Scuba Diving in Canada

Explore Wreck Diving, Deep Diving, and Drift Diving Adventures

Discover an Underwater Wilderness with Guided Scuba Diving Tours Across Canada

Scuba diving in Canada offers an extraordinary gateway into some of the world’s most diverse underwater ecosystems, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and deep into the country's freshwater lakes. Whether you're diving among World War II wrecks in Nova Scotia or exploring artificial reefs off British Columbia's rugged coastline, scuba diving in Canada is an adventure that should not be missed.

Top Locations for Scuba Diving in Canada

Canada scuba diving adventures can be experienced in every corner of the country, from west to east and everywhere in between. The west coast of British Columbia is widely recognized as one of the top cold-water dive destinations in the world. In particular, the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound, and Porlier Pass are world-class spots for drift diving and deep diving.

Meanwhile, over on the Atlantic side, wreck diving becomes the highlight. Off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, WWII shipwrecks lie undisturbed, providing haunting and historic underwater journeys. And let’s not forget the Fathom Five National Marine Park near Tobermory, Ontario—an iconic freshwater wreck diving site on Lake Huron filled with well-preserved schooners, steamships, and tugboats.

In Alberta and central Canada, many lakes also offer excellent visibility and opportunities for open water diving. Some are accessible via backcountry roads and wilderness trails, making them ideal for adventure seekers.

Scuba Diving in Canada is a Four-Season Adventure

Although scuba diving in Canada is often enjoyed most during the fall months—when water clarity is at its peak—many regions support diving throughout much of the year. On the west coast, the mild coastal climate of British Columbia makes it possible to enjoy scuba diving year-round. Spring through fall are the most popular seasons, with guides and tours operating regularly from March through November.

Because some of the best dive sites are located in remote backcountry areas, travel to dive sites can sometimes include wilderness trekking, boating, or even floatplane travel. This added adventure enhances the Canadian dive experience for those seeking more than just the dive.

Historic Wreck Diving and Artificial Reefs

Interestingly, Canada’s underwater history isn’t limited to naturally sunken vessels. On both coasts and throughout the Great Lakes, artificial reefs have been created intentionally for the diving community. In many cases, decommissioned ships and aircraft have been cleaned and sunk specifically to enhance marine life and provide safe, stable dive sites.

At these historic dive sites, divers are given the rare opportunity to explore ghostly shipwrecks frozen in time. Many of these sites, especially in Ontario and Nova Scotia, are protected areas, and divers are encouraged to follow guidelines for low-impact exploration.

Scuba Diving Tours, Guides, and Resorts

For those new to scuba diving in Canada or visiting from abroad, guided tours are widely available and strongly recommended. Dive shops in most major coastal and lakeside communities offer rental equipment, lessons, and day trips.

Scuba diving lodges and resorts, especially on the west coast, provide multi-day adventure packages that often include lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment. These full-service operations cater to both beginners and seasoned divers, offering safety-focused excursions to Canada’s most famous underwater sites.

In addition, diving instruction centers are plentiful in larger cities across the country. Whether you’re brushing up on your deep diving technique or learning drift diving basics, Canadian instructors offer both certification courses and refreshers.

Planning Backcountry and Wilderness Dives

While guided tours are popular, experienced divers may seek out lesser-known, wilderness dive locations. These backcountry adventures often require detailed preparation and can involve reaching remote dive sites by kayak, ATV, or multi-day backpacking trips. Because of the unpredictable nature of Canadian wilderness diving, detailed maps, emergency planning, and appropriate equipment are essential.

Although these destinations are harder to reach, the rewards can be exceptional. Divers may discover crystal-clear glacier lakes, hidden rock walls teeming with aquatic life, and untouched wrecks in surprising places.

Scuba Diving Safety and Preparation Tips

Diving in cold water environments and wilderness areas requires special considerations. Here are some tips to ensure your Canadian scuba diving experience is safe and memorable:

• Dive to your abilities only and avoid pushing limits.
• Always pre-check your gear thoroughly before entering the water.
• Never dive alone; always use the buddy system.
• Stay calm and practice rational decision-making under water.
• Learn and practice universal underwater hand signals.
• Do not dive when congested or if ears/sinuses feel blocked.
• Continually improve your swimming and buoyancy skills.
• Beginners should undergo multiple lessons with certified instructors.
• Create and review a detailed dive plan with your partner or guide.
• Avoid back-to-back deep dives without proper decompression intervals.
• Stay informed about weather conditions before and during your dive.
• Know the signs and symptoms of decompression illness.
• Respect underwater heritage sites—take only pictures, leave only bubbles.
  
  

Plan and Book Your Next Scuba Diving in Canada Adventure

EH Canada Travel is your go-to resource for planning scuba diving in Canada. Whether you're interested in wreck diving the Great Lakes or deep diving off the Pacific Coast, we've got you covered with trusted tours, certified guides, and incredible Canadian dive experiences. Search our listings to find dive packages, instruction centers, and community dive shops across the country.

Discover the Wilderness and Backcountry Beneath Canada's Waters

From drift diving through tidal currents to exploring submerged forest floors, the backcountry beneath Canada’s surface is calling. Let EH Canada Travel guide your wilderness adventures below sea level. Plan now, dive deep, and experience the hidden wonders of Canada’s underwater world.