St. Lawrence Seaway Dive Sites

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Great Lakes Shipwrecks

Historic shipwrecks across all Great Lakes, categorized by lake and region with depth, difficulty, and historical insights.

Major U.S. & Canadian Inland Lakes

Dive sites within inland lakes around the Great Lakes, including quarries with unique features.

Quarries and Artificial Reefs

Information on quarries and artificial reefs with accessible dive conditions, suitable for training and unique diving experiences.

Dive Safety and Environmental Guidelines

Guidance on dive safety protocols, conservation practices, and local wildlife information.

Ship Owners and Builders

This category examines the influential figures and companies that shaped Great Lakes maritime history: • Shipbuilders: • Canadian Builders: Notable shipyards include Collingwood Shipyards (Ontario), responsible for many Great Lakes freighters. • American Builders: American Shipbuilding Company (Cleveland, Ohio) and Detroit Dry Dock Company were major players. • Ship Owners: • Owners ranged from large shipping corporations, like Canada Steamship Lines, to independent operators. • Names like Pickands Mather and Hutchinson & Company dominated shipping during the 19th and 20th centuries. Understanding the people behind these vessels provides insight into the economic and technological development of the Great Lakes.

American Seaway

The American side of the Seaway runs from Massena to Cape Vincent New York,

Canadian Seaway

Canadian Seaway The Canadian Seaway refers to the portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway System and associated waterways located within Canadian territory. This expansive system connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, facilitating international shipping and regional trade. The Canadian Seaway includes vital infrastructure such as locks, canals, and channels, with notable sections like the Welland Canal, bypassing Niagara Falls, and the Montreal-Lake Ontario Corridor. The Seaway is critical for transporting bulk cargo, including grain, iron ore, and coal, while also serving as a navigable route for passenger vessels and recreational boating.

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the Great Lakes, serving as the gateway between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River. Shared by Canada and the United States, the lake covers approximately 19,000 square kilometres (7,340 square miles) and reaches a maximum depth of 244 metres (802 feet). Historically, Lake Ontario has been a critical transportation route, with thousands of ships traversing its waters over centuries. It is home to numerous shipwrecks, including schooners, steamers, and barges, many of which lie preserved due to the lake’s cold, fresh water.

Lake Erie

Lake Erie Lake Erie, the fourth largest of the Great Lakes, is shared by the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 25,700 square kilometres (9,910 square miles) and is the shallowest of the lakes, with an average depth of 19 metres (62 feet) and a maximum depth of 64 metres (210 feet). Its shallowness contributes to frequent storms and turbulent waters, earning it a reputation for being perilous for mariners. Key areas include

Lake Huron

Lake Huron, the second-largest Great Lake by surface area, spans 59,600 square kilometres (23,000 square miles), with a maximum depth of 229 metres (750 feet). The lake is bordered by Michigan (USA) to the west and Ontario (Canada) to the east.

Lake Superior

The largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior covers 82,100 square kilometres (31,700 square miles) and has a maximum depth of 406 metres (1,332 feet). Its cold, clear waters have preserved many wrecks in near-pristine condition. • Canadian Lake Superior: Includes ports like Thunder Bay, ON, and regions like Sault Ste. Marie, known for the Soo Locks, which connect Superior to Lake Huron. • American Lake Superior: Features cities like Duluth, MN, and Marquette, MI, which were critical for shipping iron ore and timber during the industrial boom. Lake Superior is renowned for its dramatic weather and legendary shipwrecks, such as the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States. It covers approximately 58,000 square kilometres (22,400 square miles) and has a maximum depth of 281 metres (923 feet). Key features include: • Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve: Situated where Lake Michigan meets Lake Huron, this area protects wrecks like the Eber Ward and Sandusky. • Chicago Wrecks: Lake Michigan near Chicago features several accessible wrecks, such as the Rotarian and Material Service Barge. • Wisconsin Shipwrecks: Includes well-preserved wrecks like the Milwaukee Car Ferry No. 2. Lake Michigan is popular with divers for its rich shipwreck history and recreational opportunities.

