Diving the Ottawa River

[rexy1979]

Does anyone know what the conditions for the Ottawa are like. Or would this dive be a waste of time. Also, what about different locations on the river, north or south. Thanks.

 

[Under Michael]

Does anyone know what the conditions for the Ottawa are like. Or would this dive be a waste of time. Also, what about different locations on the river, north or south. Thanks.

I can tell you that in Ottawa West it would be comparable to diving in a cup of Red Rose tea, a nice brownish orange colour but I wouldn't dare drink any. Vis was 8" to 36" when I tried it out last year. Some people scrounge for bottles near Arnprior and there is a wreck or two close to the Hill. I understand it's very dark and you better have a good light. Good luck and let us know if you find anything interesting.
Michael

 

[DI_Guy]

I agree with Michael about the Red Rose Tea comment. The Ottawa River is a tad murky at best, near Ottawa. I live near the river and used to canoe alot on it. I always noticed a water line stain on the canoe each time I canoe'd there. (kind of like a ring around the bathtub). It is better if you go way up river.

 

[artw]

waterline stain, hmm, no thanks. I'll stick to the Other River

 

[electric_diver]

Diving in the Ottawa river is a night dive for all depths > 30 feet.

Years ago I dove in the Ottawa river cleanup. There were some really cool castle-like formations of sunken logs.

I have done several dives at the Ottawa rowing club. There are two wrecks there and a station wagon. The rowers lose lots of stuff like tools and watches so there is plenty to find.

 

[Spare-air]

Every thing everbody has said is true. The Ottawa was used for so long as a logging river that water does have the "Red Rose" color to it.
This is a river you dive with a buddy line attached......or you could hold hands if you and your buddy are "close"......hahaha