Brockville

### **Category: Brockville, Ontario** #### **Overview** **Brockville, Ontario**, known as the **"City of the 1000 Islands,"** is a historic waterfront community on the **St. Lawrence River**, between Kingston and Cornwall. As one of Canada’s oldest cities, Brockville is rich in **maritime history, shipwreck diving, and waterfront tourism**, making it a significant location along the **St. Lawrence Seaway**. #### **Geography & Location** - Located in **Eastern Ontario**, along the **St. Lawrence River**. - Part of the **Thousand Islands region**, a major boating and tourism destination. - Key point on the **St. Lawrence Seaway**, with freighters and pleasure craft passing daily. - Directly across the river from **Morristown, New York**, connected by ferry and bridges. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - Historically an important port for **trade, shipbuilding, and commerce** in the **19th and early 20th centuries**. - The **St. Lawrence Seaway**, opened in 1959, transformed the region into a major international shipping route. - Home to several **historical shipwrecks**, reflecting its long maritime history. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** Brockville is one of **Canada’s best freshwater diving destinations**, with numerous **intact shipwrecks** and **clear water conditions** due to the St. Lawrence River’s fast currents. Popular dive sites include: - **Rothesay** – A wooden sidewheel steamer that sank in 1889, now a well-preserved wreck. - **Henry C. Daryaw** – A steel freighter that capsized in 1941, lying upside-down at 95 ft (29 m). - **Robert Gaskin** – A salvage barge that sank twice, in 1889 and 1906, now resting in 70 ft (21 m) of water. - **Muscallonge** – A wooden tugboat that sank in 1936, popular for recreational diving. Many wrecks are accessible **directly from shore or by short boat trips**, making Brockville a top choice for divers of all levels. #### **Tourism & Attractions** Beyond diving, Brockville is a hub for **boating, fishing, and heritage tourism**. Key attractions include: - **The Aquatarium** – An interactive **marine discovery centre**, showcasing the **ecology, history, and shipwrecks** of the St. Lawrence River. - **Thousand Islands Boat Tours** – Cruises that explore the region’s famous island mansions, lighthouses, and natural beauty. - **Brockville Railway Tunnel** – Canada’s **oldest railway tunnel**, now restored with an immersive light-and-sound experience. - **Brockville Waterfront & Marina** – A popular spot for **boaters, kayakers, and waterfront dining**. - **Brockville Arts Centre** – One of Ontario’s top **heritage theatres**, featuring live performances and events. #### **Significance in the St. Lawrence Seaway** - A strategic location for **shipping and trade** along the **Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system**. - A gateway for **tourism, diving, and water recreation** in the **Thousand Islands**. - A key site for **environmental conservation** efforts to protect the **St. Lawrence River ecosystem**. ### **Why It Matters** Brockville blends **rich maritime history, top-tier diving, and scenic waterfront tourism**, making it one of **Ontario’s most important riverfront cities**. Whether exploring **historic shipwrecks, cruising the 1000 Islands, or enjoying waterfront culture**, Brockville remains a **must-visit destination** along the **St. Lawrence Seaway**.