Let’s dive in: Discover underwater shipwrecks and lost villages
South Eastern Ontario offers some of the most unique and historically rich scuba diving experiences, particularly for those eager to explore underwater ruins, shipwrecks, and lost villages.
Let’s dive into the top spots every diving enthusiast should explore in this picturesque region.
The Lost Villages, Long Sault
One of the most intriguing diving locations is The Lost Villages along the Long Sault Parkway. These villages — Aultsville, Dickinson’s Landing, Farran’s Point, Iroquois, Maple Grove, Mille Roches, Morrisburg, Moulinette, Santa Cruz, Sheek/Sheil Island, Wales, and Woodlands — were sunk in 1958 during the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Today, the underwater remnants of these communities provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Divers can explore submerged homes, roads, buildings, fences, and more, offering divers a unique combination of history and adventure.
For certified diving expert Marc Pilon, having The Lost Villages in his backyard gives him ample opportunity to dive. He’s a member of the Seaway Valley Divers and dives several times a week. “It’s always surprising,” he says.
One of his favourite underwater haunts is the lost village of Moulinette, located a couple of kilometres east of Long Sault, an area that has existed since the late 1700s. After seeing beautiful coral reefs and diving in the warmer tropics, Pilon says he’s seen some beautiful marine life, like manta rays, but nothing beats home and the history of the underwater world here. “My group and I always get excited about the next dive back home – so many things to discover.”
They use dive propulsion vehicles (or DPVs or scooters) to get to where they need to go, unencumbered, or back on track after the river’s current takes them on a side trek. Some of the fishes they encounter are the curious large and small-mouth bass, the big-eyed walleye, and four- or five-foot prehistoric-looking sturgeons found in the deeper water.
There were 10 communities and 7,000 people displaced during the flooding of the Seaway, so divers will see a lot of bricks, lumber, bottles, and cans. Rock walls of buildings, foundations, and the four-foot limestone blocks of old locks are still intact as part of The Lost Villages. “There are paved roads underwater. That’s very unique. If you discover the old Highway 2, you would be in the shallower waters and near the shore,” he said. There are also some bridges, like Hoople’s Bridge, an arch bridge made of cement, which is “a neat thing to see.”
To learn the history of The Lost Villages, check out the website and book a guided tour. These tours often include detailed narratives about the events leading up to the villages’ submersion, adding a layer of historical context to the underwater exploration.
Parks of the St. Lawrence has many interesting access points to explore the underwater history. When visiting the Long Sault Parkway, Lock 21 is known as one of Canada’s best surface dives. Located just off Macdonell Island, this dive will introduce you to the vast story of The Lost Villages.
The Stormont Dundas and Glengarry region is a hotspot for scuba diving in Eastern Ontario, with 15 unique dive spots.
Brockville: The Graveyard of the St. Lawrence
Brockville offers a remarkable collection of shipwrecks that date back to the 19th century. The river provides excellent visibility, making it easier to explore these well-preserved wrecks. Some notable shipwrecks include the Lillie Parsons, a schooner that sank in 1877 while carrying a load of coal, and the Robert Gaskin, a barge that went down in 1861 during a salvage operation. The sight of these ancient vessels, now teeming with marine life, is a hauntingly beautiful experience.
The Dive Brockville Adventure Centre caters to divers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The dive centre provides guided tours in Brockville, Rockport, and Picton, offering insights into the history and circumstances of each dive. Prices and other information are available on their website.
Additionally, the Brockville Museum offers exhibits on maritime history, allowing divers to enrich their underwater adventures with historical knowledge.
Thousand Islands: A Diver’s Paradise
The Thousand Islands region is renowned for its stunning underwater landscapes. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent conditions for diving, revealing a world of underwater cliffs, tunnels, and more shipwrecks.
Thousand Islands Pleasure Diving provides divers with a fun, safe and adventurous diving experience. The friendly staff are trained in the latest safety and first aid techniques, guaranteeing satisfaction on every outing.
The Thousand Islands area is perfect for both novice and experienced divers.
Kingston and area: The Shipwreck Capital of Canada
Kingston is another great area for diving enthusiasts. The waters around Kingston are home to over 20 shipwrecks, each with its own story to tell.
The Wolfe Islander II, for example, served as a ferry before being intentionally sunk in 1985 to create an artificial reef. Its relatively shallow depth and large structure make it accessible for divers of all skill levels.
The Comet, a paddle-wheeler that sank in 1861 after a collision, offers a more challenging dive due to its depth and strong currents.
In addition to shipwrecks, Kingston's underwater landscape features geological formations, such as limestone ledges and cliffs add to the diving experience.
Pat’s Dive Charter with Pat and Jordan Coyne, have combined diving experience of over 60 years. They are fully licensed captains eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with divers.
Neptune & Salacia Diving offers all scuba diving services, including air fills, courses, gear rental, retail, and servicing. During the boating season, they offer scuba diving charters for certified divers.
Dan’s Dive Shop is Canada’s oldest PADI scuba diving centre, located in St. Catherines's in Southwestern Ontario. They offer regular local diving charters and group/private charters, including trips to South Eastern Ontario, where you can discover Picton shipwrecks and seasonal dive trips to Kingston and the 1000 Islands.
Trenton’s Dive Force Scuba is a great place to start your underwater adventure. The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive centre offers courses and rentals and has a dive shop.
Canadian Sports Subs Ltd. in Belleville is a one-stop shop for all things diving, offering a comprehensive range of scuba and snorkelling equipment for sale, service, and rental. They provide air and nitrox fills to keep gear in top condition and offer PADI courses for divers of all skill levels. Whether you want to learn how to dive for recreation or pursue advanced instructional training, this shop can meet your needs. They can also arrange exotic diving trips.
Planning Your Underwater Adventure
Before embarking on your diving adventure in South Eastern Ontario, it’s important to plan. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Check diving requirements: Ensure you have the appropriate certifications for the dives. Some sites may require advanced open water or specialized certifications.
Book with reputable dive shops: Local dive shops and charters offer guided tours, equipment rentals, and essential safety briefings. They can also provide insights into the best times to dive and what to expect.
Respect the environment: Practise responsible diving by not disturbing marine life or historical artifacts. Ensure you follow local regulations and guidelines to protect these underwater treasures.
Prepare for the weather: The weather in South Eastern Ontario can be unpredictable, so be prepared for various conditions.
The world of diving is vast and varied, with each type of diver playing a crucial role in exploring, understanding, and working in underwater environments.
Whether for recreation, research, or work, each specialization requires specific training, skills, and a passion for the underwater world. The St. Lawrence has some of the warmest waters in Canada for diving compared to the Great Lakes and the East Coast.
From the eerie allure of the Lost Villages to the shipwrecks of Brockville and Kingston, there’s something here for every diver. So, pack your gear, plan your trip, and get ready to explore the hidden wonders beneath the waves!