Dive the St Lawrence Seaway in Canada, September 10 & 11, 2011
All photos and video are by Denise Jay and Mike Dudas
The St. Lawrence River offers some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Wreck dives, shore dives, drift dives, you’ll find them all here. Factor in water temperatures rising beyond 75° at peak season and great visibility (thank you zebra mussels!), a trip to the 1000 Islands Region is a sure bet to satisfy divers of varying levels of experience and preferences.
Is there a thermocline?
There is no thermocline in the St.Lawrence River. Water temperature on the top is the water temperature on the bottom.
What is the Average Water Temperature?
April 40+, May 45-50+, June 60+, July 70+, August 75+, September 65-69, October 60-65.
How strong is the current?
Current varies between 0 -3 knots, depending on the dive site.
Do I need to bring my Scuba Certification Card(s)?
Yes, Scuba Certification Cards are mandatory to dive off from our charter boats as well as to rent scuba gear and get air/nitrox fills at Air Stations. No exceptions.
Do I need a Dry Suit?
Bring them if you wish, however a 5 or 7 mm wetsuit works just fine. Gloves are required due to Zebra Mussels.
What is the average visibility?
Average visibility is 60+ ft.
Do I need to bring a passport?
Divers & Passengers on Scuba Charters destined for American dive sites are subject to United States Customs and Immigration as Boldt Castle is located in the United States.
Please ensure that you are legally allowed to enter the United States prior to your charter.
As of summer 2009, all individuals wishing to travel to US wreck sites are required to have either a valid Passport or an enhanced Drivers License . This will be the only forms of identication accepted.
It is at the discretion of United States Immigration Services to refuse entry to Boldt Castle to any person(s). In this case, Seeway Vision Dive Charters regrets no refund will be given.
Ensure that you are legally allowed to enter into Canada.
Criminal offences (will deem you as unacceptable to enter into Canada) may include both minor and serious offences, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For a complete list of criminal offences in Canada, consult the Canadian Criminal Code.
St.Lawrence River Dive Sites
Eastcliffe Hall
This 343 Ft. long steel freighter struck a shoal at 4 am and sank within minutes. There were nine lives lost and twelve survivors. This shipwreck sits very close to the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence River. The forward super structure has been dynamited back into the forward hold to clear the site as a navigational hazard. The current is usually very strong. There are open cargo holds that may provide shielding from the currents. Eastcliffe Hall is located approximately 3/4 of a mile south of Chrysler Marina in Morrisburg, Ontario.
Muscallonge
Originally the steamer Vigilant she was launched at Port Huron, Michigan on April 23, 1896. In 1913 she was renamed the Muscallonge. On August 15 1936, while towing the barge Hudson from Montreal to Toronto she caught fire as she approached Brockville. Attempts to have a fire pumper come to the rescue failed, as the Muscallonge burned the fuel tanks on her exploded she then collapsed into the river. The “Muskie” is known for its large abundance of fish.
Robert Gaskin
Originally a three masted wooden barge, it was launched at Kingston, Ontario on April 21, 1863. In 1889 the Gaskin was being used as a salvage barge to help salvage the railroad ferry Armstrong that had sunk, during this process the Gaskin sank three times, with the third time on September 18th, 1889 being the final time. A large anchor is located off the bow of the Gaskin. Almost a must for visiting divers, the Robert Gaskin sits a half mile downstream from the Brockville waterfront and river focal point, “Blockhouse Island” and lies perpendicular to the current at a 55 Ft. depth at the bow, and 70 Ft. at the stern which sticks out towards the channel and shipping lane. The upstream shipping channel is very close to the stern and caution is advised.
Lillie Parsons
A two masted “Fore and Aft” rigged centreboard schooner built in Tonawanda N.Y. in 1868, it was sailing with 500 tons of coal destined for Brockville when on August 5, 1877 a sudden squall shifted her cargo and pinned her against an island letting her take water, capsizing and sinking her. The large rudder sits proudly upstream with a broad square stern resting on the rock ledges that support her. The masts jut from beneath her and run out into the channel, while a visit to the vessels bottom shows the drop centre board secured in the casing midship. Located on the upstream/channel side of Sparrow Island in the Brockville “narrows”, the “Lillie” is one of Ontario’s most famous wrecks. Accessing the site from the corner of Sparrow Island at the anchor on shore, one can follow the chain to the bow.
Henry C. Daryaw
The Henry C. Daryaw, a steel freighter built in France in 1919, struck a shoal on November 21, 1941 and capsized. The bow area has a number of items of interest to divers. Many divers enjoy a visit up to the keel of the Daryaw to do the “keel walk”. This area lets you view the gash in her bottom that sent her to her fate. Located upstream from the Brockville “narrows”, the Daryaw rests upside down at a depth of 95 ft. with a very quick surface current. Divers are continually impressed with the large twin props and rudder that meet them as they descend the buoy line.
