🇨🇦Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Canada

Arctic Ocean

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Baffin Bay

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Bay of Fundy

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Beaufort Sea

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Davis Strait

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Gulf of St. Lawrence

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Hudson Bay

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Hudson Strait

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Labrador Sea

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Lincoln Sea

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North Atlantic Ocean

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North Pacific Ocean

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The Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia

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The Northwestern Passages

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Arctic

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Cold Temperate Northeast Pacific

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Cold Temperate Northwest Atlantic

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Baffin Bay - Davis Strait

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Beaufort Sea - continental coast and shelf

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Beaufort-Amundsen-Viscount Melville-Queen Maud

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Gulf of Alaska

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Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy

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Gulf of St. Lawrence - Eastern Scotian Shelf

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High Arctic Archipelago

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Hudson Complex

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Lancaster Sound

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North American Pacific Fijordland

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Northern Grand Banks - Southern Labrador

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Northern Labrador

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Oregon, Washington, Vancouver Coast and Shelf

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Puget Trough/Georgia Basin

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Scotian Shelf

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Southern Grand Banks - South Newfoundland

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Alice G.Tobermory Tugs (Wreck)

The Alice G is a wooden tugboat that sank after running aground during a storm in November 1927. This wreck is located at coordinates 45.255300, -81.662200 and is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for scuba divers, snorkelers, and freedivers. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish species typical to Lake Huron, including sturgeon, bass, trout, perch, pike, and walleye.

45.2553, -81.6622

Annie Falconer

The Annie Falconer is a two-masted wooden schooner that sank in Lake Ontario in November 1904. It is located at a depth of 60-75 feet, just east of Timber Island, with visibility around 15 feet. The wreck is mostly sunken into silt, but the outer railing is still intact, and the current is light.

43.9325, -76.8482

Arbutus Point

Arbutus Point is located north of Piers Island and slightly to the west. This site is classified as advanced due to the cold water temperatures and the possibility of strong currents. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of typical cold water Pacific marine life, including anemones, tube worms, ling cod, crabs, abalone, urchins, and cabezon. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.

48.7138, -123.4314

Carriere Flintkote

Carriere Flintkote is a quarry dive site known for its excellent visibility. Divers should be mindful of the depth, as it can increase rapidly. The site features two parking lots and allows for easy shore entry. Marine life includes various Canadian freshwater species such as trout, perch, bass, lake whitefish, and possibly catfish.

46.1298, -71.2697

Carriere Kahnawake

Carriere Kahnawake is a freshwater quarry located in the Montreal area, offering divers the opportunity to reach depths of up to 100 feet. The site is accessible for diving on Tuesday evenings and during the day on weekends, with a cash-only access fee of $20 payable upon arrival. While the quarry does not host a diverse range of marine life, divers may encounter small schooling tetras and the occasional bass during their dives.

45.4089, -73.6738

Cascades

Cascades is located in the former Canal Soulange, which is no longer operational. The dive site is situated near Parc des Ancres, known for its collection of historical ship anchors. The water here is shallow and typically calm, but divers should be cautious of silt that can easily be disturbed. In early spring, divers may encounter the great salamander. Common fish species in this area include trout, perch, bass, and lake whitefish, along with the possibility of spotting catfish.

45.1931, -74.3181

Cedar Hill Park

Cedar Hill Park is situated in Wiarton, Ontario, Canada, within a sub-bay of Georgian Bay, also referred to as Colpoy’s Bay on Lake Huron. This site offers easy access for divers entering from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Underwater, divers can expect to encounter a variety of Canadian freshwater fish species, including trout, perch, bass, and lake whitefish. There is also a possibility of spotting catfish during dives.

44.8063, -81.0065

Dolime/Glenchristie Quarry

Dolime Quarry, also referred to as Glenchristie Quarry, is situated just outside Toronto, Canada. The site features depths ranging from approximately 30 to 40 feet, with the deeper areas reaching up to 90 feet. It is primarily accessed from the shore, and parking is limited. This location is frequently used for training purposes, so early arrival is advisable. Marine life is minimal, but divers can expect to see small silvery minnows along the limestone edges.

