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Diving in Ontario

Dive site characteristics

Types Conditions Services Planning

Diving notes

The picture on the left shows the boat ramp as well as the wharves (located at the end of the entry of the Guindon parc). The central picture shows the pavillion where you can change yourself (the left side from the wharves). The picture on the right gives you an idea of the site (located just in the front). The dive has to be done from a boat. During summer (mostly) the dive site is located by a buoy. From the marina, you will have to reach a buoy which is located 0.8km from the marina (keep direction on magnetic’s 183 °) Source: Lost Villages Historical Society The picture on the left shows an aerial view of the power house before the flooding of the region for the construction of the St.Lawrence seaway. The picture on the right shows a front view of the power house. The Power house is is a 3 levels structure. The water intake is located at 10.5 m deep. The floor is at 16.5m. The water output at 22.5m. The water current has to be taken into account during the descent and ascent. Watch lines, marine plants, the power house itself or other garbages carried by the water which can be caught in your equipment. A compass is mandatory because visibility may vary. A dive lamp is a must in order to visit the bottom. Due to boat traffic during the weekend, a dive flag is recommended. Source: Save Ontario Shipwreck

Entry points

Note: directions are accurate as possible. It is recommended to go with someone who knows the site.

Site   Depth   Characteristics  Weather To display on Google map, click on .  1- Lock 21 20m    N44 59.850 W74 53.956 Descent along the line of the buoy which leads to the 30′ deep structure. The inner lock may reach 60′ deep. Watch your air constantly (rule of thirds) and the current which may get strong sometimes. The usual traject is to follow the transversal axis North-South and the promenade (West-East). This is not a dive for beginner. Visibility may change during season as well as current which mostly vary with rain conditions and the opening of the Cornwall power dam.  2- Dam   Sheik Island dam. Informations to come.  3- Barge 45′  Near the North shore.  4- Belly Dumper 65-92′    N45 01.660 W74 50.690 A little bit more South. The barge was used during the St.Lawrence Seaway construction. Visibility is reduced.  5- Swing bridge 30-65′  Just West of Milles Roches Power House. Only old stone piliars remains.  6- Power House 35-75′  Boat access. Follow the buoy line down to the 1st level at 30′. You may go down to the 2nd level at 55′ and then to the 3rd level at 75′.  7- Control dam 60′  Access by boat, on the East side of the Power House.  8- Lock 20 75′  Dive for expert only. Located à about 1km West of Cornwall dam (Moose Saunders Power Dam).

Road directions

Approximative travel time : 1:30 hr From highway 401, take exit 778 toward Long Sault. Take the South direction on Moulinette Road up to road 2 (also known as King’s Highway). To get to Lock 21 Continue heading South direction on Moulinette Road crossing road 2 toward to Long Sault Parkway. You will have to stop and pay your entry fee (3.25 CAN$ per person; summer 2003). It is free the rest of the year. Follow the route up to the McDonnell Island (2nd island). After driven half way of the island take then the 2nd gravel road and follow toward West direction. There is a brown pavilion (yellow square on the diagram) where informations are available about the dive site and an historic tour relating the story of the Lost Villages after the construction of the St.Lawrence Seaway. The Lock is located on the South side of the island on the St.Lawrence lake (not the St.Lawrence River which is located on the other side of the islands on the American side of the border). You may park your vehicule near the shore unless indicated. Please take note that CAN-US border is located at about 100 feet from the shore (30m). To get to other sites Turn left on road 2. Follow the route 4.8km (heading East) up to Guindon Park (passed the Lost Villages Museum). From there you take a boat.

Diver’s services

Services   Address        Phone        Description  Long Sault Parkway County Road 2, Cornwall 800 437-2233 613 543-4328 site access to lock 21

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