Polar plunging is a time-honoured New Year’s tradition here in Alberta. There’s no better way to kick off the year than with an icy plunge into one of our province’s surrounding lakes. Luckily, there are tons of communities throughout Alberta doing their own version of a polar plunge — and raising money for good causes along the way.
Cold plunging has therapeutic origins that go back thousands of years, and you can try it for yourself at these choice events. Here’s where you can plunge into cold waters and also support a good cause this year in Alberta.
The Calgary Icebreaker Polar Dip will take place at the Mahogany Beach Club, with funds going towards the SA Foundation. Their goal is to raise $200,000 to support the SA Foundation’s work in fighting human trafficking.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
Where: 29 Masters Park SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: By donation
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the Lethbridge Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Festival Square – 600 3rd Ave. S., Lethbridge, Alta.
Tickets: $50
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the Elkwater Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Elkwater Winter Festival – TBD
Cost: $50
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the Medicine Hat Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Mavericks Athletic Park – 1 Birch Ave. SE, Medicine Hat, Alta.
Tickets: $50
Take the plunge in Crimson Lake as part of the 2026 Crimson Lake Winterfest, alongside a host of other fun activities.
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: 403048 Buster Creek Rd., Alhambra, Alta.
Tickets: Free
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the annual Red Deer Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: Alberta Sports Hall of Fame – 4200 Queen Elizabeth II Hwy. #102, Red Deer, Alta.
Tickets: $50
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the annual Canmore Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Time: 12 p.m.
Where: Millennium Park – 1st Street and 5th Avenue, Canmore, Alta.
Cost: $50
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the annual Edmonton Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: 1720 88th St. SW, Edmonton, Alta
Cost: $50
The Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the annual Calgary Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Where: 12 Arbour Lake Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: $50
Experience the exhilarating rush of a guided polar plunge in the pristine waters of Lake Louise, accompanied by Wim Hof breathwork techniques.
When: Weekly
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr., Lake Louise, Alta.
Tickets: Included in resort fee
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