Upper Stonecliffe Village Dive Site Overview

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Type: Submerged Historical Village

• Location: Holden Lake, Ottawa River, near Rolphton, Ontario, Canada

• GPS Coordinates: Not provided (located between Rolphton and Mattawa within Holden Lake)

• Depth: 15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters)

• Accessibility: Shore entry available at various points around Holden Lake

SITE OVERVIEW

Description

The Upper Stonecliffe Village dive site is a fascinating destination for underwater explorers, offering both historical intrigue and natural beauty. This site lies within Holden Lake, a reservoir created in the 1950s following the construction of a hydroelectric dam at Rolphton. The flooding submerged several small Ottawa River communities, farms, and lumber depots, leaving behind a unique underwater landscape.

Although the above-ground buildings were removed before the reservoir was filled, many foundations and semi-permanent structures remain preserved underwater. Upper Stonecliffe Village is particularly accessible, lying beneath only 15–30 feet of water, making it ideal for divers of all skill levels.

Historical Significance

The flooding of Holden Lake reshaped the region’s geography, displacing communities and transforming the Ottawa River’s landscape. Upper Stonecliffe serves as a poignant underwater time capsule, preserving the remnants of its past and offering insight into mid-20th-century life in the area. For history enthusiasts, the site provides a powerful connection to the stories of those who lived in and were displaced by the hydroelectric project.

UNDERWATER FEATURES

1. Foundations:

• Visible remnants of homes, community buildings, and farms.

• Provide a tangible link to the former village and create an intriguing dive environment.

2. Artifacts:

• Small items such as tools, bottles, and household objects remain scattered across the site.

3. Vegetation:

• Submerged structures now support aquatic plants, adding to the area’s biodiversity and visual appeal.

Visibility

• Generally good due to the shallow depth.

• Visibility can fluctuate based on weather conditions and water levels, with reduced clarity after heavy rains.

Water Temperature

• Spring and Fall: Cooler conditions.

• Summer: Warmer temperatures, ideal for recreational diving.

Safety and Hazards

• Submerged Structures: Caution is required to avoid entanglement or injury near foundations or debris.

• Currents: Typically calm, though slight currents may be present near the reservoir’s edges.

• Visibility: May decrease temporarily during periods of high water flow or after storms.

ACCESSIBILITY

• Shore Entry:

• Convenient entry points are available around Holden Lake, with easy access to the submerged village.

• Divers should plan entry based on proximity to the site and water conditions.

Historical and Educational Value

Upper Stonecliffe Village is more than a dive site—it is an immersive history lesson. Divers can connect with Canada’s past through the underwater remnants of a lost community. For those seeking more context, historical photographs and accounts of the flooding and displaced communities are available through the Virtual Museum Canada’s “The Swisha Project.”

Tags

#HistoricalDiveSite #SubmergedVillage #HoldenLake #OttawaRiverDiving #UnderwaterArchaeology #CanadianHistory #ShoreDive #VirtualMuseumCanada

Conclusion

The Upper Stonecliffe Village dive site offers a rare opportunity to explore a submerged slice of Canadian history. With its shallow depths, easy access, and historical significance, this site is ideal for divers of all levels, particularly those with an interest in underwater archaeology or regional history.

For further historical context and to view photographs and stories from the area, visit the Virtual Museum Canada’s Swisha Project at www.virtualmuseum.ca.