Point Petre - Nicholson's Island

### **Category: Point Petre & Nicholson’s Island, Lake Ontario** #### **Overview** **Point Petre and Nicholson’s Island**, located along the southeastern shore of **Prince Edward County, Ontario**, are well known for their **treacherous waters, shipwreck history, and remote natural beauty**. The area has been a significant navigation point for vessels traveling along **Lake Ontario’s northern shoreline**, but hidden shoals and unpredictable storms have led to multiple **historic shipwrecks**. Today, the region is a popular spot for **boating, diving, and wildlife exploration**. #### **Geography & Location** - **Point Petre** is a **rugged limestone headland** that juts into **Lake Ontario**, forming one of the **southernmost points of Prince Edward County**. - **Nicholson’s Island** is a **small, privately owned island**, located **several kilometers offshore from Point Petre**. - The surrounding waters contain **shallow reefs, rocky shoals, and hidden hazards**, making navigation difficult. - The region lies along a major **Lake Ontario shipping corridor**, used by vessels traveling between **Kingston, Toronto, and the St. Lawrence Seaway**. #### **Maritime & Shipwreck History** - **Navigation Hazard for Centuries**: - The waters off **Point Petre and Nicholson’s Island** have been historically dangerous due to **hidden shoals and sudden storms**. - Many vessels attempting to pass through this area in the **19th and early 20th centuries** ran aground or were lost. - **Notable Shipwrecks**: - **The City of Sheboygan (1915)** – A **wooden steamship** that **ran aground and sank in a storm** near Nicholson’s Island. - **The Katie Eccles (1922)** – A **three-masted schooner** that sank near **Point Petre** after striking a shoal. - **The Florence (1873)** – A **wooden barge** lost near the limestone reefs of Point Petre. - **The Royal Albert (1868)** – A wooden freighter **that ran aground near Nicholson’s Island**. - **Unidentified Wrecks** – Several **unknown and uncharted wrecks** are believed to exist in deep water near Nicholson’s Island. #### **Diving & Exploration** - **Shipwreck Diving**: - The **wrecks in this area lie at various depths**, with some being **shallow enough for recreational divers** while others require **technical diving skills**. - Wreckage remains **scattered across the lakebed**, with **wooden hulls, metal fittings, and cargo remnants** still visible. - **Underwater Terrain**: - The limestone formations and submerged **reefs near Point Petre** create an **interesting underwater landscape** for divers and snorkelers. - The water clarity can vary, but on calm days, visibility can reach **30+ feet (9 meters)**. - **Challenges for Divers**: - **Strong currents and unpredictable weather** make diving **off Nicholson’s Island and Point Petre challenging**. - **Cold water temperatures** remain a concern, requiring **proper thermal protection** for divers. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Point Petre Wildlife Conservation Area** – A **remote natural reserve**, known for **birdwatching, hiking, and scenic lake views**. - **Nicholson’s Island** – A **private island**, inaccessible to the public, but its **surrounding waters are popular for fishing and diving**. - **Prince Edward County Wineries & Breweries** – The nearby region is famous for **vineyards, cider houses, and craft breweries**. - **Sandbanks Provincial Park** – Located northwest of Point Petre, featuring **Ontario’s largest sand dune formations and sandy beaches**. - **Boating & Fishing** – The waters off Point Petre and Nicholson’s Island are well known for **sport fishing, particularly for bass, pike, and walleye**. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Treacherous Shoals & Reefs**: Many shipwrecks occurred in this area due to **hidden hazards beneath the water’s surface**. - **Sudden Storms & High Winds**: Lake Ontario’s **weather patterns can shift rapidly**, making sailing conditions unpredictable. - **Cold Water & Exposure Risks**: The deeper parts of the lake remain **cold year-round**, increasing the risk of **hypothermia for divers and boaters**. - **Limited Infrastructure**: The **Point Petre area is largely undeveloped**, requiring visitors to be **self-sufficient when exploring the shoreline**. ### **Why It Matters** Point Petre and Nicholson’s Island represent a **hidden chapter of Lake Ontario’s maritime history**, with **lost shipwrecks, dangerous waters, and uncharted wreckage** waiting to be explored. The area continues to attract **divers, boaters, and history enthusiasts**, offering a **glimpse into the perils of Great Lakes navigation** while serving as a **natural and historical treasure of Prince Edward County**.