Discover underwater wonders at the best scuba diving spots around Edmonton!
Let’s be real: living in a landlocked area makes finding dive spots feel like a treasure hunt.
But fear not! After scouring the region, I’ve compiled a list of fantastic diving shops and spots that are just a drive away. From gear to guidance, these places offer everything you need to dive into the aquatic wonders.
Are you ready to discover the underwater thrills? Check out the best scuba diving spots and shops in Edmonton!
Top Dive Spots Around Edmonton
Wreck of the Gertrude
– Media from highmountainsea
Location: Emerald Bay, Waterton National Park
Distance from Edmonton: 5-hour-and-42-minute drive
Max. Depth: 60 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Emerald Bay is a favorite spot for divers looking to explore the wreck of the Gertrude, a logging boat from the early 1900s. The wreck sits about 60 feet underwater, with the bow buried in silt and the stern closer to shore.
The Gertrude was scuttled in 1918 and shifts slightly each year due to winter ice movements. Despite its age, parts of the wreck, like the boiler, shafts, and pistons, remain visible to divers.
Though much of the wood has disintegrated over time, the wreck still offers an interesting dive experience. Small fish can occasionally be spotted beneath the wreck, though marine life here is generally sparse.
Built in 1907 for a local sawmill, the Gertrude later became a restaurant before being sunk. Now, it’s one of the few remaining wrecks in Alberta, giving a unique glimpse into the region’s history.
| Pro Tips: It’s important to avoid touching the wreck, as it’s a fragile piece of local history. The water in Emerald Bay stays cold year-round, so a thick wetsuit or dry suit is essential, even in summer. An altitude-compatible dive computer is essential, and a dive flag is needed since boats are allowed in the area. |
Twin Lake
– Media from ocean_sports_
Location: County of Wetaskiwin No. 10, Alberta
Distance from Edmonton: 1-hour-and-20-minute drive
Max. Depth: 110 feet
Difficulty: Beginner
Twin Lake is a well-known training site for beginner divers, with different dive clubs offering courses here. The lake is small and easy to navigate, reaching a depth of 110 feet, though most training happens in shallower areas of 25 to 50 feet.
Most divers wear a 7 mm wetsuit, but some prefer dry suits for extra warmth. The surface temperature is about 62°F, while at depths of 40 to 50 feet, it can drop to around 38°F.
Visibility in the lake is often limited, usually between zero and 25 feet, and the bottom is silty, which can get stirred up by new divers.
For experienced divers, Twin Lake offers unique challenges, especially when it comes to navigation in low visibility. The depth and cool temperatures make it an interesting dive for divers of all skill levels.
| Pro Tip: Stick close to the marked paths to avoid stirring up silt, which can reduce visibility even more. Follow the police tape guides to reach the platform at 25 feet and find items like a small boat and typewriter along the way. |
Lake Minnewanka
– Media from dfeatherstone
Location: Banff National Park
Distance from Edmonton: 3-hour-and-56-minute drive
Max. Depth: 328 feet
Difficulty: Advanced
Lake Minnewanka offers two dive sites worth exploring. One site is the submerged town of Minnewanka Landing, usually accessible by boat, and the other is the remains of an old hydro dam, which can be accessed from shore.
The dam was built in the late 1800s and expanded over time, eventually flooding much of the townsite. Diving around the dam reveals concrete foundations and remnants from the 1912 construction.
On my last dive, I focused on the old hydro dam, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight. I found various underwater structures, including a large generating station, making it a memorable experience.
Minnewanka requires boat access for the full experience. The lake’s conditions vary greatly, with poor visibility in summer due to plankton blooms, but it clears up considerably in winter.
| Pro Tips: Ensure you have proper thermal protection when diving in these glacial lakes. A dry suit is highly recommended, but at the very least, a thick wetsuit is necessary. Familiarize yourself with altitude diving techniques, as this lake sits at high elevations, and carry a dive flag for safety if you’re close to boating areas. |
Edith Lake
– Media from mommabre85
Location: Jasper National Park
Distance from Edmonton: 4-hour-and-4-minute drive
Max. Depth: 60 feet
Difficulty: Beginner
Edith Lake is a glacial-fed lake that offers a serene setting for scuba diving, with its shallow waters and clear visibility. Visibility usually ranges between 5 and 10 meters, providing good conditions for exploration.
Parking is available nearby, but it’s about a 100-meter walk to the dock, so you’ll need to carry your gear. The lake’s stillness and limited motor activity make it a calm place to dive, with minimal disturbances from boats or swimmers.
