Diving the Upper St Lawrence River

[Randy43068]

Have any of you Great Laker's dove the St. Lawrence River either on the US or Canadian side?

If so, what can you tell me about it?

I'm doing some research on a dive trip there sometime this summer.

Thanks!

Randy

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Just got back from a trip last weekend. Stayed at Caigers Resort, great place, food was outstanding. Dove with Wayne Green, nice operation.

http://www.caigers.com/

I'd recommend you wait awhile...

She's running a tad brisk this time of year. Temps were between 42 and 44 (degrees F). Current felt like somewhere between 2-3 kts, don't even try to swim upstream against it. Vis was between 30'-40' or more, but dark as hell down at 200' and deeper. The temps, current, vis all are impacted by spring thaw, run-off, etc.

Word has it that August and September are best, temps in mid 70s, vis ~100' or more, no thermocline, etc. All else being equal, I'd plan a trip in late summer to enjoy optimal conditions. It's beautiful there. Quite a large number of wrecks.

YMMV.

 

[jonnythan]

I dive there a lot. Lots of good shore diving.. if you go late in the summer, water temps get above 70.

For fun, easy dives check out the docks at Prescott, the Rothesay, and the Conestoga. For dives a little more challenging, check out Locks 21 and 23 (current), and the Gaskin (a bit of a swim).

www.northerntechdiver.com and www.saveontarioshipwrecks.on.ca are good resources.

 

[jerryn]

I was there last September. I dove with Wayne Green and got my tanks and gas from Dan Humble at Dive Tech Training. Both ran first rate outfits and I had a great time and great value. Dove the Jodry, Keystorm, America, Kings Horn and the Brockville Cliffs. Water Temp 69 degrees F, lots of current.

Jerry

 

[diverbrian]

I dove up there last year myself. The diving in Brockville is first rate. I dove the Keystorm, the America, the Gaskin, the Lillie Parsons, and the Lillie Parsons. My favorite of all of them was the Keystorm.

 

[Randy43068]

Thank you for all of the good advice and reports. As mentioned, I'm doing some research, for one of the dive clubs I belong to, about diving in the area. Late summer works pretty well with our schedule.

Thanks again!!

 

[Tavi]

I did some training dives up there last year. The Jodery, The Oconto, and the A.E. Vickery. Awesome wrecks!!
I really liked being able to dive this far north with a beanie and warm water gloves, rather than my coldwater hood and gloves!!!

 

[Randy43068]

I did some training dives up there last year. The Jodery, The Oconto, and the A.E. Vickery. Awesome wrecks!!
I really liked being able to dive this far north with a beanie and warm water gloves, rather than my coldwater hood and gloves!!!

for the info. No doubt we'll make a plan to dive up there late this summer.

Randy

 

[diverbrian]

If anyone wants to dive up there on Labor Day weekend, send me a PM. I know of a trip going out to the Keystorm and American side wrecks .

 

[Randy43068]

If we don't get our stuff together soon, I'll give you a call.