Starting the New Year with the Polar Bear Swim and Winter Camping

Every year we try to start things off with something memorable, something a little wild, and something that reminds us what adventure is really about. This year at Vancity Adventure, we kicked off the New Year by jumping into freezing ocean water and then heading out for winter camping. Safe to say… it woke us up fast.

The famous White Rock Polar Bear Swim outside of Vancouver is one of those events that looks crazy until you’re actually standing there surrounded by thousands of people who are all thinking the same thing: let’s do this.

There’s something pretty incredible about starting the year shoulder-to-shoulder with a huge crowd of people ready to challenge themselves.

The Moment Before the Jump

Standing on the beach, the cold air already biting, we watched waves roll in while the countdown echoed across the shoreline. You could feel the excitement everywhere—families laughing, people in costumes, and a whole lot of nervous energy.

And then suddenly… everyone was running.

The shock of the cold water hits instantly. It’s the kind of cold that makes you laugh, yell, and question your life choices all at the same time. But once you’re in, you realize why people keep coming back every year. It’s not just about the swim — it’s about starting the year doing something bold.

After the swim, most people head home to warm up… but that’s not really our style.

Instead, we loaded up the truck and headed out the next day for a winter camping adventure. Snow on the ground, crisp mountain air, and that peaceful silence you only get when you’re deep in nature.

Winter camping hits different.
Everything slows down.

The forest feels quieter.
The stars look brighter.
And a hot drink by the fire feels ten times better after jumping into the Pacific Ocean earlier that day.

Why We Love Starting the Year This Way

For us, adventure has always been about creating memories and pushing ourselves a little outside our comfort zones. Whether it’s a huge road trip across North America or something as simple as a cold-water swim followed by camping, it all adds to the story.

These are the moments that stick with you.

It’s also something special sharing these experiences as a father-and-son team. Every year brings new challenges, new places, and new stories to tell.

And honestly… starting the year freezing cold makes everything else feel easier.

A Reminder for the Year Ahead

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from adventures, it’s this:

You don’t need perfect conditions to get outside.
You just need to go.

The New Year is the perfect time to try something new, explore somewhere different, or push yourself a little further than before.

For us, this was just the first adventure of many to come this year.

And trust us… we’ve got some epic ones planned.