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 […]

Photo credit: Jeremy WMon Flickr Come September 1st, smokers will need to butt-out before hanging out in a Vancouver Park or on a City beach. According to the City of Vancouver, “the new policy is part of the Park Board’s commitment to the promotion of a healthy urban environment and support for active living and […]

According to a National Geographic ranking, Vancouver is the #10 best city in the world for beaches. Photo credit: ng.kelven on Flickr Here’s why they chose us: “Canada’s most adventurous metropolis is home to ten beaches, from the family-centric Jericho to the clothing-optional Wreck Beach, many of which offer commanding views of the Vancouver skyline […]

This evening the Vancouver Parks Board voted unanimously to ban smoking in parks and on local beaches. Photo credit: anasantoson Flickr Vancouver Fire Captain Gabe Roder says if we have another hot and dry summer–like we did last year– then it’s only common sense to have cigarette smoking ban in place. He says it’s a […]

This morning John and I headed out to Iona Beach in Richmond for a brisk Sunday walk. View Larger Map I have profiled Iona before thanks to Stewart Marshall who contributed a guest post. The regional park consists of several kilometers of sandy beaches sandwiched by Fraser River outlets. As we set out, the warm […]

Inspired by today’s soggy weather, and the recent announcement that English Bay will be getting a Cactus Club, I thought I would profile Vancouver beaches, Then and Now. Tidal Flats at Jericho Beach 1890 Archives item # Be P41 2010 Photo credit: Brad-514 on Flickr Kitsilano Pool / Beach 1931 Archives item # Be N51.1 […]

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 […]

Summer to us means packing up John‘s big blue backpack and heading down to the beach. We walk through forest trails that open up into sprawling sandy shores and rest for hours in the open air. Snacks include fresh fruit and water, while we either read books or use the headphone splitter to enjoy the […]

Vancouver’s 89th annual Polar Bear Swim will take place New Years Day at English Bay. Waxy on Flickr – Waxy PhotographyCheck out his entire Polar Bear Swim collection. The Vancouver Annual Polar Bear Swim started in 1920 when a dozen hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day. Since then, the […]