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Underwater site · Tobermory, Ontario
Big Tub shipwrecks
19th-century shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbour, in shallow, clear water, seen from glass-bottom boats, by kayak or while diving.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Big Tub shipwrecks
The waters around Tobermory hold more than 20 shipwrecks, protected by Fathom Five National Marine Park. The lake’s cold, fresh water preserves wood well, and the clarity allows hulls to be seen from above.
In Big Tub Harbour, next to the village, are two of the best known wrecks. The schooner Sweepstakes ran aground in 1885 and lies in shallow water a few meters below the surface, with much of the hull intact. The steamship City of Grand Rapids caught fire in 1907 and sank nearby.
Glass-bottom boats pass over both wrecks en route to Flowerpot Island. They can also be seen by kayak or snorkeling, and the area is a cold-water diving destination. At the harbor mouth stands the wooden Big Tub Lighthouse, built in 1885.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour.
Best time
June to September on a sunny day, when the light makes the hulls more visible.
How to get there
From boats that depart Little Tub Harbour or via the Big Tub Road, about 2 km from downtown Tobermory.
Tip
If you plan to dive or snorkel, wear a wetsuit: the lake water is cold even in August.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Big Tub shipwrecks
Can you see Tobermory’s wrecks without diving?
Yes, from glass-bottom boats or by kayak in Big Tub Harbour.
When did the Sweepstakes sink?
In 1885, in Big Tub Harbour.
How many wrecks are around Tobermory?
More than 20, within Fathom Five National Marine Park.