Adaptive Adventures
Adventure. Without Limits.
The Kelowna Polar Bear Dip is an Adaptive Adventures event. Every dollar you raise goes straight to its programs.
Who we are
Adaptive Adventures is a Kelowna charity that gets people of every ability outside. Since 2001 we’ve run adaptive outdoor programs across BC under our registered charity, the Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS).
Our motto is short: Adventure. Without Limits.
We believe the outdoors should belong to everyone who wants it. For a lot of people with disabilities, a trail, a lake or a mountain feels out of reach. We close that gap with the right gear, trained guides and a lot of grit.
Adaptive Outdoor Recreation. From hour to day-long adventures around the Okanagan, these trips include cycling, hiking, kayaking and other beach outings, open to people with and without disabilities. Winter brings snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Adaptive Wilderness Expeditions. Multi-day trips to places like Haida Gwaii, Wells Gray and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. Options range from guided hikes to whitewater rafting, built for every skill level.
Volunteers & Adaptive gear. We bring the trained volunteers and equipment that makes it work, from trail riders to paddle grips. Our certified guides and volunteers know how to use it.
What we do
Why the Polar Bear Dip?
We started the Kelowna Polar Bear Dip to fund this work, and 2027 is its 12th year. The money pays for guides, adaptive equipment and the trips themselves, so someone who’d otherwise watch from the shore gets out on the lake next summer.
You’ll see our people all over the beach on January 1. Adaptive Adventures participants judge the costume contest, and our volunteers help anyone who needs support get into the lake.
When you donate or register on Zeffy, your receipt will show Community Recreational Initiatives Society. That’s us. It’s the legal name behind Adaptive Adventures.