Though the lake draws other visitors, it remains peaceful, especially for divers looking to practice or explore at their own pace. The water is generally warmer than other lakes in the area, making it a comfortable spot for both beginners and experienced divers.
| Pro Tips: The lake is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, so bring your own gear if you want to explore after diving, as there are no rentals available. In winter, it’s worth visiting for wild ice skating and cross-country skiing. Arrive early if you’re hoping to get a parking spot close to the dock, especially during summer. |
Patricia Lake
– Media from christoph_sangmeister
Location: Jasper National Park
Distance from Edmonton: 4-hour-and-14-minute drive
Max. Depth: 77.1 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Patricia Lake is well-known for its clear waters and beautiful surroundings. I learned that this serene lake was the site of a secret military project during World War II, where a prototype aircraft carrier was built using a mixture of ice and sawdust.
Reaching Patricia Lake was easy via Pyramid Lake Road, which offers stunning views. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop that feels almost surreal as you prepare to dive.
The water clarity was striking; sun rays penetrated deeply, illuminating shades of blue and green below. While aquatic life was limited to tiny insects and occasional sediment movement, the experience of gliding through the cool water was captivating.
One of the most interesting aspects of diving here is exploring the remains of the Habbakuk wreck. The prototype was a testament to an ambitious project that ultimately didn’t proceed, but its sunken remnants are a unique feature of this lake.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your depth and surroundings; the clarity can make it easy to lose track of where you are. |
Scuba Diving Shops in Edmonton
Ocean Sports
– Media from ocean_sports_
Website: https://oceansports.ca/
Address: 9833 63 Ave NW
Phone: +1 780 432 1904
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Since 1975, Ocean Sports has been a well-known dive shop in Edmonton, helping water sports enthusiasts across North America. They offer a variety of scuba gear, snorkeling equipment, waterskis, wakeboards, and kayaks for your water activities.
Ocean Sports also offers various scuba training courses, including PADI eLearning and local lake training. Their experienced instructors support beginners through certification courses and provide refresher sessions for those returning to diving.
I enjoyed their PADI Discover Scuba Experience, which introduces new divers to the underwater world in a safe way. With all the necessary equipment supplied, you just need to bring a swimsuit and a positive attitude for a fun session in the pool.
| Pro Tips: To secure your rental, pay a 50% deposit and have the balance ready at pickup. Cancel at least 72 hours in advance to avoid a one-day rental fee. Return all gear, like SUPs and kayaks, clean to prevent a $50 cleaning charge. Bring a credit card for pre-authorization, which will be cleared after you return the items in good condition. |
The Dive Outfitters
– Media from thediveoutfitters.edmonton
Website: https://thediveoutfitters.ca/
Address: 11781 156 St NW
Phone: +1 780 483 0044
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
The Dive Outfitters has been a go-to for scuba diving enthusiasts since 1975. They provide a wide range of gear, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, and snorkeling equipment.
They also offer PADI training courses, including the Discover Scuba Experience, allowing you to try diving in a safe setting. With options for dive travel and local lake training, you can build your skills and confidence before tackling more challenging sites.
What stands out about The Dive Outfitters is their commitment to eco-friendly diving practices, helping to protect the underwater environment while you explore it.
| Pro Tip: Join The Dive Outfitters’ TDO Club by taking a course to enjoy lifelong discounts on gear purchases and rentals, including 25% off masks and snorkels and 10% off nearly everything else. |
Northwest Scuba
Website: https://www.northwestscuba.com/
Address: 6815 104 St NW
Phone: +1 780 438 1218
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 4 PM
Northwest Scuba offers a range of scuba diving and snorkeling gear, training courses, and dive travel options. The experienced team provides a welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and seasoned divers, with products to fit various budgets.
Their courses cover everything from introductory programs for kids to advanced training for experienced divers, with an on-site PADI Course Director ensuring quality instruction. They’re also family-run, which adds a personal touch to the experience.
In addition to equipment, which includes regulators and wetsuits, Northwest Scuba organizes dive trips and excursions. You can also test gear in the pool before purchasing, making it easier to find what suits you best.
| Pro Tip: To protect your scuba gear, service your BCD, regulators, dive computer, and wet/dry suit once a year, and get a visual inspection for your tank each year and a hydrostatic inspection every five years. |
Scuba Gear Canada
– Media from scubagearcanada.ca
Website: https://scubagearcanada.ca/
Phone: +1 888 483 0049
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Scuba Gear Canada is a comprehensive online shop that focuses on scuba diving and snorkeling equipment.
The shop also offers diving trips and excursions for certified divers, providing opportunities to explore local dive sites with knowledgeable guides. The staff includes certified divers who can offer practical advice about the gear and upcoming trips.
In addition to scuba gear, you’ll find a selection of accessories, including wetsuits, dive lights, and fish identification books.
| Pro Tip: When you place an order of at least $150, you can benefit from free shipping, making it easier to stock up on your diving gear. |