#
DIVE TYPE: Shore Dive #
Shore Dive Report: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park (Mattawa River Dive) #
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, located on the historic Mattawa River, offers a unique and historically rich diving experience. The park lies along a significant stretch of the ancient fur trade route that was once vital to the Voyageurs and Indigenous populations. With its roots in Canadian history, this dive site not only provides an opportunity to explore underwater landscapes but also to connect with the storied past of the region.
ACCESS #
Location:
- Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, Mattawa, Ontario
- Google Maps Location: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Steps for Entry:
- Parking: Park at the boat launch within Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. This location offers easy access to the water, with ample space for unloading and gearing up.
- Gearing Up: Assemble your dive gear near the water’s edge. The boat launch provides a convenient entry point with a gradual slope into the river.
- Entry: Enter the water directly from the boat launch. The riverbed gently slopes down, making it easy to wade into deeper water for your dive.
- Dive Plan: Begin your dive by following the gentle current downstream. The river features a rocky bottom adorned with tape grass, sponges, and submerged logs that provide habitats for various fish and invertebrates. For added safety, bring a dive buoy to mark your position.
VISIBILITY #
Conditions:
- Visibility in the Mattawa River varies due to the dark, tea-colored water. Expect visibility to range from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). For the best experience, plan your dive in early summer (May-June) before plankton blooms reduce visibility.
ADDITIONAL TIPS #
Equipment:
- Dive Light: A dive light is recommended to better see and photograph underwater features and marine life, especially in the darker water.
- Wetsuit: A 7mm wetsuit is recommended for comfort, as the water can be cool, particularly at depth.
Safety:
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): Due to potential boat traffic on the Mattawa River, using an SMB is strongly advised.
- Dive with a Buddy: Always dive with a buddy to enhance safety, especially in areas with limited visibility and potential current.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT #
The Voyageurs and the Mattawa River:
- The Mattawa River has a rich history as a crucial part of the fur trade route in Canada. For over 250 years, this river served as a major highway for Indigenous populations, European explorers, and Voyageurs who transported furs and goods between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The challenging waters of the Mattawa, including its rapids and chutes, were considered some of the most difficult sections of the transcontinental fur trade route.
Logging Days:
- In the 19th century, the Mattawa River became a hub for the logging industry. Large stands of white pine were harvested and floated downriver to sawmills. While diving, you may encounter remnants of this logging era, such as submerged logs or artifacts like the peavey hook.
WHERE TO DIVE IN SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN PROVINCIAL PARK #
Entry Point:
- GPS Coordinates: 46.300374, -78.875027
- Address: 6905 Hwy 17, Mattawa, ON P0H 1V0, Canada
Diving Location:
- Dive from the boat launch and head right to explore the riverbed and its features. Don’t forget to bring a dive buoy, as the river can have boat traffic.
Google Maps Location: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Cost:
- Ontario Parks Day-Use Fee: Ranges from $6 to $21 depending on vehicle and group size.
Seasonality:
- The Mattawa region is accessible for diving as long as the rivers are not frozen. The best visibility is typically found in early summer, before plankton blooms. Winter diving is possible for those interested in ice diving, though it requires specialized gear and training.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Wikipedia: Mattawa River for more historical context on the river and its significance.
- Google Maps Location: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
- Ontario Parks: Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park for park details and current conditions.
- North Bay Scuba Club: North Bay Scuba Club
CONCLUSION #
Diving in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park provides a unique opportunity to explore the waterways that once played a pivotal role in Canada’s fur trade and logging history. While the dark, tea-colored waters of the Mattawa River may not offer crystal-clear visibility, the historical significance and intriguing underwater landscapes make it a worthwhile dive. Whether you’re navigating submerged logs or searching for hidden artifacts, this dive offers a connection to Canada’s rich past and an adventure in one of Ontario’s lesser-known dive spots.
TAGS #
- Shore Dive
- Ontario Diving
- Recreational Dive
- Historical Dive
- Freshwater Dive
- Mattawa River
