<P> In Canada , `` Polar Bear Swims '' , `` plunges '' or `` dips '' are a New Year 's Day tradition in numerous communities across the country . Vancouver , BC 's annual Polar Bear Swim Club has been active since 1920 and typically has 1,000 to 2,000 registered participants , with a record 2,128 plunging into English Bay in 2000 . Registration is not enforced and the actual number of swimmers may be significantly higher . Estimates of the number of observers are typically up to 10,000 . Suburban White Rock , BC 's was founded in 1958 , and other suburbs including North Vancouver , Surrey , Delta and Langley also hold swims . </P>
<P> In Canada , `` Polar Bear Swims '' , `` plunges '' or `` dips '' are a New Year 's Day tradition in numerous communities across the country . Vancouver , BC 's annual Polar Bear Swim Club has been active since 1920 and typically has 1,000 to 2,000 registered participants , with a record 2,128 plunging into English Bay in 2000 . Registration is not enforced and the actual number of swimmers may be significantly higher . Estimates of the number of observers are typically up to 10,000 . Suburban White Rock , BC 's was founded in 1958 , and other suburbs including North Vancouver , Surrey , Delta and Langley also hold swims . </P>
where did the polar bear dip originate in canada
where did the polar bear dip originate in canada
1920
1920