Vancouver’s outdoor pools open this weekend for the season, serving up refreshing summer fun and swimming lessons in our communities. The best part about Vancouver Park Board outdoor pools is that they are heated and they have one-of-a-kind seaside locations. Photo credit: colink. on Flickr Opening Saturday, May 18, 2013: Kitsilano Pool; Second Beach Pool [...]

An alternative to the 93rd annual Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is the Penguin Plunge in North Vancouver. Presented by Deep Cove Outdoor and Deep Cove Kayak & Canoe, this frosty affair takes place at Panorama Park in Deep Cove on New Year’s Day. To participate, register at Panorama Park on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 starting [...]

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim will have its 93rd run on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2013. This free event is open to the entire community and all those brave enough to splash in the waters of English Bay on the first day of the year. Peter Pantages & Miss E Robinson in English [...]

Like moths to a flame, bathing-suit clad bodies flock to the Kitsilano Pool as soon as the summer sun starts to shine. It’s a bright blue beacon of warm weather recreation at one of the city’s most popular beaches. Photo credit: ecstaticist on Flickr Photo credit: Carolyn Coles on Flickr 1931 – Construction laying out [...]

The Canadian Red Cross is urging everyone to be safe in and around water this summer as we take to ocean beaches, lakes, and pools. Only 46% of children in Canada know how to swim but a great way to learn the basics is by getting involved in a Red Cross Swim program at a [...]

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim returns to English Bay for the 92nd year thanks to Mr. Peter Pantages. It was in 1920 that Pantages created the club and the brisk ocean dip has been a New Year’s tradition ever since. Peter’s family still carries on the tradition of the Polar Bear Swim Club today. December [...]

The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim in English Bay is a tradition that is 91 years strong. It all began with 10 swimmers in 1920 thanks to the leadership of Peter Pantages and it grew to welcome over 2,000 participants in recent years. Peter Pantages & Miss E Robinson in English Bay Dec 1927 – Archives [...]

The legacy of Peter Pantages will live on New Years Day as Vancouver hosts its 90th annual Polar Bear Swim in English Bay. January 1, 1939 – The Polar Bear Club – Item #: CVA 371-836 This is one of Vancouver’s oldest traditions. Quick tidbit: “In 1928, on January 1st, 16-year-old Ivy Granstrom made her [...]