Top 9 Most Fascinating Shipwrecks in Ontario
- Colton C
- 18 hours ago
- 7 min read
Beneath the shimmering surfaces of the Great Lakes lies a silent, submerged museum. Ontario is home to an estimated 4,000 to 10,000 sunken vessels, making it one of the world's premier destinations for maritime history enthusiasts. From the skeletal remains of 19th-century schooners to massive 20th-century steel freighters, shipwrecks in Ontario offer a hauntingly beautiful window into the past.
Whether you are a professional technical diver or a curious traveler looking through a glass-bottom boat, these underwater time capsules tell stories of bravery, tragedy, and the unrelenting power of nature.
Why There Are So Many Shipwrecks in Ontario
The sheer number of shipwrecks in Ontario is no coincidence. For centuries, the Great Lakes served as the primary "highways" for North American industry. However, these inland seas are notoriously temperamental.
The Fury of the Inland Seas
Sudden, violent storms—often called "November Gales"—can whip up waves that rival those of the Atlantic Ocean. Combined with freezing temperatures and dense fog, these conditions have sent thousands of ships to the bottom.
Dangerous Navigation
The Ontario coastline is riddled with hidden dangers. Narrow channels, shifting sandbars, and jagged limestone shoals, particularly around the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island, have claimed countless hulls.
Traffic and Technology
During the 1800s and early 1900s, the Great Lakes were some of the busiest waterways on Earth. Before the advent of modern GPS and advanced radar, collisions in congested shipping lanes were a frequent and often fatal occurrence.
The Most Legendary Shipwrecks in Ontario
To help you plan your next adventure, we have curated a list of the most iconic and historically significant shipwrecks across the province.
1. SS Edmund Fitzgerald (Lake Superior)
Perhaps the most famous shipwreck in Ontario, the "Big Fitz" remains an enduring symbol of the Great Lakes’ power. Sinking on November 10, 1975, during a catastrophic storm, the 729-foot freighter took all 29 crew members with her.
Location: Lake Superior, approximately 15 miles from Whitefish Point (in Canadian waters).
The Wreck: She lies in 530 feet of water, broken into two massive sections.
How to Experience: Due to its depth and status as a gravesite, diving is restricted. Most visitors experience the history through the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum or by visiting the memorial at Whitefish Point.
2. Sweepstakes (Tobermory)
If you’ve seen a photo of a shipwreck in Ontario, it was likely the Sweepstakes. This 119-foot schooner sank in 1885 after hitting a rock near Cove Island. She was towed into Big Tub Harbour for repairs but sank before they could begin.
Location: Fathom Five National Marine Park, Tobermory.
The Wreck: Sitting in just 20 feet of water, the hull is remarkably intact.
How to Experience: This is one of the best underwater shipwrecks Ontario has for non-divers. You can see it clearly via glass-bottom boat tours or by snorkeling.
3. SS Kamloops (Lake Superior)
The SS Kamloops is a mystery wrapped in a tragedy. She disappeared in 1927 during a December blizzard and wasn't found for 50 years. When she was finally discovered, the ship was found sitting upright and nearly perfect in the frigid, deep waters of Lake Superior.
Location: Isle Royale area, Lake Superior.
The Wreck: A deep dive (175–260 feet) that is reserved for highly experienced technical divers.
How to Experience: Only accessible via charter for advanced divers, though many maritime historians study her via remote-operated vehicle (ROV) footage.
4. City of Grand Rapids (Tobermory)
A victim of fire rather than a storm, the City of Grand Rapids was a passenger steamer that caught flame while docked in 1907. To save the wharf, she was towed out into the bay, where she burned to the waterline.
Location: Big Tub Harbour, Tobermory.
The Wreck: She lies just a few meters away from the Sweepstakes.
How to Experience: Because she rests in such shallow water (less than 15 feet), she is the premier site for shipwreck diving in Ontario for beginners and snorkelers.
5. The Atlantic (Lake Erie)
Lake Erie's shallow waters are prone to sudden, steep waves, but the Atlantic fell victim to a collision in 1852. Hundreds of passengers were on board when the steamer collided with the Ogdensburg in the dead of night.
Location: Near Long Point, Lake Erie.
The Wreck: She rests at a depth of 150 feet.
How to Experience: Known as a "technical" dive, the Atlantic is famous for its preservation, with many artifacts still visible on the deck.
6. Inkerman (Lake Superior)
The Inkerman is a "ghost ship" in every sense. In 1918, two French minesweepers, the Inkerman and the Cerisoles, vanished during their maiden voyage across Lake Superior. Despite over a century of searching, neither has been found.
Location: Somewhere in the depths of Lake Superior.
The Mystery: These represent some of the most sought-after Great Lakes shipwrecks Ontario explorers are still hunting for today.
How to Experience: Visit the local museums in Sault Ste. Marie to learn about the ongoing search for these "lost minesweepers."
7. SS Emperor (Lake Superior)
The Emperor was a massive 525-foot ore carrier that ran aground on Canoe Rocks in 1947. The ship broke in two, with the bow in shallow water and the stern plunging deep into the lake.
