Shipwrecks and Diving Sites in Fathom Five National Marine Park
Learn more about shipwrecks in Fathom Five Park
Fathom Five National Marine Park offers some of the best freshwater diving opportunities in Canada.
Clear, clean water, submerged geological formations (cliffs, caves, overhangs) and over 20 historic shipwrecks offer a variety of underwater experiences.
Everyone, from the novice snorkeller to the most advanced diving enthusiast, can find lots to explore and enjoy within the park.
Harbour Area Sites: Except for the white, numbered areas shown on the map, diving is prohibited in the Tobermory harbours. Divers are asked to respect the rights of private property owners near dive sites.
Clear, clean water, submerged geological formations (cliffs, caves, overhangs) and over 20 historic shipwrecks offer a variety of underwater experiences.
Everyone, from the novice snorkeller to the most advanced diving enthusiast, can find lots to explore and enjoy within the park.
Harbour Area Sites: Except for the white, numbered areas shown on the map, diving is prohibited in the Tobermory harbours. Divers are asked to respect the rights of private property owners near dive sites.
Extreme care should be taken at all times, since considerable vessel traffic may be encountered. All divers must be within 30m (100 ft) of a displayed dive flag. Vessel operators are requested to use extreme caution when piloting a boat in the area of diving activities.
Tour boats do enter the Big Tub shipwreck area. Divers must follow the special operational policies for this site.
A controlled access schedule is in effect for this site from the last Friday in June to the end of Labour Day Monday in September.
For more information please contact Parks Canada at 519-596-2233.
A controlled access schedule is in effect for this site from the last Friday in June to the end of Labour Day Monday in September.
For more information please contact Parks Canada at 519-596-2233.
1 - SWEEPSTAKES (schooner)
Built: Burlington, Ontario, 1867
Length: 36.3 m (119 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 7 m (20 ft)
This two-masted schooner was damaged off Cove Island then towed to Big Tub Harbour where she sank in September, 1885. The hull is still intact, with the windlass and a portion of the bow rail still in place. For both conservation and safety, penetration of the wreck is not permitted. One of the most popular wrecks in the park. It is visited by divers, snorkellers and tour boat passengers.
Length: 36.3 m (119 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 7 m (20 ft)
This two-masted schooner was damaged off Cove Island then towed to Big Tub Harbour where she sank in September, 1885. The hull is still intact, with the windlass and a portion of the bow rail still in place. For both conservation and safety, penetration of the wreck is not permitted. One of the most popular wrecks in the park. It is visited by divers, snorkellers and tour boat passengers.
2 - CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS (steamer)
Built: Grand Haven, Michigan, 1879
Length: 37 .3 m (122.5 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 5 m (15 ft)
The City of Grand Rapids was an elegant passenger steamer until it burned and sank in October, 1907. Its charred remains now lie in shallow water about 30 m (100 ft) from the wreck of the Sweepstakes. Its rudder and propeller are displayed at the local museum. This site is suitable for both divers and snorkellers.
Length: 37 .3 m (122.5 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 5 m (15 ft)
The City of Grand Rapids was an elegant passenger steamer until it burned and sank in October, 1907. Its charred remains now lie in shallow water about 30 m (100 ft) from the wreck of the Sweepstakes. Its rudder and propeller are displayed at the local museum. This site is suitable for both divers and snorkellers.
3 - BIG TUB LIGHTHOUSE POINT
(Lighthouse was built in 1885)
Depth: maximum 23 m (75 ft)
Limited parking - access via brick walkway - a washroom is available. Please respect the rights of adjacent private property owners. An interesting wall dive. Look for numerous crayfish in crevices in the rock.
For your safety, limit diving to the area inside the restricted boating area markers.
Depth: maximum 23 m (75 ft)
Limited parking - access via brick walkway - a washroom is available. Please respect the rights of adjacent private property owners. An interesting wall dive. Look for numerous crayfish in crevices in the rock.
