From the cold, nutrient-rich waters of British Columbia to the St. Lawrence River and the dramatic seascapes of Newfoundland, wreck diving in Canada provides a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. These wrecks range from WWII freighters and luxury liners to small schooners and even airplanes, each with its own story and ecosystem. Whether you’re a recreational diver seeking accessible sites or a technical diver ready to push your limits, Canada’s wreck diving opportunities are as varied as its landscapes.
6 Great Wrecks to Explore in Canada.
1. HMCS Annapolis.
The HMCS Annapolis is a 112-meter (367-foot) Canadian naval destroyer that served as an anti-submarine warfare vessel from 1964 to 1996. It was sunk in 2015 as an artificial reef in Halkett Bay near Gambier Island.
Resting upright at a depth of 32 meters (105 feet), the Annapolis is an intact wreck with expansive passageways and rooms that allow for penetration dives. Over the years, it has attracted diverse marine life, including lingcod, rockfish, and plumose anemones. Visibility ranges from 5 to 20 meters depending on the season, making this a dynamic dive site.
· Location: Halkett Bay, Gambier Island, British Columbia.
· Average Water Temperature: 7–12°C (45–54°F).
· Best Time to Dive: April to October.
2. The Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan is a 112-meter (366-foot) naval destroyer used by the Royal Canadian Navy for anti-submarine operations during the Cold War. It was sunk in 1997 to create an artificial reef near Nanaimo. This Canadian navy ship served from 1963 until its decommissioning.
The wreck lies upright at depths of up to 39 meters (130 feet). The exterior features accessible points for exploration, while the ship’s surface is covered in colorful anemones, sponges, and barnacles. Wolf eels and octopuses are frequently spotted here. Visibility is typically 10–20 meters.
· Location: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
· Average Water Temperature: 8–12°C (46–54°F).
· Best Time to Dive: May to October.
3. The Cape Breton
The Cape Breton, a 122-meter (400-foot) freighter, was originally used as a cargo ship and later converted into a maintenance vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy. It was scuttled in 2001 near the Saskatchewan off Nanaimo.
The wreck sits upright at up to 42 meters (140 feet), with its bridge and masts reaching shallower depths. Its massive size and various levels make it a favorite among experienced divers. Marine life includes schools of perch, sea stars, and nudibranchs.
· Location: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
· Average Water Temperature: 8–12°C (46–54°F).
· Best Time to Dive: May to October.
4. The RivTow Lion.
This 47-meter (150-foot) steel tugboat was built in 1940 and used for towing and harbor operations. It was sunk in 2005 near Nanaimo to serve as an artificial reef. Resting at 20 meters (65 feet), this wreck is an ideal site for beginner wreck diving. The vessel remains largely intact, and its compact size makes it easy to explore. Expect good marine life growth and sightings of octopuses, crabs, and sculpins.
· Location: Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
· Average Water Temperature: 8–12°C (46–54°F).
· Best Time to Dive: May to October.
5. Tug Point Grey.
Tug Point Grey is a wooden tugboat that provided towing services along the BC coastline in the mid-20th century. It sank in the 1940s near Howe Sound and offers a glimpse into BC’s maritime history. Its wooden structure is heavily encrusted with sea life, including crabs and shrimp, and this dive is suitable for Open Water Diver upwards. Visibility is typically good, making this a great site for underwater photography.
· Location: Howe Sound, British Columbia.
· Average Water Temperature: 8–12°C (46–54°F).
· Best Time to Dive: Year-round.
6. Sweepstakes.
The Sweepstakes is a 36-meter (119 feet) long wooden schooner that sank in 1885 in Big Tub Harbor in Tobermory, Ontario. It was used to transport cargo, primarily lumber, across the Great Lakes.
Resting at just 6 meters (20 feet), this wreck is well preserved, with its hull still intact. The clear, shallow waters of Fathom Five National Marine Park make it a perfect dive for beginners and snorkelers.
· Location: Big Tub Harbor, Tobermory, Ontario.
· Average Water Temperature: 8–12°C (46–54°F).
· Best Time to Dive: June to September.
Kathryn Curzon, a dive travel writer for Scuba Schools International (SSI), wrote this article
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