IN A BOLD CELEBRATION of Canadian winter spirit, Canadian Geographic, with the support of its charitable arm, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), is thrilled to announce the 4th annual Polar Plunge peer-to-peer fundraising event, set to take place across the country on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
This icy extravaganza invites participants to take a chilly dip for a cause, raising funds to support critical programming including expedition and research grants, educational programs, and Canadian Geographic’s Explore Podcast.
Join notable Canadians, adventurers, explorers and RCGS Fellows as we strive to reach our goal of $50,000!
Honouring our past participant and friend Natalie Gillis
An enthusiastic participant in the past CanGeo Polar Plunges, Natalie Gillis was a gifted photographer, wilderness guide, pilot, poet and RCGS Fellow. Her striking wildlife photography was featured on the cover and pages of Canadian Geographic magazine. In June 2024, at just 34 years of age, Natalie tragically died in a plane crash in upstate New York. The 2025 CanGeo Polar Plunge embraces Natalie’s love of life, adventure and community.
SPECIAL PRIZES FOR OUR TOP FUNDRAISERS AND PLUNGERS!
Please submit your Best Polar Plunge Video and any additional inquries about participation or donations to Laura Cooper at [email protected].
1st Place Prizes
Top Fundraiser & Best Polar Plunge Video
Our top fundraiser and winner of the Best Polar Plunge Video submission will be rewarded with a Sitting Suit cold water swim jacket! The jackets are made of wind proof and water-repellant fabrics and padding, which promise to protect wearers from almost any weather or temperature. To learn more about Sitting Suits, or to explore the collection, visit: sittingsuits.ca
Our second place fundraiser and runner up of the best polar plunge video will receive a wonderful Canadian Geographic branded winter bundle featuring a puffer jacket, fleece sherpa, baseball cap and RCGS t-shirt!
3rd Place Prize
Our 3rd place winner for Top Fundraiser will receieve an RCGS Book Bundle including: Into the Planet by Jill Heinerth, The Ship Beneath the Ice by Mensun Bound, a Canadian Geography Quizbook, two RCGS bookmarks, two RCGS patches and a Can Geo calendar!
BUT WAIT.... THERE'S MORE!
Participating Plungers will also receive a Polar Plunge patch to wear with your favourite winter gear!
