Diving in Canada is often associated with cold waters, drysuits, and challenging conditions—but that’s only part of the story. While it’s true that Canadian waters can be brisk, the country also offers a surprising number of beginner-friendly dive sites that are both safe and rewarding.
From calm freshwater lakes and spring-fed quarries to gently sloping coastal bays and a unique underwater ghost town, new divers can find plenty of welcoming underwater landscapes across the country. Whether you’ve just earned your diving license or are building confidence in your skills, here are ten of the best places in Canada to take the plunge.
Clint Cora You Tube Video @ Centeen Park
1. Centeen Memorial Dive Park, Brockville, Ontario
Nestled along the St. Lawrence River, Centeen Memorial Dive Park is a unique dive spot that features an underwater sculpture park, with dozens of thought-provoking statues as well as training platforms for skills practice. If you can tear your eyes away from the statues, you can see typical Canadian fish here, including trout, perch, bass, and whitefish.
With depths up to 40 feet and minimal currents near the shore, it’s ideal for training and relaxing dives. You can navigate through art installations while honing your buoyancy and navigation techniques.
Other Activities: Brockville is rich in culture and heritage, with numerous museums and historical sites, waterfront parks, and a group of islands perfect for summer camping.
2. Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory, Ontario
Known as the “Scuba Diving Capital of Canada,” Tobermory’s Fathom Five National Marine Park boasts crystal-clear, cold waters and over 20 well-preserved shipwrecks. The park’s shallow wrecks, such as the Sweepstakes resting at 20 feet, are easily accessible to divers who want to try wreck diving.
While beginners will love the shallow wrecks, divers looking to go a bit deeper might consider taking the Advanced Open Water Diver course, which opens up new depths and more complex dive sites. You can also explore submerged geological formations, including cliffs and caves, at this iconic and versatile dive spot.
Other Activities: Enjoy the local hiking trails, boat tours to Flowerpot Island, and the charming local art galleries and shops in Tobermory.
3. Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, British Columbia
As one of Canada’s first Marine Protected Areas, Whytecliff Park offers sheltered bay diving with easy shore access. The inner cove provides calm conditions ideal for beginners, with depths ranging from 15 to 40 feet.
This Marine Protected Area is home to more than 200 marine species, with numerous sea lions sunbathing on the beach during summer. You can encounter a variety of marine life here, including rockfish, sea stars, and the occasional harbor seal. The park’s gradual slopes and sandy bottoms make it a comfortable environment for skills development.
Other Activities: The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, and stunning views, making it a great spot for a full day of outdoor activities.
4. Porteau Cove Provincial Park, British Columbia
Situated along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), Porteau Cove is a popular dive site featuring artificial reefs and sunken vessels. The site offers easy shore entry and depths suitable for beginners, typically ranging from 20 to 50 feet.
Divers can explore the remains of the Centennial III, a sunken dredge that has gradually become colonized by marine life including plumose anemones and lingcod. The park’s facilities, such as washrooms and benches, add to the convenience for new divers. Other Activities: Porteau Cove offers camping, hiking, and great stargazing opportunities. At the right time of year, you can even see the Northern Lights.
5. Gulliver’s Lake, Millgrove, Ontario
Gulliver’s Lake is a spring-fed quarry lake known for its calm, clear waters, making it an excellent training ground for novice divers. The lake has a maximum depth of 25 feet and features submerged platforms for practicing skills. The lake supports a variety of aquatic life, including bluegill, rock bass, northern pike, and Chinook salmon.
Other Activities: This is a popular fishing spot. The surrounding park has picnic spots and camping facilities, catering to families and groups.
6. Sir Sandford Fleming Park (The Dingle), Halifax, Nova Scotia
Located on the Northwest Arm of Halifax Harbour, Sir Sandford Fleming Park provides an accessible and scenic shore dive with gentle slopes and depths suitable for beginners. It also has easy entry and exit from a rocky beach.
Divers can explore sandy bottoms and encounter local marine life, such as flounder and crabs. The park’s proximity to Halifax makes it a convenient spot for urban divers seeking a quick dive fix.
Other Activities: This scenic park features walking trails and scenic views of the harbor. Nearby downtown Halifax has a great waterfront with farmers’ markets, museums, beer gardens, and more.
7. Ovens Point, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia
Ovens Point, located in Rose Bay, offers a unique diving experience with its historical significance from the 1861 gold rush. This dive spot is known for its Ovens sea caves and has easy shore entry and depths suitable for novice divers. You can explore underwater rock formations and observe local marine life in a setting rich with history.
Other Activities: The Ovens Natural Park offers camping, sea kayaking, and the opportunity to pan for gold.
8. West Hawk Lake, Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
Formed by a prehistoric meteor impact, West Hawk Lake is Manitoba’s deepest lake, reaching depths over 400 feet. Despite its impressive depths, the lake offers several shallow sites suitable for beginners, such as McKenzie Beach, with depths ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Divers can enjoy clear waters, interesting rock formations, and encounters with freshwater fish species.
Other Activities: The area offers hiking trails, canoeing, eateries (check for seasonal closures), and camping facilities.
9. Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park, Alberta
Lake Minnewanka is one of the most beautiful places in Banff National Park, with bright blue waters and an impressive mountain backdrop, yet few people realize it also has an underwater ghost tone below its pristine surface. In the mid-1800s, this area used to be a popular resort town, but it was flooded after dam construction in the early 20th century. Today, it is a unique underwater ghost town with submerged historical sites, including the remnants of the Minnewanka Landing resort village. The lake’s clear waters and manageable depths provide a fascinating underwater journey through history.
Other Activities: Visitors can enjoy boat tours, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing in the stunning surroundings of Banff National Park.
10. Snake Island, Nanaimo, British Columbia
Snake Island, a small, uninhabited island near Nanaimo, is renowned for its vibrant marine life, sunlit kelp forests, and accessible diving conditions. The island’s rocky reefs and kelp forests create a fascinating environment for diving. One of the main attractions is the colony of harbor seals that inhabit the area; these curious creatures often interact playfully with divers, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Other Activities: Nanaimo offers a variety of attractions, including waterfront parks, hiking trails, whale watching, and a self-guided Nanaimo Bar Trail dedicated to Nanaimo’s iconic dessert.
Kathryn Curzon, a dive travel writer for Scuba Schools International (SSI), wrote this article.
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