Woodbine Beach polar bear dip – Community Cold Plunge – in support of youth mental health programs set for New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day is shaping up to be a day for true polar bears on Woodbine Beach.

For those wishing to welcome 2026 with a quick dip into Lake Ontario on Thursday, Jan. 1, the Unbounded organization is hosting a Community Cold Plunge in support of Jack.org which helps provide youth mental health programs across Canada.

Organizers are looking to set a record for number of participants in a polar bear dip (or cold plunge) at Thursday’s event which will see those taking part gather on the beach at 1 p.m. for warm-up session with intent of hitting the water at 1:20 p.m.

With temperatures at the time forecast to be -9 Celsius (and feeling as if it were -17C with the wind chill), the plunge will indeed be suitable for polar bears.

“Join us at Woodbine Beach to plunge yourself into the chilly waters with like-minded individuals on the first day of the New Year. Get ready to dive into an invigorating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on 2026 feeling more capable than ever,” said Unbounded on its website.

Thursday’s Community Cold Plunge is free to attend, but participants are asked to register in advance online so organizers can get an accurate count of how many people take part. Donations to Jack.org are being accepted at the time of online registration. All of the proceeds raised from the cold plunge will go to Jack.org, said the organizers.

“Whether you’re a seasoned cold plunging enthusiast or a first-timer, this event is open to all. Come join us to raise funds towards youth mental health. Grab your swimsuit, towel, (and Dryrobe!), a sense of adventure, and prepare to plunge into the cold waters together, as a community. Let’s get uncomfortable for a cause,” said Unbounded.

“Begin the year by doing something unforgettable! Take the plunge and start your year with clarity, courage, and a surge of aliveness. You are capable of doing hard things. Let’s enter the New Year together, as a community.”

The plunge will take place on Woodbine Beach, with participants gathering on the lake’s edge directly south of the Woodbine Beach Bathing Station.

Due to what will be the extremely cold temperatures expected on New Year’s Day, organizers are reminding those planning on taking part to take into account any health issues they may have before entering the water. “Please do not participate in the plunge portion of the event if you have any of the following: high/low blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions, heart conditions, pregnancy, experiencing burnout or have any other doubts about your health.”

Unbounded is based in Canada and was founded by four friends on a mission to experience living. According to its website it “specializes in nervous system regulation experiences and education featuring deliberate cold exposure therapy, heat exposure therapy, breathwork, human connection and re-wilding in nature while embracing the great outdoors.”

To register for Thursday’s cold plunge at Woodbine Beach, and for more information on the event, please go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/record-breaker-cold-plunge-2026-tickets-1976535006411

For more information on Unbounded please go to https://stayunbounded.com/

For more information on Jack.org and its youth mental health programs, please go to https://www.jack.org/