Canada

The world's largest octopus species is a resident of the Pacific Northwest and a major highlight for divers in British Columbia.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Prehistoric-looking but often friendly fish that inhabit the rocky crevices of the Pacific and Atlantic reefs.

Wolf Eel

Stunning, tall white anemones that cover the rocky walls and wrecks, creating a magical 'underwater forest' effect.

Plumose Anemone

Majestic whales migrate through Canadian waters and can often be seen from dive boats on both coasts.

Humpback Whale

Canada offers some of the most spectacular and diverse cold-water diving in the world, stretching from the rugged Atlantic coast of Newfoundland to the vibrant, life-filled waters of British Columbia on the Pacific. The country is world-renowned for its exceptional visibility, dramatic underwater topography, and a density of shipwrecks that is a haven for maritime history buffs. On the west coast, British Columbia's Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast offer incredible biodiversity, featuring giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, and colorful plumose anemones in nutrient-rich current-swept passages. The eastern coast, particularly Newfoundland's Bell Island, is famous for its remarkably well-preserved WWII wrecks, while the Great Lakes provide a unique freshwater diving experience with thousands of shipwrecks frozen in time. Canadian diving is supported by a highly professional infrastructure with a strong emphasis on drysuit diving and technical exploration. While the water is cold, ranging from freezing to a high of 18°C in summer, the reward is a wild and pristine underwater world that offers a deep connection to both nature and history.

Liveaboards are an excellent way to explore the more remote and spectacular diving areas of British Columbia, particularly around the northern part of Vancouver Island and the Haida Gwaii archipelago.

Fairmont Empress

Fogo Island Inn

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Canada is vast, so domestic flights are common for long distances. For regional travel, renting a car is essential to reach remote diving areas. The VIA Rail network connects major cities in the east.

Liveaboard Diving in Canada

Experience Overview

Featured Operators

Nautilus Swell

Remote Reach

Booking Advice

Where to Stay in Canada