Other New York (NY)

Other New York (NY) Beyond Lake Ontario, New York has other significant waterways with maritime heritage: • Hudson River: Known for historic shipwrecks from the colonial era to the 20th century. • Finger Lakes: Some lakes, like Seneca Lake, contain wrecks of barges and smaller craft linked to regional commerce. • Lake George: A site of underwater archaeological significance with wrecks from the French and Indian War, such as bateaux and warships. These areas highlight New York’s broader underwater and maritime history.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain, shared by New York, Vermont, and Quebec, is renowned for its collection of historic wrecks and underwater artifacts spanning several centuries. Key features include: • Revolutionary War Shipwrecks: Such as the Spitfire, a gunboat from the Battle of Valcour Island (1776). • Steamboats: Like the Phoenix, an early 19th-century steamboat wrecked in 1819. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum leads preservation efforts and offers extensive resources for divers and historians.

Ottawa River

Ottawa River: Known for submerged timber rafts and smaller wrecks from the logging era.

Rideau Canal

Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage site with historic wrecks and submerged structures.

Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe, located in southern Ontario, has a rich maritime history tied to commerce and transportation in the 19th century. Notable wrecks and features include: • Shipwrecks of Barges and Schooners: Many small trading vessels were lost during storms or abandoned in the lake. • Maritime Artifacts: The lake also contains remnants of canals, docks, and early settlements. Lake Simcoe is a smaller lake but offers interesting diving opportunities for local explorers.

Lake St. Clair, St Clair River

Lake St. Clair connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie via the St. Clair River and Detroit River. Despite its relatively small size (1,114 square kilometres / 430 square miles), it plays a critical role in Great Lakes shipping. Key features include: • Wrecks in the St. Clair River: These include vessels lost during the logging and shipping eras, such as barges and tugs. • Recreational Diving: The river’s currents and underwater features make it popular among experienced divers. Lake St. Clair also holds cultural significance for its role in trade and military history during the War of 1812.

Ohio Shipwrecks

Ohio Shipwrecks (Ohio Sea Grant) Ohio’s shipwreck preservation efforts focus on the state’s Lake Erie waters. Their work includes mapping, research, and public education about wrecks like the Adventure and G. P. Griffith. Programs like the Lake Erie Shipwrecks Trail aim to promote heritage tourism and conservation.

Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Save Ontario Shipwrecks is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Ontario’s underwater cultural heritage. Their key goals include: • Preservation: Protecting shipwrecks and artifacts from looting or decay through education and legislation. • Public Awareness: Providing resources for divers and the public to learn about Ontario’s underwater heritage. • Mooring Programs: Installing mooring buoys at popular dive sites to prevent anchor damage to wrecks. SOS works closely with local chapters and the government, focusing on responsible exploration and preservation. They are active in areas like the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie.

Preserve Our Wrecks

Preserve Our Wrecks is a Kingston-based organization focused on protecting shipwrecks in eastern Lake Ontario, particularly around Kingston and the Thousand Islands. • They promote sustainable diving and wreck preservation by installing shotlines and mooring buoys. • POW is heavily involved in educating divers about the historical significance of wrecks

St Lawrence Historical Society

This organization is devoted to preserving and sharing the history of the St. Lawrence River, including its underwater heritage. • The river, a vital trade route, has been the site of numerous shipwrecks and historical events. • The society conducts research, collects artifacts, and supports diving initiatives to uncover and document wrecks. The St. Lawrence River is particularly rich in maritime history, with wrecks from colonial trade, military conflicts, and the steamboat era.

1000 Island Mooring

This group provides and maintains mooring buoys at key dive sites in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. Their efforts: • Prevent anchor damage to fragile wrecks and reefs. • Support sustainable tourism and recreational diving. • Encourage divers to respect and preserve underwater sites, many of which date back to the War of 1812 and early commercial shipping.

NOAA

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NOAA plays a key role in preserving the Great Lakes’ underwater heritage through initiatives like the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. This U.S. agency uses advanced technologies like sonar mapping and underwater archaeology to document shipwrecks and educate the public. NOAA also maintains historical data, fosters research, and collaborates with local and international groups.

Niagara Divers Association

Based in Ontario, this group promotes recreational diving, with a focus on shipwrecks in Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. They organize events like the annual Shipwrecks Symposium, which highlights underwater exploration, diving safety, and historical preservation.

Shotline Diving

This group specializes in marking and mapping dive sites using shotlines—weighted lines that guide divers safely to wrecks. Shotline Diving is particularly active in Lake Ontario, offering services to enhance safety and accessibility for recreational divers.

Great Lakes Underwater Explorers Club

This Ontario-based diving club focuses on exploring and documenting shipwrecks across the Great Lakes. They collaborate on projects to promote historical research and share findings with the diving and academic communities.

