August, 2020.
Parry Sound is located on eastern shore of Georgian Bay, the northeastern arm of Lake Huron, and informally referred to as the “sixth” Great Lake. Set among the ruggedly beautiful 30,000 Islands, you’ll enjoy the scenic boat rides, and its inviting waters and shallow wrecks are suitable for new or advanced divers alike.
Due to the current restrictions on travel caused by Covid-19, I’ve been getting reacquainted with my local diving. Local Charters this year were late in getting up and running and I chose Parry Sound for several reasons, one being that it’s a relatively short drive. It also has plenty to do topside if you’re an active person after your dives -or in case your charter gets “blown out”- while maintaining social distancing. Its scenic geography of wind swept pines, granite islands, and clean blue water easily makes it one of my favorite destinations to visit, especially for paddling. And its relatively warm waters of high 60’s to low 70’s (August) and reliably decent visibility of 20-30′ makes the diving easy & relaxing.
There are 5 official dive sites (wrecks) listed on the Diver’s Nook website, but there are opportunities to visit elsewhere like Red Rock Lighthouse and the Limestone Islands (when in season). Our group of three did the Jane McCleod first because of time limitations (it’s just outside Snug Harbour).
The 117′ schooner Jane McCleod was built in 1868, and stranded in November of 1890 during a storm when the anchor cable snapped and the ship ran aground on a rocky island which now bears her name. The Captain and crew camped on the inhospitable island for five days before being rescued. Autumn storms then pounded the ship to pieces, where it eventually settled in 20-25′ of water on the south side of Jane McCleod Island. You can read the original news paper clip detailing the sinking of the Jane McCleod here.
The second wreck we dove, the Atlantic, is distinguished as one of Cris Kohl’s top “100 best Great Lakes Shipwrecks”. Originally constructed in 1880, the 147′ x 30′ x 11′ combination passenger/package freight steamer sank in November of 1903 after a fire started in the bow and was fanned by gale winds. Miraculously, all the 24 crew and 3 passengers escaped into life boats.
Much of the forward superstructure burned away, or caved in, but there is still lots of machinery left over for divers to explore: the rudder, propeller, boiler, engine, smokestack, gears, capstan and other tangled debris.
I will continue to update this post with more wrecks as I dive them!
Tips:
Tony at Diver’s Nook in Parry Sound runs the diving Charters in the area and does air fills.
If you get “blown out”, there are numerous scenic hiking trails in Parry Sound. The Rotary & Algonquin Regiment Waterfornt Fitness trail (known simply as just the “Fitness trail”) is a popular 6 km maintained trail that winds along the waterfront. This makes for a nice walk after dinner downtown. You can pick up the trail head by the Boston Pizza on Bay street near the old iron trestle bridge.
If you’re more adventurous, you can also try the North Shore Rugged trail. As its name implies, its a rugged but scenic and peaceful trail that follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay. You will need appropriate foot wear for this (I used my Keen’s), and plan for several hours as your speed will be slower. You can pick up the trail head behind the wharf at the end of Salt Dock Rd. You will see a sign post past the large Salt piles, and then a historic artists’ easel mount overlooking the Bay. Down and to the right of this at the waterline you will find the trail. At first it looked like the trail was underwater due to the high water levels but I soon noticed the well worn path. The trail is worn enough to be easily followed in most spots.
If you have more time, visit the historical and stunning French River about an hour’s drive away. At the Provincial Park visitor’s center you can read interpretive signs, look down the river from the suspension bridge, and hike the popular trail to Recollet Falls. This moderate trail took us about 45 minutes each way, and you will need appropriate foot wear.
For dinner, and beer tastings, I can easily recommend the Trestle Brewing Company. Their patio is situated right near the water with a view of the old historic iron Trestle bridge.
If you like beer tasting, try the new Norse Brewery just outside of Parry Sound. They make a traditional lager, red and dark beer that will appeal to everyone.