wreck

Log This Dive

Forest City (Wreck)

Diving the Forest City is a cold water pilgrimage, plain and simple. Dropping to 45 metres, it’s a deep, dark dive in the St. Lawrence, best reserved for experienced wreck divers comfortable with limited visibility and the chill that comes with it. But for those up to the challenge, it’s an incredible piece of history. We’re talking about a wooden sidewheel steamer, sunk way back in 1857, and it’s remarkably intact. The sheer scale of the wreck hits you first. As you descend, the shape slowly materialises from the gloom – a massive hull, paddlewheels still attached, even some of the superstructure. We’ve spent dives just navigating the decks, peeking into cargo holds, imagining the life on board. It’s a silty environment, so good buoyancy is non-negotiable if you want to keep the visibility from dropping to zero. Keep an eye out for yellow perch darting in and out of the timbers, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some rainbow smelt. It’s not a coral reef by any stretch, but the way the freshwater life has claimed this relic is fascinating. Our favourite part? Finding the stern paddlewheel, surprisingly intact, a real testament to its construction. It’s a dive that demands respect but gives back a profound sense of connection to the past.