Are Cold Plunges Harmful or Beneficial? New Research from Experts

August 27, 2025

The skin on my thighs prickled and stung as I eased myself into the chilly waters of Beauvert Lake in Jasper. Steeling myself, I dunked to chest height and took a few strokes forward. I swam out before turning to look back nervously at my instructor, who mouthed, “Breathe, breathe.” On my visit, the water was about 3 C, the temperature inside the typical household fridge, compared to the usual 27-29 C of the ocean water down south on Mexican beaches in the summer. Although my favourite part of t...

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Fiona Tapp

I am a British parenting and travel writer living in Canada. My work has appeared in National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Sunday Times, and many more. Originally from East London, I now live in Ottawa. You can follow me on Instagram @‌fionatapptravels or at www.fionatapp.com