For your safety, limit diving to the area inside the restricted boating area markers.
4 - THE ANCHOR
Depth: maximum 21 m (70 ft)
This large, wooden-stocked iron anchor from an unknown vessel provides an interesting viewing opportunity.
This site can be approached by boat or by a long swim from the "Gap" access area. Stay close to the shore.
You must tow a dive flag. Please respect the rights of adjacent private property owners.
This large, wooden-stocked iron anchor from an unknown vessel provides an interesting viewing opportunity.
This site can be approached by boat or by a long swim from the "Gap" access area. Stay close to the shore.
You must tow a dive flag. Please respect the rights of adjacent private property owners.
5 - THE TUGS
Depth: maximum 13 m (40 ft)
Wreckage of four small steam tugs. (Alice G, Robert K, John & Alex, unidentified).
Access via walkway to wooden deck area. Please use caution when entering and exiting this site. A washroom and limited parking are available. This is a good site for both divers and snorkellers, a popular site for open water check-outs and for those wanting to observe divers in action. Site plan maps are available at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
Wreckage of four small steam tugs. (Alice G, Robert K, John & Alex, unidentified).
Access via walkway to wooden deck area. Please use caution when entering and exiting this site. A washroom and limited parking are available. This is a good site for both divers and snorkellers, a popular site for open water check-outs and for those wanting to observe divers in action. Site plan maps are available at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
6 - CASCADEN (schooner)
Built: Southampton, Ontario, 1866
Depth: maximum 6 m (20 ft)
Wrecked in October, 1871, the vessel is badly broken up and spread over a large area.
Depth: maximum 6 m (20 ft)
Wrecked in October, 1871, the vessel is badly broken up and spread over a large area.
7 - CHINA (two-masted schooner)
Built: Port Robinson, Ontario, 1863 by J. & J.E. Abbey
Length: 41.8 m (137 ft)
Depth: maximum 3 m (10 ft)
Wrecked on China Reef in November, 1883, it is badly broken up. The main portion is close to shore; the rudder is about 100m (330 ft) northwest of the main wreckage.
Length: 41.8 m (137 ft)
Depth: maximum 3 m (10 ft)
Wrecked on China Reef in November, 1883, it is badly broken up. The main portion is close to shore; the rudder is about 100m (330 ft) northwest of the main wreckage.
8 - JOHN WALTERS (two-masted schooner)
Built: Kingston, Ontario, 1852
Length: 32.9 m (108 ft)
Depth: 5 m (15 ft)
Wrecked in November, 1883. Limited wreckage remains. Items of note: heavy keelson and centreboard box and glacial scours. Suitable for novice divers and snorkellers.
Length: 32.9 m (108 ft)
Depth: 5 m (15 ft)
Wrecked in November, 1883. Limited wreckage remains. Items of note: heavy keelson and centreboard box and glacial scours. Suitable for novice divers and snorkellers.
9 - W.L. WETMORE (steamer)
Built: Cleveland, Ohio, 1871
Length: 65.1 m (213.7 ft)
Depth: 7 m (25 ft)
Wrecked during a storm in November, 1901. In addition to the large amount of timber wreckage, look for the impressive boiler, anchor, chain and rudder. Interesting bedrock features. Suitable for divers of all levels of experience and snorkellers.
Length: 65.1 m (213.7 ft)
Depth: 7 m (25 ft)
Wrecked during a storm in November, 1901. In addition to the large amount of timber wreckage, look for the impressive boiler, anchor, chain and rudder. Interesting bedrock features. Suitable for divers of all levels of experience and snorkellers.
10 - JAMES C. KING (schooner-barge)
Built: Last Saginaw, Michigan, 1867
Length: 53.4 m (175 ft 3 in)
Depth: 7 to 30 m (25 to 95 ft)
The King was wrecked while under tow by the Wetmore in November, 1901. The second barge on tow, the Brunette, was later salvaged. This site is good for advanced divers only. It is not recommended for novices or trainees.
