You can dress up to meet the lieutenant-governor at Government House, take your clothes off for a celebratory dip in frigid waters, sit back to listen to music, swim in more temperate waters indoors or skate with your family for free this New Year’s Day.
Meet B.C.’s lieutenant-governor at Government House
The New Year’s Day Levée is a tradition celebrated by vice-regal offices throughout Canada. In Victoria, Government House has opened its doors to the public on the first day of the year since 1871 — except for 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event is an opportunity to meet Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, enjoy light refreshments and socialize with friends and neighbours.
This year’s event features entertainment by the 91原创 Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums, along with singer Edie Daponte accompanied by pianist Attila Fias.
The event is free, with non-perishable items accepted for donation to the Mustard Seed’s food bank.
On New Year’s Day, doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the event concludes at 11:45 a.m. Space is limited and guests are encouraged to arrive early. Government House is at 1401 Rockland Ave., Victoria.
For more information, go to .
Esquimalt historical walks
The mayor of Esquimalt and council will lead two walks as part of the township’s annual levée, in Esquimalt Gorge Park on Wednesday.
Led by author Dennis Minaker, the walk will showcase the “glory days” of the park and its waterway.
The event starts and ends at the Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion. There will be light refreshments with the mayor and councillors at the conclusion of the walk.
The event is free but registration is required as space is limited. There will be two one-hour sessions, starting at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Register in person at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser St., over the phone at 250-412-8500 or online at .
Oak Bay community walk
Join the mayor and council of Oak Bay on a community walk, followed by a meet and greet on New Year’s Day.
The three-kilometre walk starts at 12:30 p.m. from the lobby at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St.
This year’s walk will celebrate two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Oak Bay Recreation Centre and the 100th anniversary of the Victoria Cougars winning the Stanley Cup in Oak Bay.
Following the walk, the mayor and council will host a meet and greet, with coffee, tea and cookies, in the Sports View Lounge of the recreation centre between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 1.
For more information, go to .
Polar bear dip at Willows Beach
The Lido Club, a Victoria-based ocean cold water swimming club, is hosting a polar bear dip at noon at Willows Beach in Oak Bay. Club members will be at the beach from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and can be identified by their green and white striped towels.
Warm drinks will be offered (bring your own mug), and there will be prizes.
Go to for more information.
Polar bear swim at Sidney’s Glass Beach
Peninsula Celebrations Society is inviting hardy Islanders to join them at their polar bear swim at Glass Beach on New Year’s Day. Participants are asked to come in a bathing suit or costume.
The event runs noon to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1 at Glass Beach, 2533 Beacon Ave., Sidney (access at the end of Beacon Avenue).
For more information, go to .
Whiffin Spit hosts polar bear swim
The Otter Point Firefighters Association is hosting a polar bear swim at Whiffin Spit Park on New Year’s Day. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with a cannon start for the plunge at noon.
After you make a big splash, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.\Meet at Whiffin Spit Park (at the base of Whiffin Spit Road) in Sooke.
For more information, go to .
Chilly dip in Port Alberni
Port Alberni residents brave enough to take the plunge can take part in the first John Douglas Polar Bear Swim at John Douglas Park at tiipis.
Everyone who enters the Polar Bear Swim must fill out an entry form before entering the water.
To avoid lineups, you can bring completed entry forms to the event. Entry forms can be picked up at the front counters of Echo Centre, Aquatic Centre and Fitness Studio, and the Alberni Valley Multiplex, 3737 Roger St. Port Alberni.
Registration opens at noon with the race to the water at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at the beach at John Douglas Park at tiipis (formerly Canal Waterfront Park), 2120 Plywood Dr., Port Alberni.
For more information, and a link to the online entry form, go to .
Cowichan Lake swim
In the Cowichan Valley, residents can take part in the second annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim, sponsored by the Tube Shack.
Registration for this event is free.
The event starts at noon Jan. 1 at Lakeview Park, 701 Lakeview Park Rd., Lake Cowichan.
Register online at .
Get dressed up and take a plunge
The Maple Bay Rowing Club hosts its annual polar bear swim on Wednesday. The swim takes place at noon from the club's boat launch, with hot chocolate to follow in the clubhouse.
Costumes are encouraged!
For more information, check out .
Get active in Nanaimo
The City of Nanaimo is inviting residents to Activate 2024, a New Year’s Day event at Beban Park, Nanaimo.
The family-friendly event, hosted by the city’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department, will feature swimming, skating, games, crafts, entertainment, inflatables, food trucks and a concession.
Participants can choose between two swimming sessions: noon to 2 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. at Beban Pool.
Families can skate at Frank Crane Arena or Stick ‘n’ Puck at Cliff McNabb Arena.
Tickets are $10 for individuals (under two free). Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Beban Park. The event runs noon to 5 p.m. Jan. 1 at the park, 2300 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo.
For more information, call 250-756-5200, email [email protected] or go to nanaimo.ca.
Bay Street Armoury hosts levée
The 91原创 Scottish Regiment Officers’ Mess is hosting a New Years Day Levée.
Dress for the occasion is Dress Environmental Uniform with medals, and business casual for guests.
There will be a cash bar.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1 at 715 Field St., Victoria.
Old Music for the New Year
A Victoria staple with violinist Marc Destrubé, and other Baroque music instrumentalists and vocalists. Presented in partnership with the 91原创 Baroque Festival.
Highlight of the program include a performance of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe du Minuit pour Noël, written in 1694 based on the melodies of 10French Christmas carols.
The concert takes place Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave. in Victoria.
Admission is by donation.
Know of another New Year’s Day event? Send the details (what, where, when) to [email protected] and let us know where we can find more information.
