Various Lost Village Sites

1. Downtown Aultsville #

• Location: N 44.57.15 W 75.01.42, Aultsville, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies; site submerged under Lake St. Lawrence
• Type: Submerged urban area
• Access: Access via boat launch points along the St. Lawrence River, with shore entry possible at certain areas. Check local dive shops for guided tours or boat charters.
• Marine Life: Varied freshwater species typical of the St. Lawrence River, with occasional sightings of larger fish around submerged structures.
• Visibility: Generally moderate, but can vary depending on river currents and water conditions.
• Special Features:
  • Explore remnants of Aultsville’s downtown area, including the outlines of streets and foundations of old buildings. Some areas may have recognizable structures still standing underwater.
• Hazards: Be aware of potential entanglement in old debris and structures. Strong currents in some areas may require caution.

2. Santa Cruz Two #

• Location: N 44.59.14 W 74.57.35, Santa Cruz, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies
• Type: Submerged village area
• Access: Boat or shore entry; check with local dive operators for best access points.
• Marine Life: Common river species, including perch, bass, and the occasional pike.
• Visibility: Typically moderate; visibility can be affected by water conditions and time of year.
• Special Features:
  • Dive through areas where houses and streets once stood. Some structures may still be partially intact, offering unique exploration opportunities.
• Hazards: Old building materials and debris can pose risks; ensure proper buoyancy control to avoid damage to both the site and yourself.

3. Straight Stretch Highway No. 2 #

• Location: N 44.59.21 W 74.56.56, Santa Cruz, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies
• Type: Submerged roadway
• Access: Shore or boat access; local dive shops may offer specific directions or tours.
• Marine Life: Typical freshwater species; less biodiversity due to the nature of the site.
• Visibility: Moderate to good, depending on conditions.
• Special Features:
  • Dive along a stretch of the old Highway No. 2, where the road and nearby structures are submerged. This unique site offers a glimpse into how infrastructure was left behind during the flooding.
• Hazards: Watch for sharp objects and potential entanglement hazards from submerged debris.

4. Connors’ Race Track #

• Location: N 45.00.16 W 55.35.08, Wales, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies
• Type: Submerged race track
• Access: Typically accessed via boat; shore entry may be difficult depending on water levels and shoreline conditions.
• Marine Life: Similar to other St. Lawrence sites; expect to see typical river species.
• Visibility: Moderate, but conditions can vary.
• Special Features:
  • Explore the remnants of an old race track, with the potential to see track outlines and nearby structures submerged underwater.
• Hazards: Structural integrity may be compromised, posing risks for divers; proceed with caution.

5. Barn with Octagonal Silo #

• Location: N 45.01.51 W 74.51.59, Moulinette, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies
• Type: Submerged farm structure
• Access: Boat access is recommended; shore entry possible in certain areas.
• Marine Life: Common river species; explore around the silo for possible encounters with local fish.
• Visibility: Moderate to good, depending on season and river conditions.
• Special Features:
  • The octagonal silo and barn remnants provide a unique underwater landscape, with the potential for interesting photography and exploration.
• Hazards: Beware of sharp edges and unstable structures; strong currents can also be a concern.

6. Farran’s Point Street #

• Location: N 48.58.45 W 74.59.38, Farran’s Point, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies
• Type: Submerged street and urban area
• Access: Accessible by boat or shore entry; check with local operators for details.
• Marine Life: Similar to other locations, with potential sightings of larger fish near submerged structures.
• Visibility: Typically moderate; can vary with conditions.
• Special Features:
  • Farran’s Point Street offers a look at a once-thriving community now lying beneath the waters. Structures and street layouts may still be visible.
• Hazards: Be cautious of submerged debris and potential entanglement hazards.

7. Dickinson’s Landing Church #

• Location: N 44.59.40 W 74.54.4, Dickinson’s Landing, Ontario, Canada
• Depth: Varies
• Type: Submerged church site
• Access: Best accessed by boat; shore entry is possible depending on water levels.
• Marine Life: Typical freshwater species; the area around the church may attract various fish due to the structure.
• Visibility: Moderate to good; visibility may improve with depth.
• Special Features:
  • The church site at Dickinson’s Landing offers a poignant dive, with remnants of the building providing a stark reminder of the communities lost to the Seaway project.
• Hazards: Structural collapse and debris present risks; exercise caution when navigating around the site.

Common Marine Life in the Sunken Villages #

1. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

   • Habitat: Often found around submerged structures, such as the foundations of buildings, old roadways, and race tracks. They use these areas for shelter and as hunting grounds.
   • Behavior: Smallmouth bass are aggressive predators, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates. They are commonly seen by divers in these areas.

2. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

   • Habitat: Largemouth bass are typically found in areas with vegetation, which may be limited in the sunken villages but still present around the peripheries of submerged structures.
   • Behavior: These bass are known for their solitary nature and can be found patrolling the waters near submerged objects.

3. Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

   • Habitat: Pike prefer cooler waters and are often found lurking near submerged trees, roads, or structures where they can ambush prey.
   • Behavior: As ambush predators, they are less commonly seen in open areas but are often spotted near the shadowy areas created by submerged buildings or other structures.

4. Walleye (Sander vitreus)

   • Habitat: Walleye prefer deeper waters and may be found in the deeper parts of the submerged villages, especially around the bases of submerged silos or deeper road sections.
   • Behavior: Walleye are more active during dawn and dusk, and they feed on smaller fish and invertebrates.

5. Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

   • Habitat: Yellow perch are abundant in many areas of the St. Lawrence River and are often found in schools near submerged structures where they feed on smaller organisms.
   • Behavior: They are known for their schooling behavior and can often be seen in large groups near the submerged buildings and roads.

6. Catfish (Family: Ictaluridae)

   • Habitat: Various species of catfish, including channel catfish and brown bullhead, thrive in the muddy and silty areas near the submerged sites.
   • Behavior: These bottom dwellers are often found in deeper, darker areas of the submerged sites, scavenging for food.

7. Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)

   • Habitat: Freshwater drum can be found in the open areas near submerged structures where the bottom is softer. They are adaptable and can live in a variety of conditions.
   • Behavior: Known for their drumming sound, these fish are omnivorous and are often found rooting around the bottom for food.

8. Goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

   • Habitat: An invasive species, gobies are often found near the structures of the sunken villages, where they compete with native species for food and habitat.
   • Behavior: Gobies are small, bottom-dwelling fish that are often seen in and around crevices and small spaces in submerged structures.

9. Sturgeon (Acipenseridae family)

   • Habitat: Occasionally, sturgeon may be found in the deeper, more tranquil parts of the submerged villages. These ancient fish prefer deeper waters and are often found near the bottoms of the submerged riverbed.
   • Behavior: Sturgeon are bottom feeders, often found near the riverbed searching for food.

10. Crayfish (Family: Cambaridae)

    • Habitat: Crayfish thrive in areas with rocky or structured bottoms, making the submerged village ruins an ideal habitat.
    • Behavior: These small crustaceans are often found scuttling along the bottom and are a key food source for many of the fish in the area.

Aquatic Vegetation #

Although the primary focus of the sunken villages is on the structures, some aquatic vegetation may be present around the periphery of these sites:

• Submerged Plants: Such as coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) and pondweed (Potamogeton species), which provide habitat for smaller fish and invertebrates.
• Algae: Algal growth on submerged structures is common, providing food for smaller organisms and contributing to the ecosystem.

Additional Notes #

The submerged structures provide shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding areas for many of these species, making these sites ecologically significant. However, the biodiversity can vary depending on the specific site, depth, and water conditions, such as temperature and visibility.

If you plan to explore these sites, keep an eye out for the diverse marine life that has made the Sunken Villages their home. Respect the underwater environment by avoiding disturbance to the wildlife and the historical remnants.

References & Links #

1. St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences

   • The St. Lawrence River Institute provides detailed studies on the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River, including its fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.
   • Link: St. Lawrence River Institute

2. Fish Species of the Great Lakes

   • The Great Lakes region, including the St. Lawrence River, is home to a variety of fish species. This resource provides comprehensive information on the different species found in these waters.
   • Link: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

3. Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program

   • This program discusses invasive species such as gobies that are found in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, offering insight into their impact on native species and ecosystems.
   • Link: Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program

4. The St. Lawrence Seaway – An Ecological and Historical Overview

   • This resource provides an overview of the St. Lawrence Seaway, including the history of the Sunken Villages and the ecological impact of the seaway’s creation on local wildlife.
   • Link: St. Lawrence Seaway Overview

5. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Aquatic Birds of the St. Lawrence River

   • While primarily focused on bird species, this resource provides useful context on the aquatic environments of the St. Lawrence River, where various fish and other marine species thrive.
   • Link: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

6. Canadian Geographic – The St. Lawrence River: A National Treasure

   • This article from Canadian Geographic provides an in-depth look at the St. Lawrence River, its history, and its ecological significance, including details about the fish species found in the river.
   • Link: Canadian Geographic

7. NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

   • NOAA’s research on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River provides valuable information on the aquatic ecosystems, including fish populations and environmental conditions.
   • Link: NOAA GLERL

8. Dive Brockville Adventure Centre – Diving in the St. Lawrence

   • This dive shop provides information on diving in the St. Lawrence River, including the Sunken Villages and other popular dive sites, along with the marine life you can expect to see.
   • Link: Dive Brockville Adventure Centre