Meet B.C.'s lieutenant-governor at Government House
You can dress up to meet the lieutenant-governor of B.C at a levée at her 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.
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 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event is an opportunity to meet Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, enjoy light refreshments and socialize with friends and neighbours.
The event typically sees 1,200 to 1,500 well-wishers showing up to see the house decorated for the season and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful grounds after.
The event is free. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the event concludes at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 1. Space is limited. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they can enjoy the start of the official program. The event takes place at Government House, 1401 Rockland Ave.
For more information, go to ltgov.bc.ca.
Esquimalt nature walks
The mayor of Esquimalt and council will lead two nature walks as part of their annual levée, along the WestBay Walkway on Monday.
The family-friendly event will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
The walk, accessible to wheeled mobility equipment, will be done at a slow pace.
There will be home-made hot chocolate and cookies 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 p.m. from the entrance to the WestBay/Songhees walkway at Head Street. Register in person at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser St., over the phone at 250-412-8500 or online at esquimalt.ca/community-events.
No dogs allowed (with the exception of service dogs). Please dress for the weather.
Alternatively, residents can start the New Year actively, with free admission to swimming at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre between 1 and 3 p.m. and skating at the Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1 to 2:50 p.m. New Year’s Day.
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 four-kilometre walk starts at 12:30 p.m. from the centre lobby at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, 1975 Bee St.
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 oakbay.ca/parks-recreation/events.
Polar bear swim at Glass Beach
Peninsula Celebrations Society is inviting hardy Islanders to join them at their popular polar bear swim at Glass Beach on Monday.
The event promises to be an invigorating start to the new year, with those interested asked to come in a bathing suit or costume.
The event runs 11:30 a.m. 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 peninsulacelebrations.org.
Whiffin Spit hosts polar bear swim
The Otter Point Firefighters Association is once again hosting a polar bear swim at Whiffin Spit Park, Jan. 1.
Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with a cannon start for the plunge at noon.
After you make a big splash with your friends and family, 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 otterpointfire.bc.ca/polarbearswim.
Chilly dip in Port Alberni
Port Alberni residents brave enough to take the plunge can take part in a polar bear swim at Canal Waterfront Park on Monday.
Organizers promise big prizes to be won this year, with something for the oldest swimmer, best costume and best group.
Everyone who enters the Polar Bear Swim must fill out an entry form before entering the water.
To avoid line-ups, 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 Canal Waterfront Park, 2120 Plywood Dr., Port Alberni.
For more information, and a link to the online entry form, go to https://playinpa.ca/polar-bear-swim-2024/
Cowichan River swim features diving game
In the Cowichan Valley, residents can take part in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim, sponsored by the Tube Shack.
The event is also a fundraiser for the Cowichan Lake Trail Blazers Society.
Registration for this event is free and there will be a diving game with prizes.
The event starts at noon Jan. 1 at Lakeview Park Campsite, 701 Lakeview Park Rd., Lake Cowichan.
Register online at cowichanriver.com.
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 Parks, Recreation and Culture department of the city, 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 $12 for individuals or $48 for five. 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 nanaimo.ca.
Bay Street Armoury hosts levée
The Canadian Scottish Regiment Officers’ Mess is hosting a New Years Day Levée.
Dress for the occasion is No. 2S Mess Blues with Kilts or Dress Environmental Uniform with medals, with business casual for guests.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1 at 715 Field St.