Cleveland Underwater Explorers

CLUE is dedicated to finding and documenting underwater cultural heritage in Lake Erie and surrounding areas. Their work includes the use of advanced sonar and ROVs, and they have contributed to significant shipwreck discoveries.

3D Shipwrecks

A project that uses advanced photogrammetry to create detailed 3D models of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. These models allow virtual exploration of wrecks, making the sites accessible to the public while preserving them digitally for future research.

American Ontario

American Lake Ontario This term highlights the U.S. portion of Lake Ontario, which includes notable locations like: • Oswego, NY: A major port city and historical hub for shipping and trade. • Sackets Harbor, NY: Known for its War of 1812 heritage and naval connections. The American side of Lake Ontario has been integral to the region’s development, particularly during the 19th-century shipping boom. Today, it is also a hotspot for divers exploring historic wrecks.

Aircraft

Aircraft wrecks in the Great Lakes are a lesser-known but fascinating aspect of underwater exploration. Examples include: • Military Aircraft: Planes from WWII training missions are scattered across the lakes, particularly in Lake Michigan, which served as a naval training ground. • Civilian Aircraft: Plane crashes from early aviation through modern times are sporadically found in the lakes. Aircraft wrecks, while rare, provide a unique perspective on the lakes’ history and are often targeted by specialized diving and recovery teams.

American Superior

American Lake Superior: Features cities like Duluth, MN, and Marquette, MI, which were critical for shipping iron ore and timber during the industrial boom. Lake Superior is renowned for its dramatic weather and legendary shipwrecks, such as the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975.

American Huron

American Lake Huron: Includes cities like Alpena, home to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects numerous shipwrecks. Lake Huron has played a significant role in shipping and fishing and is infamous for the Great Storm of 1913, which sank dozens of ship

American Erie

American Lake Erie: Features major cities like Cleveland, Toledo, and Erie, Pennsylvania, which were industrial and shipping powerhouses during the 19th and 20th centuries. Lake Erie is home to a high concentration of shipwrecks due to its treacherous storms and busy shipping lanes.

Canadian Huron

Canadian Lake Huron: Contains the Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, and Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island. These areas are known for crystal-clear waters, making them a prime destination for shipwreck divers.

Canadian Erie

Canadian Lake Erie: Includes ports like Port Stanley, Port Colborne, and Leamington, historically significant for trade and fishing.

Canadian Superior

Canadian Lake Superior: Includes ports like Thunder Bay, ON, and regions like Sault Ste. Marie, known for the Soo Locks, which connect Superior to Lake Huron.

Canadian Ontario

Canadian Lake Ontario The Canadian side of Lake Ontario spans significant ports and cities such as: • Toronto, ON: The largest city on the lake and a key hub for shipping, commerce, and tourism. • Kingston, ON: A historically strategic port and a focal point during colonial times and the War of 1812. The Canadian portion of Lake Ontario is known for its rich maritime heritage, including numerous preserved shipwrecks, historic shipyards, and contributions to Canada’s shipbuilding legacy.

Alger Underwater Preserve

Located in Munising Bay, Lake Superior, this preserve protects over 12 shipwrecks, ranging from wooden schooners to steel steamers. Managed by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, it’s a popular diving destination, offering well-preserved wrecks and interpretive resources for divers and snorkelers.

Isle Royal NP

Isle Royale, located in Lake Superior, is both a terrestrial and underwater National Park. Its waters feature exceptionally preserved wrecks like the SS America and SS Congdon, often protected by the lake’s cold temperatures. The park encourages sustainable diving and provides mooring buoys for easy access to wrecks.

Detroit River

The Detroit River, a key waterway connecting Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, has been a significant hub for shipping and trade. It is also a hotspot for underwater archaeology due to its strategic location during wars and commerce. • Shipwrecks: The river contains dozens of wrecks, from schooners to freighters, many lost during storms or collisions. Notable finds include artifacts from the War of 1812. • Historical Significance: The Detroit River has seen everything from fur trade canoes to modern shipping freighters. Its role in the Underground Railroad and Prohibition-era smuggling adds to its rich history. • Conservation: Efforts are underway to preserve underwater sites despite challenges posed by heavy shipping traffic and sedimentation.

Keweenaw Underwater Preserve

This preserve in Lake Superior highlights shipwrecks near the Keweenaw Peninsula, including the Chester A. Congdon and Louisiana. Its cold, clear water offers excellent diving visibility, and it serves as a key area for underwater archaeology and historical education.