43.4708, -80.2972

Domville Island

Domville Island is an advanced dive site with depths reaching up to 110 feet. The dive is typically conducted as a drift dive, starting from one of the island's protected coves, either on the northern or southern side. Divers will enter the water and swim out into the current once they are prepared. The marine life commonly observed here includes various cold water Pacific species such as anemones, tube worms, ling cod, crabs, abalone, urchins, and cabezon.

48.6710, -123.3228

Grey rocks

Nice easy sandy entry, rocky around the island with a wall at the far end. 20-30ft deep at wall, depending on tide. Saw many stars, crabs, cucumbers and plumose anemones.

49.3175, -122.9429

Humber Bay Park West

Humber Bay Park West is a shore diving location in Lake Ontario, with depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters. Divers can expect to see freshwater fish species and various aquatic plants. The rocky beach provides easy access for beginners.

43.6151, -79.4769

Innerkip Quarry

Innerkip Quarry is a notable dive site primarily accessible from the shore. It features a variety of submerged artifacts, including planes, boats, buses, cars, and a sunken mine shaft. The best diving conditions are typically found in spring and early summer, while visibility tends to decrease significantly in the fall and winter months. The site is home to typical Southern Ontario aquatic life, such as northern pike, perch, trout, large suckers, bass, sunfish, crayfish, and occasionally pickerel. Divers can pay a $5 day use fee or opt to camp at the on-site campground for extended visits.

43.2015, -80.6973

Lac de l’Argile - quai public

Lac de l’Argile, also known as Clay Lake, offers shore access to shallow waters characterized by a clay bottom. The entry point is located near a municipal boat ramp, making it convenient for divers. While not officially recognized as a dive site, it has attracted divers interested in managing invasive species, specifically Eurasian Watermilfoil. The aquatic life includes bass, catfish, and various small fish, although the presence of invasive weeds can affect visibility as the bottom stirs up easily.

45.8510, -75.5553

Lac Morgan

Lac Morgan is accessed from the shore, requiring a surface or underwater swim of approximately 400 meters to reach a cliff that descends to about 30 meters. Divers should carry a light source as visibility decreases rapidly in the lake. Caution is advised due to numerous submerged trees scattered throughout the area. The lake is home to various Canadian fish species, including trout, perch, bass, lake whitefish, and potentially catfish.

46.1400, -73.7594

Lakeview Lodge

Lakeview Lodge is situated on Long Lake, known for its significant depth and exceptional water clarity, which is notably better than many other lakes in the region. Divers can explore the submerged landscape, where numerous old logs are visible beneath the surface. The lake is home to various freshwater fish species typical of Canada, including trout, perch, bass, lake whitefish, and possibly catfish, providing a diverse aquatic environment for divers to observe.

49.7734, -86.5473

Lock 20

Lock 20 is located at coordinates 45.200100, -74.332500 and is accessible via shore entry. The site is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which was established in 1958 to accommodate larger vessels traveling to the Great Lakes. This resulted in the submersion of various structures, including villages, roads, and locks, which can be explored by divers. The underwater landscape features remnants of these submerged structures, providing a unique diving experience. Visibility and conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for changing underwater environments.

45.2001, -74.3325

Mille Roche Power House

Mille Roche Power House is a dive site located at coordinates 45.014400, -74.793000, accessible from the shore. This area was significantly altered in 1958 with the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which submerged various structures, including villages and power houses. Divers can explore these submerged features, which provide a unique glimpse into the region's history. The site is characterized by its artificial structures and offers a variety of underwater landscapes for exploration. Visibility can vary, and divers should be prepared for changing conditions.

45.0144, -74.7930

Millers Beach Westhawk Lake

Millers Beach is located on Westhawk Lake, near Winnipeg, Canada. This site is known for its striking rock formations, making it a favored location for scuba training. The lake is relatively small but offers a unique diving experience. Divers should prepare for cooler water temperatures and are advised to use a drysuit or a thick wetsuit. While the aquatic life is limited, divers may encounter species such as bass, perch, and trout amidst the impressive rock walls.

49.7519, -95.2116

Morrison’s Quarry

Morrison’s Quarry is situated off Highway 105 in Wakefield, Quebec, and serves as a notable site for scuba training. The entry to the site is from the shore. While the area does not host a significant amount of wildlife, divers can enjoy good visibility and explore various submerged structures and aircraft that have been intentionally placed for diving purposes.

