Snorkeling the Sweepstakes shipwreck in Torbermory, ON

We kayaked from the Little Tub Harbour to the Big Tub Harbour to snorkel the Sweepstakes and the City of Grand Rapids shipwrecks. The Sweepstakes is a 36.3 m (119 ft) long, two-masted schooner, found at depths of 7 m (20 ft). The Sweepstakes was damaged off of Cove Island, then towed to Big Tub Harbour where it sank in September of 1885. The hull is still intact, with the windlass and a portion of the bow rail still in place. For both safety and conservation, penetration of the wreck is not permitted. This is one of the most popular wrecks in the park.
About 30 m (100 ft) beside the Sweepstakes is the City of Grand Rapids wreck. This ship was an elegant passenger steamer until it burned and sank in October of 1907. Its rudder and propeller are displayed at the local museum.
In the afternoon, we accessed the wreckage of four small steam tugs by foot via Bay Street. There is a walkway that descends to a wooden deck area. Here you can see Alice G, Robert K, John & Alex, and Bob Foot at a depth of 13 m (40 ft). This is a popular site for divers and snorkelers. Washrooms and parking available.
We saw tons of gobies, crayfish and beautiful smallmouth bass!

[@Ruhigengeist]

Thanks for documenting this! I just found out about this wreck on Wikipedia and figured "wow, that must a be a neat dive spot", did a quick search and found this.

[@scubamax]

Thanks! Yes, it's a really beautiful wreck and there are tons more in the area to explore! Hope you get to see it one day!

[@DiveWithMe_717]

I wanna scuba this dive.. do you have to sign up through something or can you just go and dive or swim there??

[@scubamax]

You can't access this wreck by shore so you will need a boat to get there. I think most people dive there via boat charter but it sounds like you could go there with your own boat if you want. However, you do need a permit. We just rented kayaks and jumped in for a quick swim. There are lots of glass bottom tours so you can't just dive whenever you want, you will need to verify the schedule. Based on a quick google search, this is what I found:
"During the spring and fall, the site is shared by both divers and boats. Caution and co-operation are necessary from both groups to make each visit safe and interesting. During the summer season, from the last Friday in June to the end of Labor Day weekend, the following schedule is in effect. Diving is permitted daily from 4:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. and on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The glass bottom tour boats will not enter the restricted zone during these times. Tour boats or any other vessel with valid permits may enter the restricted area from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. No diving will be permitted during these periods."
www.cruisetobermory.com/shipwrecks-of-tobermory/the-shipwreck-sweepstakes.html