America
On June 20, 1932 this steel drill barge was sunk due to an explosion. The shoal side gives evidence to the American’s work with the blasted rock rubble along side. The usual path back is swimming upstream on the shoal side and accessing the guide rope back to the buoy area to access your boat. This site rests at a depth of 75 ft., upside down across the shipping channel from Jordstat Castle and Dark Island east of Mallorytown Landing. Normally a guide line is buoyed immediately east of Black Buoy # 167 on the downstream side of the shipping lane.
Keystorm
The Keystorm was built in 1908 in Wellsend, England. A 256 ft. steel freighter, it was carrying cargo of 2230 tons of Bituminous coal from Genesee Dock at Charlotte N.Y. under the command of Capt. L Daigault. Forty five minutes past Alexandria Bay in dense fog on Oct. 12, 1912 she crossed over Outer Scow island Shoal and within minutes sank without a fatality. One of the River’s premier wrecks and favourite of many divers, this steel freighter lies south of the shipping channel off Mallorytown Landing west of Brockville. The Keystorm sits in deeper water away from the shoal she hit.
Kingshorn
April 27, 1897, the tug Hiram A Walker under Captain Boyd headed for Grenadier Island where the Captain of the Kingshorn reported his craft leaking badly. The Walker headed for Rockport with the injured barge however lost her 1/2 mile from Rockport in 90 ft. of water. Located directly in front of the Customs Office, this wooden vessel sits in 90 ft. of water and unfortunately in the middle of the small boat shipping channel.
Sir Robert Peel
This British steamer was built at Brockville about 1837. One evening in 1838 she was tied up at Wellesley Island for firewood, however she experienced a visit by “pirate” Bill Johnston and friends disguised as Indians. After looting they set fire to the “Peel” and set her adrift to sink. The “Peel” is located just upstream from the 1000 Islands Bridge. She sits in 120-135 ft. of water with her boiler sitting in about 80 ft. of water.
A.E. Vickery
Built in 1861 and launched July 1861 at Three Mile Bay, NY as “J.B. Penfield” and sank August 17, 1889. This wooden three masted 136 ft. schooner was renamed A.E. Vickery. On Feb. 25, 1884 she struck a rock while entering the American “Narrows” with a cargo of 21,000 bushels of corn destined for Wisers Distillery at Prescott, Ontario. This site is normally buoyed and located along side Rock Island Reef Light, divers can follow the buoy line into a very quick surface current onto the shoal head in 25-30 ft. of water. The bow of the Vickery lies about 10-15 ft. away at a depth of 65 feet.
Dive the St Lawrence Seaway in Canada, September 10 & 11, 2011
All photos and video are by Denise Jay and Mike Dudas
The St. Lawrence River offers some of the best freshwater diving in the world. Wreck dives, shore dives, drift dives, you’ll find them all here. Factor in water temperatures rising beyond 75° at peak season and great visibility (thank you zebra mussels!), a trip to the 1000 Islands Region is a sure bet to satisfy divers of varying levels of experience and preferences.
Is there a thermocline?
There is no thermocline in the St.Lawrence River. Water temperature on the top is the water temperature on the bottom.
What is the Average Water Temperature?
April 40+, May 45-50+, June 60+, July 70+, August 75+, September 65-69, October 60-65.
How strong is the current?
Current varies between 0 -3 knots, depending on the dive site.
Do I need to bring my Scuba Certification Card(s)?
Yes, Scuba Certification Cards are mandatory to dive off from our charter boats as well as to rent scuba gear and get air/nitrox fills at Air Stations. No exceptions.
Do I need a Dry Suit?
Bring them if you wish, however a 5 or 7 mm wetsuit works just fine. Gloves are required due to Zebra Mussels.
What is the average visibility?
Average visibility is 60+ ft.
Do I need to bring a passport?
Ensure that you are legally allowed to enter into Canada.
Criminal offences (will deem you as unacceptable to enter into Canada) may include both minor and serious offences, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For a complete list of criminal offences in Canada, consult the Canadian Criminal Code.
Eastcliffe Hall
This 343 Ft. long steel freighter struck a shoal at 4 am and sank within minutes. There were nine lives lost and twelve survivors. This shipwreck sits very close to the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence River. The forward super structure has been dynamited back into the forward hold to clear the site as a navigational hazard. The current is usually very strong. There are open cargo holds that may provide shielding from the currents. Eastcliffe Hall is located approximately 3/4 of a mile south of Chrysler Marina in Morrisburg, Ontario.
