Have you ever wanted to try the polar bear swim? However, the thought of planning what to pack, driving all the way there, and then cleaning up after yourself; has you tired before you even began? Or maybe you want to take your cold plunges to the next level, but need a coach to get you there? Then let Fairmont Waterfront take the work out of dipping in the ocean for you.
This is Fairmont Waterfront’s Polar Plunge & Brunch. Tickets are available for December 7th, January 11th, and January 18th, 2025. It includes transportation to and from Third Beach, everything you will need for the plunge, a plunge coach, access to the hotel fitness centre and spa amenities after it, and an all you can eat brunch at their in house restaurant, Arc to end the morning. All for $179 per person, but the experience is truly priceless.
Confirmed guests are asked to arrive at Fairmont Waterfront at 9am on the day of. Where you will be gifted a commemorative toque to help you keep warm and look stylish during your experience.
Hotel shuttle transportation brings you between hotel and Third Beach. The entire experience is guided, where you will be given tips and tricks on how to plunge and make the most out of it.
For those unfamiliar with its recent popularity, cold plunging is known for its multitude of health benefits including physical and mental. The former includes muscle recovery and pain relief. Cold water constricts blood vessels, which helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and muscle soreness after intense exercise. This effect can help speed up recovery times and improve next-day performance. It helps to improve circulation through the body’s response to the cold. This forces it to work harder to maintain core temperature, thus improving blood flow and enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. It offers a metabolism boost, wherein exposure to cold activates a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat. And it can help support the immune system by increasing the count and activity of white blood cells, potentially strengthening it, which could lead to fewer sick days. Cold plunging can also quickly lower core body temperature, which is a key treatment for heat-related illnesses.
As for mental benefits cold plunging includes enhancing you mood. The shock of the cold water triggers the release of hormones and neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are associated with alertness, focus, and pleasure. Voluntarily exposing yourself to a controlled, moderate stressor like cold water also helps train your nervous system and builds mental fortitude. And it is believed that incorporating cold plunges into your routine helps you achieve better sleep quality, so that you feel less fatigue overall.
At the beach, the Fairmont Waterfront team pre-sets a station for you to change at. Towels over benches, changing station tents, plus storage for your belongings to keep them dry and safe.There are also attendants on location to serve hot tea and later pass out towels and robes by the water.
You approach the ocean as a group, but each person is advised to take their time and do what feels right for their bodies. Our guide was friendly, supportive, reassuring, and motivational. She herself commits to plunging in the ocean regularly, so waded in with us, leading the way for a full body submersion.
She spoke to the health benefits and counted breaths, “in for 2, our for 2”. It is advised that you do not stay in the cold water longer than double the water’s temperature. Today it was 8 degrees, so we were asked to not stay in for more than 15 minutes. In the end I was the last man standing, going over 10 minutes. I left after the others did, on the advice that it would prove challenging to regain all the warmth I had lost.
Right out of the water we were given warm towels to dry ourselves off with, hot towels to soothe the hands and face, the a robe to snuggle into. They even have hotter water in kettles that they can pour over your feet to warm them. Plus a foam mat to stand on as you dry your feet and put your socks and shoes back on.
You have the option of using the tents or the beach’s changing rooms to slip into something dry. However, I planned on jumping right into the hot tub, so kept my suit and robe on, and simply zipped myself into my full body-length puffer.
We were then shuttled back to Fairmont Waterfront, and bee-lined it to the hotel’s health club. This experience also grants you access to their fitness centre, steam room, whirlpool, and heated rooftop pool.
Between a mini work out, a soak with massaging jets, and a hot shower with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; I was finally able to warm myself up fully.
However, if I did not, a hot toddy cocktail was waiting for me at ARC’s award-winning Bottomless Brunch, that was sure to warm me inside and out with spirits and spice.
I have been up their brunch service a handful of times, and honestly think it is one of the best in terms of quality, selection, and the premium ingredients used. The brunch costs $69 per person regularly, and considering that there are choices like pulled pork bennies, prosciutto Dutch babies, and Brie in fresh baked pastry, you will no doubt get your monies worth.
