Canada’s First Underwater Park is Scuba Diving Capital of Canada

Canada’s first National Marine Conservation Area, Fathom Five protects the continuation of the grand ridge of the Niagara Escarpment as it drops underwater at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. At the same time, this 130-square-kilometre, triangular-shaped park embraces 20 islands, 22 shipwrecks and several historic light stations.

The park’s 22 shipwrecks make for some of the best scuba diving in North America. The wrecks, mostly schooners, barges and steamers, are amongst the oldest and best-preserved wrecks in Canada, many dating back to the mid-1800s – before area lighthouses were erected and before the first complete survey of Georgian Bay was finished in 1888. The variety of sunken vessels offer experiences for all levels of divers, beginner to advanced.

Surface Exploration

One needn’t be a diver to experience the park, however. Glass-bottom boats provide tours of shipwrecks and lighthouses. Visitors can also disembark on Flowerpot Island and hike trails to caves and rock pillars. In spring, from mid-May to early June, island visitors can find the delicate calypso orchid in bloom along the trails.