Lake Ontario Underwater Preserve

Oswego

Recovered/Dismantled Erie

Recovered/Rebuilt This category encompasses vessels or artifacts that have been salvaged, restored, or reconstructed after an accident, shipwreck, or intentional decommissioning. • Recovered: Refers to the retrieval of a vessel or its components (e.g., engines, artifacts, hull sections) from underwater or other states of disrepair. These operations often involve skilled divers and advanced technologies like sonar mapping or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). • Rebuilt: Refers to vessels that have undergone significant repair or reconstruction, either to restore them to operational status or to preserve them for historical and educational purposes. Many recovered Great Lakes wrecks have been partially or fully rebuilt for museum display or private collections. Dismantled” refers to ships or structures that have been decommissioned and taken apart, often to salvage valuable materials like iron, steel, or machinery. Ships may be dismantled due to: • Age or obsolescence • Severe damage beyond repair • Economic downturns reducing the demand for shipping In the Great Lakes, many vessels were dismantled in shipbreaking yards located along major ports such as Buffalo, Toledo, or Hamilton. Occasionally, dismantling occurred in place, where abandoned or grounded vessels were stripped of reusable components. Artifacts from dismantled ships are often found in museums or private collections.

Marquette Underwater Preserve

Located in Lake Superior near Marquette, Michigan, this preserve features wrecks like the Charles J. Kershaw and the R.H. Rae. It caters to both beginner and experienced divers, with wrecks in varying depths and excellent visibility.

Shore Dives

Shore dives refer to scuba diving sites accessible directly from the shoreline, without requiring a boat. In the Great Lakes, many shore dives focus on shallow shipwrecks, submerged artifacts, or natural underwater features near the coast. Key highlights: • Lake Ontario: Shore dives near Kingston and Prince Edward County feature shipwrecks like the Munson, a small schooner located in shallow waters. • Lake Erie: Popular for shallow wrecks and artificial reefs off Port Colborne and Port Dover. • Lake Huron: Georgian Bay offers excellent shore-accessible wrecks, like the Sweepstakes near Tobermory, a well-preserved schooner resting in just 6 metres (20 feet) of water. • Lake Superior: Limited shore dives due to deep drop-offs but known for nearshore underwater formations and artifacts. Shore dives are ideal for beginner to intermediate divers and photographers due to calmer waters and easier access.

Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve

Situated in Lake Huron near Michigan’s “Thumb,” this preserve protects numerous wrecks, including the New York, a wooden steamer. The preserve is a favourite for technical divers due to its challenging depths and historically significant wrecks.

Still Missing

This category includes vessels, artifacts, or even aircraft lost in the Great Lakes and never recovered. Notable cases: • Edmund Fitzgerald: Though the wreck was located, significant questions remain about its final moments. • Le Griffon: Often called the “Holy Grail of Great Lakes shipwrecks,” this 17th-century ship disappeared in 1679, with no confirmed discovery to date. • Flight Incidents: Military aircraft crashes from training missions during World War II remain missing in several Great Lakes. These mysteries intrigue both historians and treasure hunters, sparking ongoing exploration efforts.

Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve

Thunder Bay, located in Lake Huron, protects one of the world’s most significant collections of Great Lakes shipwrecks, with over 100 identified wrecks ranging from shallow schooners to deep steel freighters. NOAA oversees this sanctuary, offering dive trails, visitor centres, and advanced research facilities.

Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve

This preserve lies at the intersection of Lakes Michigan and Huron and encompasses over 148 square kilometres (57 square miles). It features wrecks from the schooner era to steel freighters, including: • Cedarville: A steel freighter that collided with another ship in 1965. • Sandusky: An 1830s schooner that sank in 1856, notable for its preserved mast and bowsprit. The preserve is a favourite for divers, offering varying depths and stunning visibility due to the cold, clear water.

Whitefish Point Underwater Preserve

The Whitefish Bay Preserve is located at the eastern end of Lake Superior, near Whitefish Point, Michigan. This area is infamous for its treacherous waters, often called the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes”, as it has claimed countless vessels. The preserve includes iconic wrecks such as: • Edmund Fitzgerald: Though outside the designated preserve, it sank in nearby waters in 1975. • Vienna: A wooden steamer lost in 1892. The preserve emphasizes education and respectful exploration, and its shipwrecks are protected under Michigan law. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point offers detailed exhibits about the region’s maritime history.