Location: Isle Royale / Lake Superior.
The Wreck: Depths range from 25 to 175 feet.
How to Experience: It is one of the most popular shipwreck diving sites in Ontario for those visiting the north. The stern is particularly well-preserved, featuring the engine room and cabins.
8. W.L. Wetmore (Tobermory)
Sinking in 1901 during a storm, the W.L. Wetmore is a fantastic example of a wooden steamer. Her massive boiler and anchor are still clearly visible, along with a huge wooden propeller.
Location: Near Russ Island, Tobermory.
The Wreck: Rests in about 25 feet of water.
How to Experience: This is a favorite for scuba divers of all levels and snorkelers due to the amount of recognizable machinery on the lakebed.
9. Niagara II (Tobermory)
Unlike the others, the Niagara II didn't sink by accident. She was scuttled (intentionally sunk) in 1999 by the Tobermory Maritime Association to create an artificial reef and dive site.
Location: Near Little Cove, Georgian Bay.
The Wreck: Sitting upright in 100 feet of water.
How to Experience: This is a "must-do" for certified divers. You can swim through the wheelhouse and explore the decks of a fully intact steel ship.
Best Places to See Shipwrecks in Ontario
If you are planning a trip specifically to see these maritime wonders, three regions stand out as the "golden triangles" of Ontario shipwreck exploration.
Tobermory & Fathom Five National Marine Park
Known as the "Shipwreck Capital of Canada," Tobermory is the most accessible spot. Fathom Five National Marine Park protects 22 shipwrecks. The water here is world-famous for its "Caribbean-like" clarity, though it remains quite cold year-round.
Lake Superior (The North Shore)
For those seeking a more rugged experience, Lake Superior offers the most haunting wrecks. Because the water is so cold and lacks certain wood-eating organisms, ships here are often preserved in a near-perfect state, looking as they did the day they sank.
Lake Erie & Long Point
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, which means its wrecks are often warmer to dive. The area around Long Point is often called the "Graveyard of Lake Erie" due to the high concentration of 19th-century sailing vessels found there.
Can You Visit Shipwrecks in Ontario?
Yes, but the "how" depends on your comfort level with the water. Ontario's wrecks are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act, meaning they are effectively underwater museums.
Non-Swimmers: Glass-bottom boat tours in Tobermory offer a perfect view of the Sweepstakes and City of Grand Rapids.
Snorkelers: Many shallow-water wrecks (under 20 feet) are easily accessible from a boat or, in some rare cases, the shore.
Scuba Divers: For the majority of underwater shipwrecks Ontario has to offer, scuba gear is required. Divers must register with local authorities (like Parks Canada in Tobermory) before heading out.
Shipwreck Diving in Ontario: What to Expect
Shipwreck diving in Ontario is a unique experience that differs significantly from tropical diving.
Cold Water: Even in mid-summer, temperatures below the thermocline can drop to 4°C (39°F). High-quality 7mm wetsuits or drysuits are standard.
Visibility: It can range from 10 feet to over 100 feet depending on the lake and recent weather.
Certifications: While some wrecks are beginner-friendly, many of the most famous sites require Advanced Open Water or Technical certifications due to depth and overhead environments.
Charters: Most divers use professional charters like Divers Den to reach offshore sites safely.
Tips for Exploring Shipwrecks Safely
Respect the "No Touch" Rule: It is illegal to remove any artifacts—even a small nail—from a shipwreck in Ontario. These are protected heritage sites.
Check the Weather: The Great Lakes can turn dangerous in minutes. Always check marine forecasts before heading out.
Dive with a Guide: If you are new to cold-water or wreck diving, hiring a local guide is the best way to stay safe and see the most interesting parts of the site.
Wear Proper Gear: Thermal protection is non-negotiable. Ensure your gear is rated for the cold.
Final Thoughts on Ontario’s Maritime History
The shipwrecks in Ontario are more than just piles of wood and steel; they are monuments to the province's growth and the people who built it. Each mast rising from the sand and each rusted engine tells a story of a different era. By exploring these sites responsibly, we ensure that the legends of the Great Lakes live on for generations to come.
FAQ: Exploring Shipwrecks in Ontario
How many shipwrecks are in Ontario?
While the exact number is unknown, experts estimate there are between 4,000 and 10,000 shipwrecks across the Canadian side of the Great Lakes, with hundreds having been discovered and mapped.
Where is the most famous shipwreck in Ontario?
The most famous is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior. However, for tourists, the most famous visible wreck is the Sweepstakes in Tobermory.
Can you see shipwrecks without diving?
Absolutely! In Tobermory, glass-bottom boat tours allow you to see two wrecks without getting wet. Many others are shallow enough for simple snorkeling.
Is Tobermory good for shipwrecks?
Tobermory is considered the best place in North America for freshwater shipwreck exploration due to the high density of wrecks in a small, protected area.
Are shipwrecks protected in Ontario?
Yes. All shipwrecks in Ontario are protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. It is a criminal offense to disturb the sites or remove artifacts.
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