Jan 12 - Taking a cold plunge

Good morning !

In with the old, out with the new—no, wait, that's backwards. It's just our second Sunday edition of the new year, and so we have a few stories for you on the biggest and best of last year. And, first up, a look at the way that many locals made a splash to open the new year.

— Cam

Remember, the second half of this Sunday newsletter is now subscriber-exclusive. Become a Capital Daily Insider member today to help bring local stories to life—and to read the full Sunday edition.

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes / 7 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌦️ 8 / 0

Tomorrow: ☁️ 5 / 1

Day after: ⛅ 7 / 2

NEWS

Why so many Victorians start January in the ocean

It's been almost two weeks now since the first day of the year. How did you start it? Maybe sleeping in after a late New Year night?

Hundreds of your fellow locals began the day bright, early, and in the cold winter ocean.

“Polar bear” swims are an increasingly popular tradition in Greater Victoria, where January temperatures are often mild enough that a dip isn't quite as punishing as it can be in other parts of the country.

Every year there are plunges on Jan. 1 at local beaches around the region, from Dallas Road in Victoria to Willows Beach in Oak Bay and Glass Beach in Sidney. At Whiffin Spit on the Westshore, the event organizers at the Otter Point Fire Dept. took these photos: 

This year, several locals taking the plunge at Willows Beach told the Times Colonist that it was part of heading into the new year with goals of overcoming inertia, getting away from the internet, and connecting with people around them 

So why do people jump into the water in the middle of winter?

For some, these plunges are a once-annual ritual. But for others they are a way of life.

Several South Island swimming groups go out every week, and in some cases every day, throughout the chillier seasons. One of the most popular such groups is the 2,000-strong Cold Water Addicts. Its members say the plunge is always intimidating, but the refreshing feeling is always worth it. Swimmer Charmaine Shipley likened it trying to work out.

“You never really want to go and work out,” she told Capital Daily in 2022, “but once you start, it’s great.”

Many members say the dips have benefitted their cognitive and physical health, and some preliminary studies suggest the cold shock can help slow neurodegenerative diseases.

Read our original story here on these cold-water swims, their possible benefits, and the community around them.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

30% chance of showers in late morning / early afternoon. Clearing late in afternoon.

Sun & cloud expected for most of this week.

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

NEWS

8 of Victoria's most exciting restaurant openings from the past year

Last year, Victoria’s food scene went through some big changes. Locals said bittersweet goodbyes to beloved spots like Bear and Joey, Little Jumbo, Chorizo and Co., and more.

But the city has also welcomed a wave of exciting new openings. From innovative restaurants and cozy coffee shops to creative pop-ups and second locations of local favourites, there are plenty of new arrivals to look forward to trying.

The newcomers range from specialty breakfast shops to acclaimed Indian restaurants, with touches ranging from Alice in Wonderland allusions to a tree in a dining room.

Here’s a roundup of some of the must-visit new spots that are making waves in Victoria’s ever-evolving food landscape.

NEWS

2024 on the ‘Shore: The biggest Westshore news of the past year

It was a big year on the Westshore, featuring a fire that drew Island-wide attention, an election race that drew BC-wide attention, and a brazen attack that drew international attention.

Read the full roundup at the link here, or skim a few of the highlights below:

• Budgeting brought some above-average tax increases, particularly in Langford.

• The CRD pursued a contentious Water Supply Master Plan, seeking a filtration plant at the Sooke Reservoir.

• Langford hosted its first Pride Parade.

• The Langford-based national Rugby Sevens team won Olympic silver—shortly after its captain was attacked by a cougar.

• The Old Man Lake fire near Sooke Potholes became the South Island's biggest blaze of the year.

• Sooke & View Royal vs. the province over new housing expectations. 

• The house of Colwood singer AP Dhillon was targeted with gunfire and arson—making international headlines. 

• SD62 was BC's fastest-growing school district. 

• Juan de Fuca – Malahat became one of BC's closest—and most controversial—election ridings. 

• A bear was hit by a car and her orphaned cubs were being monitored for rescue but disappeared in some of this fall's intense weather. 

• Former Westshore MLA John Horgan died.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍝 Italian restaurants to check out in Victoria. [Tasting Victoria]

🐐 Meet the goats of Beacon Hill in a sideshow featuring Po, Pingu, Slushie, Lemon Sorbet, Cupid, Mr. Pink, and more.

💿 Hear the new album of jangly, fuzzy, dreamy indie rock from local band Juniper Smile

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