Have you ever done a Polar Bear Dip?
Taking a dunk in a chilly lake or ocean in the winter is a rite of passage if you’ve moved to Nova Scotia, especially if you’ve moved from somewhere land-locked.
When we bought our rural Nova Scotia acreage in 2010, the former owner spent a great deal of time telling us stories about our place. Because it was formerly a campground, the property had an old restaurant, a derelict mini-putt course, and a history of having been famous for its annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. A few years ago, the former owner dug out some of his photos to share with us, here’s one of the gems.
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There are believed to be numerous health benefits to cold water swimming. For us, we cut a hole in the ice and go for a jump each January 1 (or some years just run right in if the lake hasn’t frozen over) because it’s a fun way to celebrate the new year, and it pays homage to the history of our home.
Polar Bear Dips in Nova Scotia
Want to participate in a community Polar Bear Dip? Here are a few Nova Scotia Polar Bear Dips we’ve heard are a lot of fun.
- Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip
- Pictou County Polar Bear Dip
- Halifax Polar Plunge
- Digby Neck Polar Bear Club
- Port Morien Polar Dip
- Sydney Polar Bear Dip