Snorkeling is a fun water activity that many people adore. Because it’s simple to do, anyone can take part in it. The amazing experience one gains from this sport makes it a must-do activity at least once a year.
But not every destination offers a chance to enjoy snorkeling like Canada. This country offers various underwater sights and experiences you’ll always remember. Here, you’ll be able to find unique and captivating spots that are guaranteed to take your breath away.
You can expect to discover wrecks underwater or swim with whales and seals. For these reasons, there’s no doubt that Canada should be at the top of your travel list. So, before putting on your mask and going underwater, you must know where to start. Hence, below is a beginner’s guide to snorkeling in Canada.
Reasons For Snorkeling In Canada
Canada takes pride in having numerous lakes and rivers. These bodies of water, located near the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, offer plenty of spots to snorkel. However, all these options could be confusing if you’re a beginner.
The good news is that you can take advantage of the best Molokini snorkeling tours offered by travel companies to maximize your time in Canada. Here, you’ll work with professionals who know the best spots and times to get great visibility. You’ll also enjoy meals while on the tour of your choice.
What makes Canada stand out are the hidden gems to discover when enjoying this water activity. You’ll be able to see limestone formations and a huge variety of aquatic life. You can also anticipate seeing whales, one type of marine life in Canada.
Would you be interested in snorkeling with whales? If you love these gentle giants, this country can allow you to see them up close. However, whales aren’t the only marine life to admire. You can also watch their vibrant coral reefs throughout your explorations.
Best Places To Snorkel In Canada
Since snorkeling is a popular water sport in Canada, you can find the best locations to practice it there. You’ll also have a chance to explore different underwater terrain and sea life while snorkeling. So, when visiting and hoping to dive in, below are all the spots to consider.
Barkley Sound: The clear waters in this location are filled with species such as wolf eels, sea lions, and harbor seals. All these species make this spot burst with intense primary colors. The beautiful sights in Barkley Sound make every photographer’s dream come true.
Quebec: It has several snorkeling sites that are open to everyone. This place has a unique and cold environment that results in thriving marine life. Here, you can snorkel with seals amongst other marine life.
Nova Scotia: Although the waters in Nova Scotia can be cold, its beauty is incomparable to other places. Its clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling and enjoying marine life. There are three main spots to snorkel in Nova Scotia: Polly’s Cove, Clam Pond, and Cranberry Cove. You’ll find schools of mackerel, crabs, lobsters, and sea perches in these three locations.
Fathom Five: Located in Ontario, this spot has large lakes that host all kinds of sea life. Its popularity stems from the shipwrecks that lie underwater. Due to the water’s cold temperature, these wrecks have been well preserved, making them a sight to behold.
Churchill River: Because it’s connected to the sea, it’s teeming with a wide range of aquatic life. A favorite marine life that attracts snorkelers here is the friendly beluga whale. These beautiful creatures swim in this river and call each other underwater. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you can enjoy every year.
Kingston: This location is an hour’s drive from Brockville. The wrecks you’ll see here are situated at a greater depth and are well preserved. If you visit on a clear day, these wrecks appear to rise from the bottom.
Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Snorkeling
For a great experience snorkeling in Canada, below are some tips to consider;
- When choosing your gear, ensure that they’re the right fit. Nothing is worse than realizing your equipment doesn’t have the key pieces needed to work well.
- For your mask, consider finding one with high-grade silicon that’s both soft and holds the seal comfortably. It should also come with tempered safety glass that lasts longer and is less foggy.
- To be sure, consider testing your gear in a pool or lake. Testing it ensures that you get comfortable using it. It would help if you considered taking additional lessons to get your muscles used to using your gear.
- When snorkeling, consider joining a group. Having other people around ensures you’ll have help if something happens. Snorkeling is also more fun when done with friends.
- Coverup! The advantage of covering up can’t be stressed enough. Because you’ll be in the water for extended periods, having a wet suit ensures you won’t suffer from sunburn. You’ll also enjoy thermal protection in colder environments, making staying in the water for long periods easier.
Bottom Line
Even in the cold, you can still snorkel in Canada at some of the best locations. But before visiting, ensure you’re well informed about the temperatures and conditions of the waters. Knowing the probable risks will guarantee your safety and improve your snorkeling experience. So, have fun and be careful!