Tobermory, a picturesque town at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich maritime history. Known as the “Scuba Diving Capital of Canada,” Tobermory attracts diving enthusiasts worldwide. The clear waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron reveal a fascinating underwater world filled with historic shipwrecks, part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Fathom Five National Marine Park, Canada’s first national marine conservation area, is a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders located in the waters surrounding Tobermory and Flowerpot Island. The park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, which provide exceptional visibility and make it an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. These waters reveal a fascinating underwater landscape marked by dramatic geological formations, including limestone cliffs, caves, and overhangs that have been sculpted by centuries of wave action.
The park’s most captivating features are its numerous shipwrecks, many dating back to the 19th century. These underwater time capsules offer a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes and serve as popular dive sites.
The Sweepstakes was built in Burlington, Ontario, in 1867 by Melancthon Simpson. The two-masted wooden schooner’s length was 36.3 m (119 ft), and the hull’s maximum depth was 7 m (20 ft). The schooner weighed approximately 218 tonnes. The Sweepstakes was last owned by George Stewart, who lived in Mooretown, Ontario. The schooner gives a good depiction of what a typical Great Lakes schooner looked like.
Damaged off Cove Island in August 1885, the Sweepstakes was towed to Big Tub Harbour’s head, located in the Fathom Five National Marine Park, by a tugboat named Jessie. The schooner suffered serious damage and was not repaired in time, causing it to sink in September 1885. The Sweepstakes was transporting coal, which was retrieved after the boat sank.
Today, the Sweepstakes shipwreck is near picture perfect, as the hull remains mostly intact. Located approximately 50 yards from the head of Big Tub Harbour, it lies at a depth of 20 feet. The bow area of the ship contains the windlass and portions of the starboard railings. The stern name-board has been removed and is currently displayed at the Bruce County Museum in Southampton. The center-board box is in the middle of the schooner, with the centreboard inside. This extends from keel to deck. The aft deck of the Sweepstakes has collapsed, causing the stern post to fall, where it now lies on the bottom of Big Tub Harbour.
The Fathom Five National Marine Park has repaired the slowly deteriorating schooner to prevent the deck from collapsing. Although Sweepstakes deteriorates a little more each year, it is regarded as one of the best-preserved 19th-century Great Lakes schooners. It remains among the most popular shipwrecks in the Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Divers are no longer permitted to enter the schooner. Fathom Five National Marine Park officials have put up fencing to prevent this and reduce any further damage to the schooner that could be caused by the divers’ exhaled bubbles.
The City of Grand Rapids was a wooden passenger steamer ship that caught fire in Little Tub Harbour on October 29th, 1907. The 125-foot, 190-ton ship was towed away from the harbour into open water to prevent the fire from spreading inside the harbour.
At this point in history, there were no attempts to fight boat fires on the docks due to the threat of possibly burning down the whole harbour, which had docks and buildings built entirely of wood.
For this reason, ships on fire were usually tied to a tow line, towed out to open water and allowed to burn themselves out. The ship was pulled into Georgian Bay until the tow line burned, and the ship floated free. The winds blew the burning ship into Big Tub Harbour, where it ran aground and burned to the waterline.
The hull still rests in Big Tub Harbour. The water is so shallow that parts of the ship actually stick out of the water.
The propeller and the rudder were recovered from the wreck. They are on display outside the museum near the log cabin.
Located near the iconic Big Tub Lighthouse, this site features remnants of shipwrecks easily accessible to snorkelers and divers alike. The shallow waters and clear visibility make it an ideal spot for beginners. The lighthouse itself, standing since 1885, adds a historical backdrop to the underwater exploration.
This dive site is marked by a massive anchor that has become a popular underwater landmark. The anchor is believed to have belonged to a large vessel, and its impressive size and well-preserved condition make it a striking feature. Divers can explore the surrounding area, which often reveals additional artifacts from the shipwreck.
This site features two small tugboats, the Alice G and the Robert K, which sank in the early 20th century. Despite their modest size, these wrecks offer an intriguing dive experience, showcasing the robust construction of early tugboats and the marine life that has colonized them over the years. The tugs are accessible to divers of various skill levels, providing a manageable yet captivating exploration opportunity.
Fathom Five National Marine Park offers some of the best freshwater diving conditions in the world. The park’s clear, cold waters provide excellent visibility, often exceeding 80 feet, making it ideal for underwater photography and exploration. The best time to dive is from late spring to early fall, with peak conditions typically occurring between June and September. During these months, water temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, so a drysuit or thick wetsuit is recommended.
The shipwrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park are not only historical treasures but also thriving ecosystems. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life that has made these wrecks their home. Flora and fauna include:
Aquatic Plants: Various species of algae and aquatic plants grow on and around the wrecks, providing shelter and food for marine life. These plants contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the underwater ecosystem.
Diving in Tobermory offers stunning underwater experiences, but safety should always be the top priority. This guide provides essential practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
While picturesque wonders waiting to be explored, Tobermory shipwrecks are also delicate historical artifacts. They require preservation where possible and demand conservation measures be taken by visitors to preserve these relics for years to come. As a result, diving in some areas is restricted due to the potential for sunken vessels to incur greater damage. As a diver, it is critical to follow these restrictions to ensure ongoing preservation.
Where diving is possible, responsible practices cannot be overstated. These include but are not limited to maintaining buoyancy, avoiding contact with wildlife, and proper waste disposal. Each of these measures minimizes environmental impact.
At Bruce Anchor Cruises, we have taken strides to ensure our passengers experience the one-of-a-kind view of Tobermory’s shipwrecks without having to dive in and see them. Our fleet includes our newest addition, the Tobermory Eclipse, which is the first vessel in Ontario to be approved for an IMO-3 designation. It’s 4x more efficient than the current industry regulations dictate for a vessel its size, contributing to a greener atmosphere and reduced carbon footprint to match the conservation efforts in our area.
It’s clear that Tobermory’s shipwrecks are a unique experience that leaves an indelible mark on all who see them beneath its waters. The vibrant marine life and the crystal-clear visibility combine to create a truly magical adventure.
However, with this magic comes a responsibility to protect and preserve this delicate ecosystem. We encourage all visitors to explore responsibly, respect the natural beauty, and follow guidelines to ensure that Tobermory remains a pristine paradise for future generations. To learn more about our tours and preservation efforts, book a cruise with us today!
