, found at the end of Bal Harbour Road in Grimsby.

T-shirts and tax receipts will be available for donations over $25. For more details visit grimsbypolarbear. ca.

Oakville

The Courage Polar Bear Dip for World Vision takes place at Coronation Park. This event contributes towards providing clean water in developing nations. Since 1995, it has raised nearly $2.4 million for World Vision Canada.

The fun kicks off at 12:30 p. m. with live music and barbecue food options. A costume contest follows at 1:15 p. m., leading up to the dip itself happening at 2 p. m.

Everyone’s invited to attend a post-dip gathering at Tin Cup Oakville (1540 North Service Rd. W.).

A registration fee of $30 applies; check out polarbeardip. ca for more information.

Parks around Coronation Park fill up fast so consider parking at South Oakville Centre (1515 Rebecca St.) near Beer Store, then use Attridge Transportation’s free shuttle service starting from 12:15 p. m.

Toronto

The Toronto Polar Bear Dip supports Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. It happens down by Sunnyside Beach (1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto). Last year’s event raised over $120,000!