Top Locations for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Canada's Waters

1. Fathom Five National Marine Park, Ontario:

Fathom Five National Marine Park is located in the Georgian Bay region of Ontario and offers excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. It is home to over 20 shipwrecks, including the famous Sweepstakes and the W.L. Wetmore. The crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make it a popular destination for underwater enthusiasts.

2. Tobermory, Ontario:

Tobermory, located near Fathom Five National Marine Park, is another fantastic spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. The area is known for its underwater caves, submerged cliffs, and vibrant marine ecosystem. Divers can explore shipwrecks like the Arabia, Forest City, and Niagara II, while snorkelers can enjoy the clear waters and observe colorful fish and underwater plants.

3. Browning Wall, British Columbia:

Located in the Barkley Sound area of the Pacific Northwest, Browning Wall is a premier diving location known for its abundant marine life. Divers can experience a rich underwater landscape featuring colorful soft corals, sponges, and a variety of fish species. The wall drops away to great depths, offering an exhilarating diving experience.

4. God's Pocket Marine Provincial Park, British Columbia:

God's Pocket Marine Provincial Park is an underwater wonderland situated off the coast of Port Hardy, British Columbia. It offers divers and snorkelers the chance to encounter diverse marine life, including sea stars, anemones, octopuses, and various fish species. The park is renowned for its dense kelp forests and beautiful diving conditions.

5. Saint Lawrence River, Quebec:

The Saint Lawrence River, particularly the area near the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, is a popular scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The river is home to an array of shipwrecks and vibrant aquatic life. Divers can explore historic wrecks, such as the Empress of Ireland, and observe marine creatures like Atlantic wolffish and seals.

6. Saguenay Fjord, Quebec:

The Saguenay Fjord, located in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, offers breathtaking diving and snorkeling opportunities. The fjord is known for its deep, cold waters, creating a unique ecosystem where divers can encounter beluga whales, starfish, jellyfish, and sea urchins. Snorkelers can enjoy the mesmerizing underwater scenery and observe marine life from the surface.

7. Bell Island, Newfoundland and Labrador:

Bell Island in Newfoundland and Labrador is a renowned diving destination with fascinating underwater landscapes and historical shipwrecks. Divers can explore well-preserved shipwrecks from World War II, such as the SS Saganaga and the SS Lord Strathcona, which have become artificial reefs supporting diverse marine ecosystems.

8. Flowerpot Island, Ontario:

Flowerpot Island, part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park, is a gem for snorkelers. It offers crystal-clear water, underwater rock formations, and stunning geological features, including the flowerpot formations that give the island its name. Snorkelers can observe a variety of fish species and explore the fascinating underwater geography.