Site Description

Shore Dive Site: Ontario Place Beach

Site Name: Ontario Place Beach Dive Site

Location: Ontario Place, Toronto, Ontario

Type: Topological Features with Debris Field

SITE DESCRIPTION

•Beach Environment:

The dive site is located at Ontario Place Beach, offering an accessible shore entry for divers. The sandy shoreline transitions into a unique underwater environment filled with artificial debris and structural remnants.

•Depth:

The dive reaches a maximum depth of 35 feet (11 meters), making it suitable for novice to intermediate divers.

•Underwater Attractions:

•A vast field of twisted rebar and concrete forms a distinctive underwater landscape. These materials create opportunities for exploration and photography, while also offering habitat for aquatic life.

•Scattered across the site are pieces of a water taxi wreck, adding a historical and mechanical dimension to the dive.

•Visibility:

•Winter/Cold Months: Visibility can exceed 50 feet (15 meters), offering excellent conditions for exploration.

•Summer Months: Visibility decreases significantly, ranging from 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) due to increased algae and sediment activity. Occasional clear days with 50+ feet Visibility are possible but uncommon.

ACCESS

•Parking: Available at the west lot along Remembrance Drive.

•Entry Point:

•Divers must walk across an open pedestrian bridge to reach the beach entry point.

•Due to the distance and gear weight, a dive cart is recommended to transport equipment.

•Shore Entry: Gentle, sandy entry point suitable for divers of varying skill levels.

CONDITIONS & NOTES

•Seasonal Visibility: The best diving conditions are during colder months, when Visibility is optimal.

•Safety Precautions: The site contains sharp edges from rebar and concrete; caution is advised when navigating the debris field. Gloves and protective exposure suits are recommended.

•Aquatic Life: The structural debris provides habitat for small fish and invertebrates, enhancing the ecological interest of the dive.

DIVER TIPS

1.Timing: Dive in the colder months for the best Visibility and less crowded conditions.

2.Navigation: Bring a compass or dive with a buddy familiar with the site to avoid disorientation in areas of low Visibility.

3.Preparation: Use a sturdy cart for equipment transport due to the lengthy walk from the parking area to the entry point.

CONCLUSION

The Ontario Place Beach Dive Site is a fascinating location for divers seeking a mix of artificial and natural underwater landscapes. With its unique debris field and shallow depth, it offers a blend of historical intrigue and ecological exploration. While conditions can vary, especially during the summer, the site provides an excellent shore diving experience for those prepared to navigate its challenges.

Keywords: Shore Dive, Ontario Place, Toronto Diving, Rebar Field, Water Taxi Wreck, Lake Ontario Diving, Beach Entry Dive, Seasonal Visibility

Beach
35ffw 11m

Type: Topological Features 

Depth: to 35 feet

Attractions: A large field of twisted rebar and concrete make for a unique dive experience. Strewn around the site is debris from a water taxi.

Access: Shore, parking at the west lot along Remembrance Dr. From there, walk across the open bridge and down to the beach. A cart is needed.

Visibility: 50+ feet during the colder months, 5 to 10 feet during the summer. It is possible to have 50+ feet during the summer, but this is rare.