45.6155, -75.9100

Niagara II (Wreck)

The Niagara II is a 182-foot steel freighter constructed in 1930, which was later modified for use as a sand sucker. In 1999, after being thoroughly cleaned, it was intentionally sunk by the Tobermory Maritime Association to create a dive site. Divers can explore this wreck, which is situated at a shore entry point. The site is home to various fish species typical of Lake Huron, including sturgeon, bass, trout, perch, pike, and walleye.

45.2620, -81.5996

Oakville (Wreck)

The Oakville wreck is a buoyed work barge located at a depth of 60 feet (18 meters). The site features a flat hard deck and is accessible from the shore, with easy navigation regardless of visibility conditions. The bottom is composed of mud and lies at approximately 72 feet (22 meters). Divers should be prepared for cold water temperatures, which typically hover around 41°F (5°C), even during summer months. Marine life at this site includes small fish, with occasional sightings of salmon and lake trout, as well as freshwater jellyfish.

43.4101, -79.6536

Oliver Lake

Oliver Lake is a shore dive site characterized by its notable geological features and a variety of freshwater fish species. The site offers clear waters with good visibility, making navigation straightforward. Divers can enter the water from two points: West Oliver and East Oliver. The underwater landscape includes cliffs that descend to the lake's bottom, providing an interesting environment for exploration. Year-round, divers can observe native fish such as bass, pike, and suckers in their natural habitat.

48.2658, -89.5864

Parc Sous Marin Saint-Zotique

Parc Sous Marin Saint-Zotique features four notable wrecks: the Fédéral 11, The Teddy W, The Anne-Marie G, and the Fédéral 4. Divers can navigate the site using multiple anchors connected by cables, which help prevent disorientation. The underwater park is home to various freshwater fish species typical of Canadian lakes, including trout, perch, bass, and lake whitefish, with potential sightings of catfish as well.

45.2342, -74.2138

Plant Recreation Center

The Plant Recreation Center in Ottawa serves as a training facility for scuba diving, primarily utilized by Sharky’s Scuba Supply. This indoor pool is suitable for various training programs, including introductory sessions like Try Scuba and Snorkel, as well as the confined water training segment of the Open Water course. Additionally, it accommodates more advanced training activities such as video and photography courses, Perfect Buoyancy, and Stress and Rescue training. The facility provides a controlled environment for divers to enhance their skills safely.

45.4080, -75.7149

Pointe aux Cascades

Pointe aux Cascades is situated near Parc des Ancres and offers ample parking facilities. The site is primarily used for training purposes, featuring a calm water environment protected by surrounding mounts. The maximum depth at this location is 7 meters, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. In the early spring, divers may encounter great salamanders as they search for mates, while the basin is home to numerous small fish.

45.3332, -73.9621

Race Rocks

Race Rocks is located at the southwestern tip of Vancouver Island and is characterized as an advanced dive site due to its cold water temperatures and the presence of moderate to heavy currents. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of typical cold water Pacific marine life, including anemones, tube worms, ling cod, crabs, abalone, urchins, and cabezon. The dive site is accessible only by boat.

48.2979, -123.5338

Ramsey Lake

Ramsey Lake is a typical Canadian freshwater dive site characterized by cold water conditions. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, perch, lake whitefish, and possibly catfish. The site is suitable for beginners and those looking to practice their diving skills. A 7mm wetsuit or dry suit is recommended due to the low temperatures. Entry to the dive site is from the shore.

46.4699, -80.9444

Rothesay

Rothesay is a freshwater dive site located at coordinates 44.705700, -75.516700, accessible from the shore. The site is known for its excellent water clarity and the absence of a thermocline, making it suitable for divers of various skill levels. Marine life includes typical Canadian freshwater species such as trout, perch, bass, lake whitefish, and possibly catfish, providing a diverse underwater experience.

44.7057, -75.5167

Sheep Island

Sheep Island is a wall dive that descends to depths of several hundred feet, making it suitable for advanced divers. The site is influenced by strong currents and nutrient upwellings, which support a diverse marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including anemones, scallops, crabs, greenlings, ling cod, sculpins, gunnels, urchins, and jellyfish. Entry to the site is from the shore.