Length: 53.4 m (175 ft 3 in)
Depth: 7 to 30 m (25 to 95 ft)
The King was wrecked while under tow by the Wetmore in November, 1901. The second barge on tow, the Brunette, was later salvaged. This site is good for advanced divers only. It is not recommended for novices or trainees.
11 - NEWAYGO (steamer)
Built: Marine City, Michigan, 1890
Length: 59.7 m (196 ft)
Depth: maximum 8 m (25 ft)
Wrecked in November, 1903. The wreckage is scattered, the main portion lying flat on the bottom. Note the massive timbers used during construction. Excellent for all divers. The site’s open conditions require suitable weather.
Length: 59.7 m (196 ft)
Depth: maximum 8 m (25 ft)
Wrecked in November, 1903. The wreckage is scattered, the main portion lying flat on the bottom. Note the massive timbers used during construction. Excellent for all divers. The site’s open conditions require suitable weather.
12 - PHILO SCOVILLE (schooner)
Built: Cleveland, Ohio, 1863
Length: 42.5 m (139 ft 6 in)
Depth: 7 to 30 m (25 to 95 ft)
The vessel was wrecked during a storm in October, 1889. The bow, including the bowsprit, can be found at the deeper depths and the anchors are located about 30m (100 ft) east of the main wreckage. This site is recommended for advanced divers only.
Length: 42.5 m (139 ft 6 in)
Depth: 7 to 30 m (25 to 95 ft)
The vessel was wrecked during a storm in October, 1889. The bow, including the bowsprit, can be found at the deeper depths and the anchors are located about 30m (100 ft) east of the main wreckage. This site is recommended for advanced divers only.
13 - CHARLES P MINCH (schooner)
Built: Vermillion Ohio, 1867
Length: 47.2 m (154.7 ft)
Depth: 6 to 16 m (20 to 50 ft)
The Minch was driven onto the rocks in October, 1898. The wreck is broken up and spread over Tecumseh Cove, Cove Island. The main wreckage is found close to shore near the head of the cove. Of note are portions of two rudders. The second (situated west of the inner mooring buoy), is likely from the schooner Tecumseh, wrecked in the area in 1882. A good site for all levels of experience.
Length: 47.2 m (154.7 ft)
Depth: 6 to 16 m (20 to 50 ft)
The Minch was driven onto the rocks in October, 1898. The wreck is broken up and spread over Tecumseh Cove, Cove Island. The main wreckage is found close to shore near the head of the cove. Of note are portions of two rudders. The second (situated west of the inner mooring buoy), is likely from the schooner Tecumseh, wrecked in the area in 1882. A good site for all levels of experience.
14 - ARABIA (barque)
Built: Kingston, Ontario, 1853
Length: 40. 1 m (131.6 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 37 m (120 ft)
Floundered off Echo Island in October, 1884. The wreck is in good condition. The bow section with bowsprit, windlass and anchors, is particularly impressive. This site is only recommended for advanced diving groups under the direction of a dive master. There are strong currents and weather conditions must be considered.
Length: 40. 1 m (131.6 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 37 m (120 ft)
Floundered off Echo Island in October, 1884. The wreck is in good condition. The bow section with bowsprit, windlass and anchors, is particularly impressive. This site is only recommended for advanced diving groups under the direction of a dive master. There are strong currents and weather conditions must be considered.
15 - MARION L. BRECK (schooner)
Built: Kingston. Ontario, 1863
Length: 38.7 m (127 ft)
The vessel struck the rocks and broke up in October, 1901 leaving scattered wreckage in the shallows. The main portion lies in deeper water.
Length: 38.7 m (127 ft)
The vessel struck the rocks and broke up in October, 1901 leaving scattered wreckage in the shallows. The main portion lies in deeper water.
