Swimmers will brave chilly Parksville waters on New Years Day for the RDN"s annual polar bear plunge. (City of Parksville)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

fresh start

Frigid waters await Parksville polar bear plungers

Jan 1, 2026 | 5:34 AM

PARKSVILLE — It’s a sure-fire way to cure any hangover from 2025.

The Regional District of Nanaimo is hosting their annual Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, Jan. 1 at Parksville Community Park, with a large crowd of swimmers and onlookers expected to help ring in the new year.

Registration for the swim begins at 11:30 a.m., with brave souls hitting the water at 12 p.m.

The event comes on the heels of the traditional Boxing Day dip in Nanaimo.

Hundreds ventured out on Friday, Dec. 26 for the Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim at Departure Bay, an event which has been a staple for some in Nanaimo for over 60 years.

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