48.6759, -123.3296

Silver Harbour

Silver Harbour is situated in Thunder Bay on Lake Superior and serves as a conservation area with year-round access. The site features notable rock formations and provides opportunities to observe various fish species typical of the lake, including sturgeon, bass, trout, perch, pike, and walleye. The entry point for divers is from the shore, making it accessible for recreational diving.

48.5097, -88.9717

Silver Islet

Silver Islet is a historically rich dive site located on the shores of Lake Superior. Divers can explore the area for artifacts that date back to the early 1800s. The site features a variety of aquatic vegetation on the lakebed, providing habitat for species such as sculpins, gobies, and occasional trout. The clear waters of the lake offer good visibility, facilitating navigation during dives.

48.3355, -88.8245

Swordfish Island

Swordfish Island is an advanced dive site characterized by cold water and moderate to heavy currents. Access to this location is via boat. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of typical cold water Pacific marine life, including anemones, tube worms, ling cod, crabs, abalone, urchins, and cabezon.

48.3106, -123.5801

The Howard (Wreck)

The Howard is a notable shipwreck situated on Victoria Island, resting at depths ranging from 70 to 90 feet. A heritage marker buoy is positioned above the wreck, providing a point of reference for divers. While the area has limited freshwater flora at these depths, it is home to a variety of fish species that inhabit the wreck.

48.0908, -89.3389

Tobermory

Tobermory is located just outside the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron and is known for its freshwater wreck diving opportunities. The area is characterized by a variety of wrecks, providing divers with good visibility and cooler water temperatures. Common fish species in this region include sturgeon, bass, trout, perch, pike, and walleye, making it a diverse aquatic environment for exploration.

45.2549, -81.6646

Tradewind (Wreck)

The Tradewind wreck lies upright at a depth of 120 feet. This site typically offers excellent visibility ranging from 30 to 70 feet. The bottom temperature is generally in the low to mid 40s Fahrenheit. Scattered cargo can be found around the wreck, and the three masts have collapsed to the port side, likely due to damage to the rigging on the starboard side. Notably, the ship's wheel remains intact, providing a point of interest for divers.

42.4443, -80.2047

W.L. Wetmore (Wreck)

The W.L. Wetmore wreck is located off the shores of Tobermory and sank on November 29, 1901, while transporting the Brunette and the King from Parry Sound to Tonawanda. This site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Divers can expect to see a variety of Lake Huron fish species, including sturgeon, bass, trout, perch, pike, and walleye.

45.2629, -81.5569

Welland Scuba Park

Welland Scuba Park is a dive site suitable for both novice and advanced divers. The site features various submerged objects including boats, cars, and barges, providing opportunities for exploration. It is located on private land, although the ownership is unclear. The site has been closed for specific events such as FloatFest. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, particularly bass, which are often found in the wheelhouse of the fishing boat. Bluegill and gobies are also prevalent in the area, contributing to the site's biodiversity.

42.9814, -79.2561

Whytecliff park

Popular scuba spot as it is a marine preserve. Lots of life - many crab and starfish species, lots of little fish, rock fish, a seal colony, California sea lions in June, sea cucumbers etc. Vis is often bad in the bay in the summer, but better out along the rocks. There is another dive site entry around the other end of the peninsula, and if the currents cooperate you can do a nice little drift between the two entry/points. There's a nice little coffee shop with treats too...

49.3719, -123.2917

Windmill Point Park

Windmill Point Park serves as a practical training location for divers pursuing Open Water, Advanced, and Master Diver certifications. The site features a quarry with multiple scuba platforms connected by guide lines, allowing for easy navigation. The maximum depth reaches 35 feet (10 meters). Divers can observe various species of freshwater fish and freshwater jellyfish, along with several submerged boats and cars that provide additional points of interest.

42.8831, -79.0006

Wolfe Islander II (Wreck)

The Wolfe Islander II wreck is situated in the Canadian section of the St. Lawrence River, resting at a depth of 80 feet and oriented towards the north. This dive site features notable structures such as the pilothouse and engine room, which attract divers interested in wreck exploration. The area is home to various freshwater fish species typical of Canada, including trout, perch, bass, lake whitefish, and possibly catfish. The dive is conducted from a boat, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this cold, deep-water environment.

44.2263, -76.4199