Buffalo River

The Buffalo River, which flows into Lake Erie near Buffalo, NY, has a rich industrial and maritime history: • Shipwrecks: The river contains abandoned grain barges, tugs, and schooners, remnants of Buffalo’s booming grain trade and shipbuilding era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. • Preservation Efforts: The region has been the focus of cleanup and restoration efforts, making it more accessible for divers and historians. • Diving and Archaeology: The murky waters of the river still hold hidden wrecks waiting to be explored and documented.

Recovered Lake Huron

Recovered/Rebuilt This category encompasses vessels or artifacts that have been salvaged, restored, or reconstructed after an accident, shipwreck, or intentional decommissioning. • Recovered: Refers to the retrieval of a vessel or its components (e.g., engines, artifacts, hull sections) from underwater or other states of disrepair. These operations often involve skilled divers and advanced technologies like sonar mapping or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). • Rebuilt: Refers to vessels that have undergone significant repair or reconstruction, either to restore them to operational status or to preserve them for historical and educational purposes. Many recovered Great Lakes wrecks have been partially or fully rebuilt for museum display or private collections. Dismantled” refers to ships or structures that have been decommissioned and taken apart, often to salvage valuable materials like iron, steel, or machinery. Ships may be dismantled due to: • Age or obsolescence • Severe damage beyond repair • Economic downturns reducing the demand for shipping In the Great Lakes, many vessels were dismantled in shipbreaking yards located along major ports such as Buffalo, Toledo, or Hamilton. Occasionally, dismantling occurred in place, where abandoned or grounded vessels were stripped of reusable components. Artifacts from dismantled ships are often found in museums or private collections.

Recovered/Dismantled

Recovered/Rebuilt This category encompasses vessels or artifacts that have been salvaged, restored, or reconstructed after an accident, shipwreck, or intentional decommissioning. • Recovered: Refers to the retrieval of a vessel or its components (e.g., engines, artifacts, hull sections) from underwater or other states of disrepair. These operations often involve skilled divers and advanced technologies like sonar mapping or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). • Rebuilt: Refers to vessels that have undergone significant repair or reconstruction, either to restore them to operational status or to preserve them for historical and educational purposes. Many recovered Great Lakes wrecks have been partially or fully rebuilt for museum display or private collections. Dismantled” refers to ships or structures that have been decommissioned and taken apart, often to salvage valuable materials like iron, steel, or machinery. Ships may be dismantled due to: • Age or obsolescence • Severe damage beyond repair • Economic downturns reducing the demand for shipping In the Great Lakes, many vessels were dismantled in shipbreaking yards located along major ports such as Buffalo, Toledo, or Hamilton. Occasionally, dismantling occurred in place, where abandoned or grounded vessels were stripped of reusable components. Artifacts from dismantled ships are often found in museums or private collections.

Parks Canada

Parks Canada oversees the preservation of historic sites, including underwater cultural heritage in Canadian waters. They protect notable wrecks such as those in Fathom Five National Marine Park and Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Parks Canada emphasizes research, public engagement, and responsible diving practices.

Wisconsin Shipwrecks

This initiative documents and preserves shipwrecks in Wisconsin’s waters of Lakes Michigan and Superior. They manage a comprehensive online database and provide dive guides for wrecks like the Appomattox and Rouse Simmons. Wisconsin Shipwrecks also collaborates with NOAA for marine sanctuary projects.

Military or Civil Services

This category focuses on vessels, aircraft, and operations tied to military or government use, including: • Naval Ships: The Great Lakes saw many naval engagements during the War of 1812, with wrecks like the HMS St. Lawrence in Kingston Harbour and the Hamilton and Scourge in Lake Ontario. • Coast Guard & Lifesaving Services: Includes wrecks of service vessels and historic rescue operations. The USCGC Mesquite, lost in Lake Superior, is one example. • World War II Training: The Great Lakes were a hub for military training, with vessels like U.S. Navy aircraft carriers repurposed for pilot practice. This category also includes civil service vessels like ferries, police boats, and research ships.

Other Ontairo

Other Ontario This category covers Ontario waterways outside the Great Lakes, such as: • Trent-Severn Waterway: Features historic wrecks, locks, and sunken artifacts from 19th and early 20th-century commerce. Smaller lakes and rivers in Ontario also hold archaeological significance, with hidden remnants of the province’s maritime history.

Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve