Freediving in Vancouver Canada

[amihov]

Hi to every one. I am in Vancouver and i have been looking for a good diving spot. Before i use to go to white cliff but last time the water was very muddy.
If any one knows a good spot whit clear water please let me know.
Thank you in advance.
Alex

 

[efattah]

Whytecliff can have very clear water on some days, but it is the most southerly of the prime dive spots, making it most likely to be flooded with fraser river (muddy) run off. I was there yesterday and it was extremely muddy.

About 7 minutes north is Ansell Place (Ansell Point), which often has better conditions. 20 minutes north of Whytecliff is Porteau Cove, which usually has the best visibility and most life to see. Further than that is Secret Spot, which can also be good. All of these are off the sea-to-sky highway.

 

[amihov]

Thank you for your info. I am happy to talk to people who are local and know the best spots I usually dive alone because i like the peace under water. But i will be very if we can meet one day.
Thank you again .
Alex

 

[jwd]

Just curious, but what is Deep Cove like?

I've been there several times for mountain biking and sea kayaking and it looks like a great spot.

James

 

[amihov]

Deep Cove. I haven't been there. Most of the times people are looking for a spot far away from a commercial port. Because the water will be muddy around the port.

 

[efattah]

Re: Deep cove

Apparently if you Kayak well up into Indiam Arm, you can reach amazing dive spots with amazing visibility. I'm hoping to try that this summer.

 

[jwd]

Hi Eric,

I'm rapidly starting to feel that B.C. has more than just great whitewater kayaking and mountain biking.

I'm tossing up coming over there again this August, what could I expect in terms of conditions for freediving?

James

 

[efattah]

August is the best month for diving in B.C.

The surface water in August varies from 18-22C in sheltered areas (Howe Sound, Indian Arm, Sunshine coast).

Areas exposed to the open ocean such as Northwestern Vancouver Island have surface temps of around 11 to 13C in August.

As always, the best diving is on the sunshine coast and on Vancouver Island. The best diving on the mainland is way up Indian Arm, or so I have been told.

Deep water visibility is almost always good, and at the best spots it can be 25m+. Occasionally a plankton bloom will create a green crud layer about 1-4m thick at the surface, which doesn't affect deep water visibility, but affects illumination. However, due to climate change, plankton blooms in BC in summer are becoming very rare, and the visibility in the last two summers has been extraordinary, even close to the city.

In BC the biggest factor when diving is knowing where to go. Going to a random spot can be disappointing and people will jump to the conclusion that the diving isn't good here. However BC has been rated as the best diving in the world by some magazines.

 

[amihov]

What is a good spot for diving on Vancouver island . There is many places you can go but most of them are private property and access to the shore is limited.

 

[JPPLAY]

What is a good spot for diving on Vancouver island . There is many places you can go but most of them are private property and access to the shore is limited.

I have never found this a problem. Travel along the roads close the the coast and you will find places. Why not just ask the owners if you can go onto their property? The island is rather large, where do you plan on going? Then we can maybe suggest some spots.

 

[amihov]

Maybe it was my fault i have never asked. I like Port Renfrew that is my favorite spot. It has the clearest water and it has plenty of fish .