Polar Bear Swim Toronto

Photo courtesy Rick Bogasz

Get your mid-winter swim gear on and prepare to watch all your parts shrink and puff up as you ring in the new year by a “dash of insanity”.

For the brave of heart, here’s where to ring in no, rather take the plunge into a new decade just a little bit differently:

The Polar Bear Swim Club (in support of Habitat for Humanity) Sunnyside Park - 11:30am registration and 12:00pm dip - free blanket for all participants

Polar Bear Dip (in support of World Visions) Coronation Park, Oakville - 12:30pm-3pm - dip at 2pm sharp - the 25th anniversary of Canada’s biggest

Clarington Polar Bear Swim (in support of Sick Kids) - Newcastle Waterfront - 2pm dip - 10th anniversary - first 80 pledgers get a prize pack

If you start to like this a lot, there is a slightly insane group who likes to do this winter round too.

Forecast calls for scattered flurries and -2 degrees Celsius, although with a slight wind and few clothes on, who knows what that will really feel like.

Some smart advice ahead of time:

• Footwear you can wear in the water
• Towel(s)
• Blanket(s)
• Warm clothes to wear before and after the dip
• A friend to help should you require assistance
• A good place to shower and scrub off Lake Ontario afterwards
• if any medical condition puts you in doubt, consult a doctor or merely gawk and donate

Generation Go This Week: Dec 14th - Dec 20th, 2009

Courtesy of www.insidesocal.com

Olympic Torch Relay: This is an event you do not want to miss! Come by Nathan Phillips Square this Thursday and see the Olympic torch make its way through Toronto. The event is free and occurs at 6 pm.

Holiday Jam: Is a benefit for Sick Kids. Here you will see performances by Kathleen Edwards, Sarah Harmer, Sam Roberts and others. Show begins at 8 pm and ticket prices are $39.50.

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Generation Go: Gear And Things- REI

Courtesy of alpe-rjavina.si

Marmot Frontside 3-in-1 Jacket: This is a great waterproof and breathable snowboard coat.  Its insulating, removable fleece liner jacket provides extra warmth on cold days. Price is $275.00.

North Face Nuptse: The warm Nuptse jacket from the North Face can be worn on its own in cold, dry conditions or as a layer of warmth under a waterproof shell in wet weather. This down jacket retails for $199.00.

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Generation Go Neighbourhoods: The Junction

Courtesy of IT Ceremony on Flickr

The Junction is one of Toronto’s best hidden gems.  In past years it has had a reputation for being dirty and under developed.  But Generation Go dug deep and we noticed this area has tons of stuff to see and do and is quite developed.  Here are our top picks for the best of The Junction.

Boulderz Climbing Centre: Located at 1444 Dupont Street, Boulberz is the place to be if you like rock climbing.  They have a really decent selection of high wall options as well as some good boulder runs.  The facility is clean and well maintained. They offer classes to beginners and professionals.

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Generation Go: Skating Rink Hunt

Courtesy of www.city.whitehorse.yk

With the snowfall we just had last night, it’s only a matter of time before we are all skating on our favourite outdoor rinks.  Here are Generation Go’s top 10 picks this week focusing on Toronto East.  Keep Active!

Christie Pits Park:                          779 Crawford Street

Dieppe Park:                                   455 Cosburn Avenue

Dufferin Grove:                                875 Dufferin Street

Greenwood:                                    150 Greenwood Avenue

Harry Gairey:                                   707 Dundas West

Kew Gardens:                                 2075 Queen Street East

Nathan Phillips Square:               100 Queen Street West

Ramsden Park:                              1020 Yonge Street

Riverdale Park East:                      550 Broadview Avenue

Trinity Bellwoods:                           790 Queen West

Generation Go: Best Hockey Quotes

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“How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?”
-Jacques Plante.

“All hockey players are bilingual. They know English and profanity.”
-Gordie Howe

 ”I’m not dumb enough to be a goalie.”
-Brett Hull

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Generation Go This Week: Dec 7th - Dec 13th, 2009

Courtesy of thedctraveler.com

DJ SK8 Nights at Harbourfront Centre: Bring your whole family down to the Natrel rink for a free family skate.  The event runs Saturday’s beginning at 8pm.  The location of the event is at 235 Queens Quay West.

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Generation Go: Gear And Things- Save More Sports Store

Courtesy of www.huntingscentprotection.com

The Canadian Jac Shirt: This item has just arrived. Made with mostly recycled wool, this jacket is sure to keep you warm while your outdoors this winter.

Red Plaid Flying Hat:  This sleek and stylish hat has the classic red and black plaid design that is associated with outdoor gear. To ensure your warmth is it also fitted with a fur lining around the forehead area. 

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Generation Go Neighbourhoods: Koreatown

Courtesy of andiekathlee... on Flickr

PAT Central Market: Located at 675 Bloor west, this place is the real deal for Korean goods.  Here you will find dried anchovies for soup stock, doenjang, Korean chili flakes, and hundreds of other goods for your pantry.

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Generation Go: Skating Rink Hunt

Courtesy of Kevin Moloney/Getty Images

Generation Go is back with our top 10 skating rink picks for different areas in Toronto.  This week’s neighbourhood pick is Etobicoke/York District.  Although it has not snowed yet, we know outdoor skating is just around the corner!

Buttonwood:                 30 Mulham Place

Giovanni Caboto:          1369 St. Clair Avenue West

High Park:                    1873 Bloor Street West

Humber Valley:             50 Angelsey Boulevard

Lambton-Kingsway:     37 Marquis Avenue

Martingrove:                 400 Martin Grove Avenue

Prince of Wales:           1 Third Street

Queensway:                  8 Avon Park Drive

Rennie Park:                 1 Rennie Terrace

Rivercrest:                    30 Harefield Drive