A group of friends started the year off taking a brief dip in Lake Ontario on January 1, 2026.
Cobourg residents Amelia Montgomery, Andrea van der King and Johanne Moller headed to the Victoria Beach shortly after 10 a.m.
But with the bitterly cold temperatures, the ice along the shoreline made it impossible to safely enter the water.
The three women and their families went to the inner harbour by the boat launch and cleared as much ice as possible before entering the frigid water.
“I can’t believe I just did this,” said Amelia Montomery who quickly got back in her vehicle to warm-up with her friends.
“I just think it’s really exciting to start the year with something that you’re going to remember and something that you promised yourself and followed through with – I think it’s going to be a really good year.”
“It actually was really invigorating,” as the heater in her vehicle blasted out warm air.
“I thought I was going to be freezing and I hate being cold, but it was so fun.
All the women said they’ve started the tradition and are already looking forward to next years dip.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
