Polar Bear at Centennial Beach

Delta’s annual New Year Polar Bear Swim takes place on Thursday, January 1st, 2026, at Boundary Bay Regional Park’s Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen.

The event in Tsawwassen is just one of several Lower Mainland Polar Bear Swims. Other New Year dips in the ocean include ones in White Rock by the pier, Port Moody at Rocky Point Park, Vancouver at English Bay, and North Vancouver in Deep Cove. There are one or two Squamish Polar Bear Swims too.

Polar Bear Swim at Boundary Bay Park in 2026

The event on Thursday, January 1st, 2026, runs from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Centennial Beach in Boundary Bay Regional Park.

Festival activities and registration both open at 12:00 pm. The opening ceremonies begin at 1:15 pm and the plunge takes place at 1:30 pm. Celebrations, live music, and awards happen afterwards.

Boundary Bay Regional Park is located in the 500 block of Boundary Bay Road in Tsawwassen, which makes it about ten kilometres or a 15-minute drive from the BC Ferries Terminal.

About the Delta Polar Bear Swim

The Polar Bear Swim at Centennial Beach is one of several similar events that take place in the Lower Mainland on January 1st each year. Other outdoor New Year’s Day swims take place in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Port Moody, White Rock and Fort Langley.

The largest and most famous polar bear swim is the one at English Bay in Vancouver. The event in Delta is much smaller, but still pretty big. A couple of thousand people usually turn out to watch at Centennial Beach each year and over 100 people take the plunge.

The 2026 event is themed “Hit Refresh on the New Year!” and includes expanded programming. There are new zones for families and children.

Delta Polar Bear Swim Participants — The Polar Bear Swim Starting Line

What to Expect

At the Delta Polar Bear Swim people usually arrive early to register, meet friends and family, and admire the costumes. The atmosphere is festive with live music and a Kids Plunge Zone for children twelve and under. In 2026, there are airbrush tattoos, a warming tent, marshmallow roasting, and food trucks on site.

Costume judging takes place before the plunge, and prizes are awarded afterwards for categories such as best dressed and the participant who travelled the furthest.

At 1:15 pm the crowd gathers at the water’s edge for the opening ceremonies. The plunge officially begins at 1:30 pm. Families can also take part in the Family Plunge, where the first family to ring the bell wins a special prize. Awards take place shortly after the swim.

A free shuttle service runs throughout the event between the South Delta Recreation Centre and Centennial Beach. Participants who register get the annual Polar Bear Swim pin. Registration is free both online and at the event.

Polar Bear People in Swimsuits — Getting Ready for the Swim

Tips & Advice

Below is some advice and extra information to help you make the most of your Polar Bear Swim at Delta’s Boundary Bay Regional Park.

TIP #1: If you’re planning to swim, wear appropriate footwear. The water is cold and the beach is a bit rocky.

TIP #2: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before splash time, if you can. There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving late because of traffic (which there will be) and missing the start of the swim. There is plenty of parking at the beach.

TIP #3: Don’t forget to take the obvious – swimsuit, towel, warm change of clothes, camera, optional costume, etc. A thermos of hot chocolate or coffee can also be a good idea.

Delta Polar Bear Swim Swimmers — Delta Polar Bear Swim

About the Beach and the Park

Boundary Bay Regional Park is a flat wide-open area in the South Delta community of Tsawwassen. Tsawwassen is on a bit of a peninsula with the BC Ferry Terminal on the west side, the park on the east side and Point Roberts (in the United States) at the bottom in the south.

At the park there are walking trails, horseback riding trails and a huge sandy beach. At Centennial Beach, there is a concession stand, public washrooms, and a large children’s play area. There are also picnic shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis if no one has reserved them in advance.

Dogs are allowed in certain areas at the park, but they must be on leash.