Kingston is considered by many to be in the top three scuba diving destinations in Ontario. Owing to its location where Lake Ontario empties into the St. Lawrence River, the area has enjoyed a rich maritime history since the 18th century. Consequently, the area has a high concentration of shipwrecks that are accessible to sport divers.
Diving in the Great Lakes is best in May and June when the weather (wind) is more predictable, and the visibility is at its highest (if you can stand the cold, that is). We had another sunny day, with calm winds, but frigid water temperatures of 41-43 deg F. The visibility was in the 30-40′ range.
The group decided to dive the Cornwall, a 177′ iron-hulled side-wheeler that was launched in 1855. It had a very checkered past (eg. deaths, fires, etc.), as it had sailed under three different previous names. It was later scuttled in 1928 by dynamiting after outliving its usefulness.
The wreck now sits upright in 73′ of water in the ships’ graveyard off Amherst Island. Its highlights are the two large ten-bladed 20′ diameter paddlewheels. It also has a windlass, two very large boilers, with lots of other machinery lying around. The engine though was removed prior to scuttling.
The George A. Marsh is one of (if not the) premier wreck of Kingston. Even Jacques Cousteau has dived it! When you see it’s impressive bow and sprit from the front, it looks like its going to sail on right by you. The ship was a 135′ three-masted schooner that sank in a furious storm in 1917 while carrying a cargo of coal. Twelve of the fourteen people aboard drowned, including the captain’s new wife and new baby, and five children from a previous marriage.
The ship now sits in 85′ of water, almost completely intact. The cabin is missing and the masts are down (one lies on the deck), but there is lots of things to look at- anchor, lifeboat, rigging, bowsprit and other artifacts like pottery and tools.
Tips:
We dove with Pat’s Charters, and always have. Pat is a retired teacher, a tech diver and a wreck enthusiast- and it shows. He has a great sense of humour, loves his work, and is a very attentive captain.
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