Despite Vancouver's in-person polar bear swim being canceled for the second year in a row due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, locals proudly maintained the over 100-year-old tradition.
While the Vancouver Parks Board didn't host the normally massive event at English Bay on Jan. 1, Vancouverites were encouraged to take part virtually. This could be done by taking a dip in a bathtub or kiddie pool and, if brave enough, adjusting the water temperature to 7°C, the average ocean water temperature of previous swims. Locals could then share photos or videos of their plunge with the Parks Board to receive a commemorative button or on social media using #vanpolarbearswim.
And share they did. Here are some of our favorite entries under #vanpolarbearswim starting with of course a miniaturized Styrofoam recreation of the English Bay Barge!
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