Each order is on the smaller side, although still a lot of food for one. There are no doggy bag privileges and you are ask to not waste, so I would advise sharing with a friend to be able to try them all.
Sadly I had no one to share with, and did my best to try what peaked my interest the most. This included their new chilli maple Brussel sprouts topped with a feta crumble. I won’t turn down a tasty way to get some more green into my diet.
I liked the Croque Madame as an open faced cheesy and creamy ham toast with sunny side up egg christening it.
I appreciated all the large chunks of lobster I was able to make out in their lobster l Mac and cheese, but wished the sauce was cheesier with a more thick and gooey coating.
Thankfully I got plenty of gooey-ness with their “Ooey Gooey Skillet”. I was like a deconstructed apple pie with fluffy tufts of croissant dough, soften apple compote, and creamy burleed marshmallows; all coated in a caramel sauce.
The fresh baked buttermilk biscuits were slight cheesy, and a little sweet from the corn and honey. However, I could have used more salt in the mix or with the butter to offer a more savoury profile.
The 6 inch bone marrow included scrambled eggs and toast. My assumption was to combine it all together with ketchup. The crumble over the marrow added texture to help inject more crunch amongst the soft egg and oily, viscous marrow.
You can immediately taste the quality of buttermilk, white meat chicken used for their chicken and waffles. I just found it a tad dry over the plain waffle. I could have used some condiments on the side like more of the habanero maple syrup and a gravy to inject flavour and moisture, as needed.
This was certainly the way to end the morning full and content.
The experience overall was the perfect mix of thrill and indulgence. You walk away from it with a commemorative certificate to mark your achievement. I honestly felt so proud that I faced my fear and learned that I am stronger than I think I am. I cannot recommend this polar plunge package any more! Try it! You won’t regret it.
Worth mentioning is that Fairmont Waterfront has as few more activations happening this season and the next. As taken from the press release.
HYPE Chocolate and Fairmont Waterfront once again join in partnership, marking the season with the launch of a luxurious Hot Chocolate Pop-Up. Beginning Friday, November 28, and continuing every Friday until December 19 from 3–6 PM, the sweet offerings will be available to hotel guests, Vancouverites, and city visitors alike.
WINTER STAYCATION – RESIDENTS OFFER
Year-round | Seasonal pricing
Residents of B.C., Alberta, Yukon, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska are invited for a “playcation” at Fairmont Waterfront with an exclusive PNW Residents offer that includes 15% off the best available rate, complimentary self-parking for one vehicle, and a 2PM late checkout. ALL members enjoy an additional 5% savings. Perfect for couples, friends, or anyone in need of a little indulgence and relaxation.
CANDLELIT SOUNDSCAPES & SUPPER
February & March | $129 per person (including taxes and gratuity)
For those seeking serenity, Candlelit Soundscapes & Supperbegins with an hour-long sound bath and yin yoga practice by candlelight, designed to restore balance and calm the mind. The evening continues with a chef-crafted dinner at ARC Restaurant – an indulgent blend of wellness and coastal dining.
ARC AFTER DARK: SILENT DISCO EDITION
January | $139 per person (including taxes and gratuity)
For the one who loves to dance, ARC After Dark: Silent Disco Edition offers an unforgettable evening of high-energy entertainment. Guests don wireless headphones and choose from three music channels – today’s hits, disco classics, or R&B – while enjoying curated cocktails and signature bites from ARC’s Province to Plate menu.
GARDEN DINNER SERIES
June, July & August | $255+ per person (including wine pairings, excluding taxes and gratuity)
Following this year’s sold-out season, Fairmont Waterfront’s Garden Dinner Series returns in full bloom for summer 2026. Guests will dine under the stars amidst the hotel’s lush rooftop garden, surrounded by buzzing bees and seasonal herbs. Each course is paired with bespoke wines, creating an alfresco culinary experience they’ll never forget.
ARC Restaurant
900 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5
604-691-1818
arcdining.com
