Toronto Polar Bear Dip 2026

It's a gorgeous looking day along the waterfront, sunny and crisp, maybe a little too crisp at -10 degrees Celsius but you committed to being brave and you will 'dare to dip'. I am here early to check on things and note that the inner harbour is full of ice and in the dip area the ice is in chunks so unless they clear it away you won't be running into the water.

Entertainment crews are here and setup but there is no registration desks or roped off beach area. Word at the pavillion is that they are still considering if the dip will proceed. Ps I don't see any porta-potties on site were dropped off and it doesn't look like they have opened the pavilion's bathroom at this time. There is no status update on their website or social media accounts at this time. Update: it's a go!!!! They moved west about 50 to 100m where there was some open water.

see more photos after the jump.

The quiet before the dip

New Year's Day is the perfect time for a new you, starting with a brisk dip in Lake Ontario for the 2026 Toronto Polar Bear Dip. The charitable event in support of Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is on 
at Sunnyside Park Beach with registration opens at 10am and the dip starts at noon.

The weather network thinks the temperature at noon will only be -8 degrees Celsius with a windchill of -15 so have your towels and warm clothes ready for after the dip. Remember not to wear flip flops because they usually pop off as soon as you hit water and the beach is rocky here.

Magen Boys Entertainment