Centre de Plongée du Bas St-Laurent (english)

The most popular dive sites of our area

Wreck of the Empress of Ireland (Sainte-Luce-sur-Mer)

Click to enlarge

The most famous dive site of our area! The Empress of Ireland was a Canadian Pacific ocean liner that sank in 1914. The Musée de la Mer de Pointe-au-Père dedicates a major permanent exhibit to this 172 meter (569 ft) giant that lies offshore of Sainte-Luce-sur-Mer.

For more informations: Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père

Type of dive and access:	Wreck, deep (boat)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	110 / 145
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	B (top section) or C (rest) ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class B diver : the dive may be made at any time ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 30 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; Class C diver : the dive may be made at any time ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 40 metres and comply with no-decompression limits. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Strong currents, dark, unstable structure, entanglement, cold, narcosis, low visibility

Wreck of the Germanicus (Île Biquette, Parc du Bic)

Click to enlarge

The Germanicus, a 2623 ton British vessel, sunk in 1919 a few meters from the Northwest Reef near Biquette Island. Although it has been damaged by artifact hunters, the boilers, screw and anchor remain intact and are impressive sights. Divers are often greeted by the local residents; seals from the colonies around the Bic and Biquette Islands.

Type of dive and access:	Wreck (boat)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	55 / 75
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	B ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class B diver : the dive may be made at any time ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 30 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Strong currents, cold, it is extremely important to select the adequate period during the tidal cycle for this dive

Wreck of the Nipigon

Click to enlarge

Under the leadership of the RAEQ (Récifs Artificiels de l'Estuaire du Québec), the former HMCS Nipigon was sunk on July 26th, 2003 off Sainte-Luce-sur-Mer. This 113 meter vessel which rests in 30 m (100 ft) of water is now a first rate dive site.

For more informations: RAEQ (french only)

Type of dive and access:	Wreck, deep (boat)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	90 / 120
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	B (structure) or C (penetration) ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class B diver : the dive may be made at any time ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 30 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; Class C diver : the dive may be made at any time ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 40 metres and comply with no-decompression limits. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Strong currents, dark, entanglement, cold, narcosis, low visibility

The wreck at Cap-Chat

Click to enlarge

Located near the Cap-Chat fishing port, this old barge has been damaged by ice and storms since it went down, but it is still a nice dive site.

Type of dive and access:	Wreck (shore)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	15 / 25
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	A ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class A diver : the dive must be made during daytime ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; the dive site must have markers allowing the diver to find his bearings ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 18 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Cold, reduced visibility, hazardous access in rocks

Les Escoumins

Click to enlarge

Located on the North shore of the St.Lawrence, the exceptional dive sites of Les Escoumins are easily reached by the fast catamaran ferry that leaves from Rimouski several times a day. The marine life in this sector of the Saguenay St.Lawrence Marine Park is very abundant and colorful. Divers can also visit the wreck of the Bergeronnes Trader, a small 75-ton freighter that went down in 1936.

For more informations: Fast catamaran ferry (frensh only)

The Pointe-au-Père wharf

Click to enlarge

This site is only minutes away from Rimouski. The old wharf is now a rock jetty and provides nice sights both above the surface and underwater. Winter diving is also possible when the area is ice-free.

Type of dive and access:	Jetty (shore)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	20 / 30
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	A ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class A diver : the dive must be made during daytime ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; the dive site must have markers allowing the diver to find his bearings ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 18 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Cold, potentially unstable rocks, select side that is protected, varies with weather

Les Méchins (1st site)

Click to enlarge

The site known as Les Îlets is located a little east of Matane. It is one of the most visited sites of our area. Dives are done on the northern side of the small islands. Marine life is abundant and typical of the Gaspé Peninsula.

Type of dive and access:	Reef (shore)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	20 / 35
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	A ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class A diver : the dive must be made during daytime ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; the dive site must have markers allowing the diver to find his bearings ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 18 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Cold, current, distance from shore, avoid falling tide, limited public access

Les Méchins (2nd site)

Click to enlarge

This reef is accessible only by boat. It is about 300 meters from the first reef near the shore. You'll find a very rich fauna but be aware that curent may be very strong during lowering tide.

Type of dive and access:	Reef (boat)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	65 / 100
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	B ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class B diver : the dive may be made at any time ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 30 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Cold, current, ebb tide must be avoided

Rivers and lakes

Click to enlarge

The Rimouski area offers many freshwater diving opportunities. Many lakes have dropoffs and deep walls that are sought after by divers. Rivers, including the Rimouski River, can also be visited by divers

Type of dive and access:	Petit Lac Macpès: Lake, deep (shore)
Depth avg./max. (ft.):	55 / 105
Minimal qualification level (Quebec):	A ?
1. The levels of qualification for a diver are : Class A, Class B and Class C. The holder of a certificate may practise recreational underwater diving using compressed breathing gas on the following conditions in accordance with his level of qualification : Class A diver : the dive must be made during daytime ; the dive site must allow direct access to the surface ; the dive site must have markers allowing the diver to find his bearings ; and the dive must not exceed a depth of 18 metres and comply with no-decompression limits ; (M.O. 2002-01, s. 1.) 2. Notwithstanding section 1, a Class A diver may make an underwater dive in the same conditions as a Class B diver provided that a Class C diver holding a Divemaster certificate referred to in paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 accompanies him or that the dive is supervised by the holder of an instructor certificate. The holder of a Class A, B or C diver certificate who also holds a certificate referred to in Schedule 1 may also make specialty dives as stipulated on the certificate. (M.O. 2002-01, s. 2.) Refer to the full text for details. The FQAS also has important informations.
Site-specific risks:	Cold, visibility sometimes severely limited below thermocline, private access

Ice diving

Click to enlarge

Ice diving is popular during winter on our lakes.