Lock 21

After writing up so many wreck dives, we thought it high-time to post about one of the greatest Ontario shore dives:  Lock 21.

A historic plaque marks the entry point to what is essentially a set of locks that is now underwater.  Built to circumvent the rapids of Long Sault, the 270 foot long lock operated from 1885 through 1936.  Later, the area was purposefully flooded to serve as headwaters for a new Saunders hydro dam in Cornwall .  Old foundations from homes and buildings that were also along the flooded stretch of the now St. Lawrence Seaway can also be explored nearby. 

A thin dive rope will bring you out to the orange buoy that marks the descent line. The dive rope/descent line will also help you cope with the increasing darkness and current as you descend. While the max depth is about 60 feet at the base of the lock, this dive is still considered to be quite advanced due to the reduced visibility (it is VERY dark and you’ll want to bring a flashlight along with you to properly explore the area, chain wells and man-holes).  Bringing a compass is also strongly advised—it will help you keep your bearings if you get turned around in the current.  Most of the upper part of the lock begins at about 40 feet and can be found by following the dive rope.

-Kiosk at Dive site (The kiosk provides historical and important info for divers right at the site).

-Have Fins, Will Travel :
http://www.havefinswilltravel.com/lock21.shtml

(This avid diver and scuba instructor has provided a map for the dive and entry point, as well as impressions and other valuable info such as camping and driving directions).