Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge Draws Costumed Crowds

Over 200 participants, including international visitors, took the icy dip to close out the annual winter carnival.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The annual Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge held at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie saw over 200 participants brave the chilly waters on Saturday. The event, which marked the end of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival, drew a diverse crowd including Algoma University students, the Sault College Cougars women's hockey team, and a group of men dressed as superheroes.

Why it matters

The Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the end of the winter carnival season in Sault Ste. Marie. It draws both local residents and visitors from around the world to participate in the icy dip, showcasing the community's winter spirit and sense of adventure.

The details

Approximately 200 people took the plunge into the chilly waters outside the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre hangar. Participants included a large number of Algoma University students, the Sault College Cougars women's hockey team, and a group of men dressed as superheroes. Visitors from other countries such as Australia, Brazil, England, and Scotland also braved the cold to take part in the annual event.

  • The Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • The Bon Soo Winter Carnival wrapped up on the same day as the plunge.

The players

Algoma University

A public university located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.

Sault College Cougars

The women's hockey team of Sault College, a post-secondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

A museum in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario that showcases the history of bush planes and aviation in Northern Ontario.

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The takeaway

The Bon Soo Polar Bear Plunge is a beloved annual tradition that brings the Sault Ste. Marie community together to celebrate the end of winter in a spirited and adventurous way. The event's diverse participants, from local students to international visitors, demonstrate the wide appeal of this unique winter carnival activity.