16 - FOREST CITY (steamer)
Built: Cleveland, Ohio, 1870
Length: 66 m (216.7 ft)
Depth: 18 to 46 m (60 to 150 ft)
The ship struck the east side of Bears Rump Is. in the fog and sank In June, 1904 The low lies at about 18 m (60 ft) while the stern is at 46 m (150 ft). Suitable for highly advanced divers only.
Length: 66 m (216.7 ft)
Depth: 18 to 46 m (60 to 150 ft)
The ship struck the east side of Bears Rump Is. in the fog and sank In June, 1904 The low lies at about 18 m (60 ft) while the stern is at 46 m (150 ft). Suitable for highly advanced divers only.
17 - AVALON VOYAGER II (motor ship)
Built: Clarenville, Newfoundland, 1947
Length: 41.2 m (135 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 8 m (25 ft)
Stranded in October, 1980. Subsequent weathering and a fire have left only the bottom portion remaining. A good snorkel site.
Length: 41.2 m (135 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 8 m (25 ft)
Stranded in October, 1980. Subsequent weathering and a fire have left only the bottom portion remaining. A good snorkel site.
18 - CAROLINE ROSE (schooner)
Built: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, 1940
Length; 39.6 m (132 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 16.5 m (55 ft)
The Caroline Rose was towed to Driftwood Cove on the Georgian Bay shore by a group of sport divers and sunk as a dive site in late August 1990. Located outside park boundaries. There are a variety of tools and fittings on site.
Length; 39.6 m (132 ft)
Depth: maximum depth 16.5 m (55 ft)
The Caroline Rose was towed to Driftwood Cove on the Georgian Bay shore by a group of sport divers and sunk as a dive site in late August 1990. Located outside park boundaries. There are a variety of tools and fittings on site.
19, 20 21 - UNIDENTIFIED WRECKS
Widely scattered material of limited interest to the average diver Depths vary to a maximum of 29
m (90 ft)
m (90 ft)
22 - THE CAVES
Depth: The submerged grotto entrance is at 6 m (20 ft) Located along the Georgian Bay shoreline about 19 km (12 mi) east of Tobermory. Trail access for hikers from Cyprus Lake Head of Trails. Explore the hidden passages that lead from inside the Grotto to the open waters of Georgian Bay. Recommended for all levels of diving experience, and snorkellers. Diving access via boat from Tobermory.
23 - LITTLE COVE (Dave’s Bay)
Depth: 13 m (40 ft)
Popular area for diver open water check-outs. Look for geological formations such as pitting, glacial erratics and bedrock layering. Limited parking. Please respect the rights of private property owners adjoining the access area.
Popular area for diver open water check-outs. Look for geological formations such as pitting, glacial erratics and bedrock layering. Limited parking. Please respect the rights of private property owners adjoining the access area.
24 - DUNKS POINT
Interesting geological formal including good examples of "pitting" can be found here. A wooden-stocked anchor lies just off the point in about 18 m (60 ft) of water. Vessel access only.
25 - NORTH OTTER WALL
Depth: maximum 13 m (40 ft)
Popular geological dive site featuring steep walls, overhangs, a small cave and pitting features. Suitable for all levels of diving experience.
Popular geological dive site featuring steep walls, overhangs, a small cave and pitting features. Suitable for all levels of diving experience.
26 - NIAGARA II (tanker. then a sandsucker)
Built: Haverton Hill-on-tees, England, 1930
Length: 55.5 m (182 ft)
Depth: 28 m (90 ft)
Deliberately sunk by the Tobermory Maritime in May, 1999 as a dive site. Located outside park boundaries. Commemorative plaques and lots of machinery to see.
Length: 55.5 m (182 ft)
Depth: 28 m (90 ft)
Deliberately sunk by the Tobermory Maritime in May, 1999 as a dive site. Located outside park boundaries. Commemorative plaques and lots of machinery to see.