Dive Site Information: Talon Chutes, Mattawa River

Location & Access

•Coordinates: 46.2824° N, 79.0033° W

•Address: Nipissing District, Ontario, Canada

•Dive Type: Shore Dive

•Access:

•By Boat: Launch from Pimisi Bay and follow the river to Talon Chutes.

•By Foot: Park near the Trans-Canada Highway and hike along the path to the water’s edge near the waterfall.

Dive Details

•Depth:

•Minimum: 10 feet (3 meters)

•Maximum: 30 feet (9 meters)

•Dive Duration: 30–50 minutes, depending on exploration time.

•Visibility: Typically 10–20 feet (3–6 meters); early morning dives offer the best conditions due to reduced sediment disturbance.

•Water Temperature: Cool throughout the year; wetsuit or drysuit recommended.

Features & Dive Plan

•Explore near the base of the cliffs where depths are greatest.

•Encounter submerged logs, rocky formations, and moderate currents near the waterfall.

•Key Features:

•Rugged underwater terrain

•Submerged remnants of logging activity, including historic logs

•Native freshwater fish species.

Equipment Recommendations

•Dive Light: For exploring crevices and shaded areas.

•Wetsuit/Drysuit: 7mm or drysuit recommended for comfort in cooler waters.

•Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): Particularly if diving near boat traffic.

Historical Context

•Indigenous Significance: The Mattawa River has been a crucial waterway for Indigenous peoples.

•Fur Trade: Served as a key route for Voyageurs and European traders.

•Logging History: Once part of Ontario’s bustling logging industry. Submerged artifacts from this era may still be visible to divers.

Practical Information

•Costs: Potential day-use fees if entering through a provincial park or boat launch fees at Pimisi Bay.

•Seasonality: Best diving conditions are from late spring to early fall. Winter access is limited due to snow and ice.

Safety Notes

•Be cautious of currents near the waterfall.

•Slippery rocks may pose a hazard during entry and exit.

•Always dive with a buddy.

Resources & Links

•Ontario Parks for information on provincial park fees and conditions.

•Google Maps Location: Talon Chutes for directions.

•North Bay Scuba Club for local diving resources and information.

Conclusion

Talon Chutes offers a dive experience blending natural beauty with a sense of history. Divers can immerse themselves in the rugged underwater environment and trace the legacy of the Mattawa River as a vital route for trade and industry. Whether exploring the rocky formations or reliving the logging history, this dive site is a must-visit for adventurous divers.