Muscallonge
Originally the steamer Vigilant she was launched at Port Huron, Michigan on April 23, 1896. In 1913 she was renamed the Muscallonge. On August 15 1936, while towing the barge Hudson from Montreal to Toronto she caught fire as she approached Brockville. Attempts to have a fire pumper come to the rescue failed, as the Muscallonge burned the fuel tanks on her exploded she then collapsed into the river. The “Muskie” is known for its large abundance of fish.
Robert Gaskin
Originally a three masted wooden barge, it was launched at Kingston, Ontario on April 21, 1863. In 1889 the Gaskin was being used as a salvage barge to help salvage the railroad ferry Armstrong that had sunk, during this process the Gaskin sank three times, with the third time on September 18th, 1889 being the final time. A large anchor is located off the bow of the Gaskin. Almost a must for visiting divers, the Robert Gaskin sits a half mile downstream from the Brockville waterfront and river focal point, “Blockhouse Island” and lies perpendicular to the current at a 55 Ft. depth at the bow, and 70 Ft. at the stern which sticks out towards the channel and shipping lane. The upstream shipping channel is very close to the stern and caution is advised.
Lillie Parsons
A two masted “Fore and Aft” rigged centreboard schooner built in Tonawanda N.Y. in 1868, it was sailing with 500 tons of coal destined for Brockville when on August 5, 1877 a sudden squall shifted her cargo and pinned her against an island letting her take water, capsizing and sinking her. The large rudder sits proudly upstream with a broad square stern resting on the rock ledges that support her. The masts jut from beneath her and run out into the channel, while a visit to the vessels bottom shows the drop centre board secured in the casing midship. Located on the upstream/channel side of Sparrow Island in the Brockville “narrows”, the “Lillie” is one of Ontario’s most famous wrecks. Accessing the site from the corner of Sparrow Island at the anchor on shore, one can follow the chain to the bow.
Henry C. Daryaw
The Henry C. Daryaw, a steel freighter built in France in 1919, struck a shoal on November 21, 1941 and capsized. The bow area has a number of items of interest to divers. Many divers enjoy a visit up to the keel of the Daryaw to do the “keel walk”. This area lets you view the gash in her bottom that sent her to her fate. Located upstream from the Brockville “narrows”, the Daryaw rests upside down at a depth of 95 ft. with a very quick surface current. Divers are continually impressed with the large twin props and rudder that meet them as they descend the buoy line.
America
On June 20, 1932 this steel drill barge was sunk due to an explosion. The shoal side gives evidence to the American’s work with the blasted rock rubble along side. The usual path back is swimming upstream on the shoal side and accessing the guide rope back to the buoy area to access your boat. This site rests at a depth of 75 ft., upside down across the shipping channel from Jordstat Castle and Dark Island east of Mallorytown Landing. Normally a guide line is buoyed immediately east of Black Buoy # 167 on the downstream side of the shipping lane.
Keystorm
The Keystorm was built in 1908 in Wellsend, England. A 256 ft. steel freighter, it was carrying cargo of 2230 tons of Bituminous coal from Genesee Dock at Charlotte N.Y. under the command of Capt. L Daigault. Forty five minutes past Alexandria Bay in dense fog on Oct. 12, 1912 she crossed over Outer Scow island Shoal and within minutes sank without a fatality. One of the River’s premier wrecks and favourite of many divers, this steel freighter lies south of the shipping channel off Mallorytown Landing west of Brockville. The Keystorm sits in deeper water away from the shoal she hit.
Kingshorn
April 27, 1897, the tug Hiram A Walker under Captain Boyd headed for Grenadier Island where the Captain of the Kingshorn reported his craft leaking badly. The Walker headed for Rockport with the injured barge however lost her 1/2 mile from Rockport in 90 ft. of water. Located directly in front of the Customs Office, this wooden vessel sits in 90 ft. of water and unfortunately in the middle of the small boat shipping channel.
Sir Robert Peel
This British steamer was built at Brockville about 1837. One evening in 1838 she was tied up at Wellesley Island for firewood, however she experienced a visit by “pirate” Bill Johnston and friends disguised as Indians. After looting they set fire to the “Peel” and set her adrift to sink. The “Peel” is located just upstream from the 1000 Islands Bridge. She sits in 120-135 ft. of water with her boiler sitting in about 80 ft. of water.
A.E. Vickery
Built in 1861 and launched July 1861 at Three Mile Bay, NY as “J.B. Penfield” and sank August 17, 1889. This wooden three masted 136 ft. schooner was renamed A.E. Vickery. On Feb. 25, 1884 she struck a rock while entering the American “Narrows” with a cargo of 21,000 bushels of corn destined for Wisers Distillery at Prescott, Ontario. This site is normally buoyed and located along side Rock Island Reef Light, divers can follow the buoy line into a very quick surface current onto the shoal head in 25-30 ft. of water. The bow of the Vickery lies about 10-15 ft. away at a depth of 65 feet.