Turner’s Island Dive Site Overview

Location:

Turner’s Island, Lake Clear, Ontario, Canada

Coordinates:

Exact coordinates not provided; located off the northern tip of Turner’s Island

Depth Range:

•Minimum: 3 feet (1 meter)

•Maximum: 50 feet (15 meters)

Dive Type:

Shore/Island Dive

Site Description

Turner’s Island is the largest island on Lake Clear, known for its captivating underwater features and historical significance. The dive site at the northern tip boasts a unique geological and archaeological experience, featuring a shoal with a dramatic skree slope and remnants from the island’s mining past.

Dive Features

1. Skree Slope:

•Depth: Begins at 3 feet and extends steeply to 40 feet.

•Composition: Large angular rocks with overhangs containing feldspar, hornblende, apatite, and occasional zircon crystals. These rocks are remnants of the mining operations on the island.

2. Flat Silty Bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg:

•Depth: From 40 to 50 feet, the terrain flattens out with a silty layer.

•Conditions: The silt bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg is sensitive to disturbance, requiring careful buoyancy control.

Historical Significance

Turner’s Island Mine:

•Active in the early 1900s, producing specimens of apatite and zircon prized for their clarity and size.

•Mine tailings from this operation were discarded into the lake, leaving behind a treasure trove of minerals for divers to discover.

•The remnants of the mine connect the dive experience with the industrial and geological history of Ontario.

Dive Conditions

•Visibility: Generally ranges from 15 to 30 feet depending on weather and silt disturbance.

•Water Temperature: Seasonal, requiring appropriate thermal protection for diving comfort.

Access

•Entry: Accessible by boat; the shoal and slope are easy to locate from the northern tip of Turner’s Island.

•Parking and Facilities: Available through nearby docks and marinas.

Additional Tips

•Recommended Equipment:

•Dive light for inspecting overhangs and minerals.

•Gloves for handling rocks and tailings.

•Safety Considerations:

•Buoyancy Control: Avoid disturbing the silty bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg to maintain Visibility.

•Dive Buddy: Essential, especially when exploring deeper sections or overhangs.

Video Documentation

•Available Media: Local dive enthusiasts and regional archives feature underwater videos showcasing the site’s unique geology and dive conditions.

Resources

•Google Maps: Locate Turner’s Island in Lake Clear for navigation and trip planning.

•Ontario Geological Society: Learn more about the mineralogy and history of Lake Clear.

•Local Dive Shops: Ottawa Valley dive shops provide gear rentals, guided dives, and additional insights into the site.

Conclusion

Turner’s Island, Lake Clear, offers a dive experience blending recreational exploration, geology, and history. The skree slope and scattered mine tailings invite divers to uncover remnants of a bygone industrial era while enjoying a unique underwater landscape. Whether you’re seeking mineral specimens or a memorable freshwater dive, Turner’s Island is a destination worth exploring.

Tags

#OntarioDiving #RecreationalDive #GeologicalDive #TurnersIsland #LakeClear #ApatiteDive