<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article relies too much on references to primary sources . Please improve this by adding secondary or tertiary sources . (December 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A polar bear plunge is an event held during the winter where participants enter a body of water despite the low temperature . In the United States, polar bear plunges are usually held to raise money for a charitable organization . In Canada, polar bear swims are usually held on New Year's Day to celebrate the new year . </P> <P> In Canada, "Polar Bear Swims", "plunges" or "dips" are a New Year's Day tradition in numerous communities across the country . Vancouver, BC's annual Polar Bear Swim Club has been active since 1920 and typically has 1,000 to 2,000 registered participants, with a record 2,128 plunging into English Bay in 2000 . Registration is not enforced and the actual number of swimmers may be significantly higher . Estimates of the number of observers are typically up to 10,000 . Suburban White Rock, BC's was founded in 1958, and other suburbs including North Vancouver, Surrey, Delta and Langley also hold swims . </P> <P> Other locations include Bowen Island, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Ottawa, ON, Oakville, ON, Toronto, ON, Perth, ON, Clarington, ON, Sarnia, ON, Montreal, QC, North Hatley, QC, Halifax, NS, Prince Edward Island,, Ness Lake north of Prince George, BC and St. John's, NL . In Yellowknife, NWT, the "Freezin for a Reason" plunge is held in March after the spring thaw . </P>

Where did the polar bear dip originate in canada