LORD STRATHCONA - Newfoundland

The Lord Strathcona wreck isn't just a dive, it's a cold-water history lesson. We're talking a proper steamship, torpedoed in 1942 right off Wabana, now sitting upright at 40 metres. That’s deep, and the water is *cold*, so a drysuit and good thermal protection are non-negotiable here. Dropping down, the sheer scale of the Strathcona hits you. It’s a big ship, well-preserved by the chill, and the holds are surprisingly open to exploration if you've got the wreck certs and a good guide. We love poking around the bow, where the torpedo impact is still evident – a visceral reminder of its fate. Our favourite part has to be the mast, often bristling with anemones and the occasional large cod, slowly disappearing into the gloom above. Visibility can be excellent on a calm day, 20 metres isn't uncommon, letting you appreciate the full length of the deck. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate maritime history and aren’t fazed by the deep and the cold.

Location
Newfoundland, Canada, North America
Coordinates
47.587500, -52.960000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Marine Protected Area: Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Newfoundland

The warmest water temperatures in Newfoundland occur in August, averaging 15.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 0.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 2.3°C
  • February: 1.1°C
  • March: 0.3°C
  • April: 1.3°C
  • May: 3.9°C
  • June: 7.3°C
  • July: 12.4°C
  • August: 15.9°C
  • September: 14.6°C
  • October: 11.9°C
  • November: 8.0°C
  • December: 4.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Newfoundland

Nearest Dive Centres to LORD STRATHCONA

Marine Life in Newfoundland

Home to 72 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 13 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 5 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 soft corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for LORD STRATHCONA

Based on average water temperature of 7.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Drysuit - water at 7°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories