Manitoba Underwater Council

DIVE SITE MAP
BLUE (FLAVUS) LAKE
AND
GORDON LAKE
ONTARIO

The Manitoba Underwater Council suggests that on the day of the planned dive, both the site and diving conditions be adequately assessed and diving should take place only if these conditions are acceptable.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable dive, the council also suggests that the diver observe the following precautions:

Always mark your dive site with a diver down flag.
Be alert for boat traffic when surfacing and snorkelling.
Never dive alone and always do a buddy check before descending.
After a long snorkel, rest at the surface prior to descent.
Do not dive beyond your comfort zone.
Watch depth and bottom time carefully.

Finally, practice good buoyancy control. Much of the bottom the lake is silty. Bottom floundering can drastically reduce visibility creating a hazard for you and for those following. The information provided in this brochure is intended as a guide. Although we have attempted to advise the diver of any hazards, some hazards may exist of which we are unaware. It is the divers responsibility to obtain further information where available.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Call Operator - ask for ZENITH 50,000 Contact O.P.P. (in Ontario) or the R.C.M.P. (in Manitoba) and state the following:

"This is a diving emergency"

DIVEPAC is a service provided by the Manitoba Underwater Council with financial assistance from Sport Manitoba and Manitoba Lotteries

This pamphlet has been prepared by:

K.V. Ticknor
D.G. Hartrick
A.H. Kerr

Acknowledgements

H.N. Mackling
Z. Ondracek
R.A. Bartmanovich

October 1991

Converted to HTML by:

Sean Ennis

Gordon Lake

Gordon Lake is located north of Highway 17 some 32 km west of Vermilion Bay and about 40 km east of the junctions of Highways 71 and 17. The turn off is clearly marked and the gravel road to the camping area, approximately 9.5 km away, is generally in good condition. The camping area is basic. Some areas have been levelled and are suitable for larger RV's. A boat launch is maintained and two separate small beaches provide ideal swimming areas. Outhouses are in place but no other facilities are to be found. Bring all necessities including drinking water. Dive sites on Big Gordon are only accessible by boat.

Site A
The Big Island is located about 1/2 of the way across the lake towards the southeast from the campground. Three distinct dives are recommended from the Big Island.

The Southwest Side -
This site is primarily shelves and ledges with some smooth gently sloping rock bottom. Primarily a shallow site (< 40 feet) it is reputed to be an excellent night dive. The rock ledges on shore provide a convenient staging area.

The Southeast Side -
Similar to the Southwest Side.

The North Side -
An interesting wall is found towards the west end of the site. It is well marked above the waterline by the sheer cliff face rising from the water. Many large boulders add to the underwater relief and provide hiding places for suckers and larger perch. Small perch are generally abundant. A great variety of dive profiles can be planned as depths in excess of 80 feet are readily attainable.

Site B
A reef extends from the point on the western mainland towards the Big Island. This is a relatively shallow dive that offers a flat rocky bottom for those interested in seeking out smaller freshwater creatures.

Site C
A rocky point extending below the waterline provides protection to a small harbour perfect for small boats. The shelf above the waterline makes an ideal staging area for diving along this stretch of shoreline. Interesting diving in either direction from this starting point. Numerous perch, sloping walls and some boulders.

Site D
Large boulders form swim-throughs and recesses at depth. A steep cliff face above the waterline marks this site as does the large amount of rock rubble poking above the lake surface below the cliff. While not an extensive site, the boulders are impressive and make this dive a necessity. Large numbers of perch are common above the thermocline and lake trout have been sighted below the thermocline.

Site E
This site lies to the north of the above site and is also marked by a sheer cliff face above the waterline. This is primarily a wall dive.

Site F
The Little Island
This island is small enough to be circumnavigated in a single dive. The prominent geological feature of this site is a series of ledges dropping off on the south side. The west side tends to be shallow, with a sandy bottom. This dive site is best as a shallow second dive or perhaps a night dive. Approach with caution as there are many rocks at the waterline.

Site G
A series of ledges quickly leads the diver to depths in excess of 80 feet - watch your depth gauge and buoyancy control. Similar dive profiles can be found in several spots along this unassuming shoreline. The lack of distinct features on shore makes the exact site difficult to pinpoint.

Blue Lake

Blue (or Flavus) Lake is located adjacent to the Blue Lake Provincial Park campground some 9 km northeast of Vermilion Bay, on Highway 647. The campground has all the amenities, including electrical hook-ups and showers. A boat launch, beach and hiking trails plus a store with canoe and boat rentals are all within minutes of any campsite. The lake is typified by clear water providing visibility ranging from 15 - 30 feet depending on the time of summer and weather conditions. The eastern shore is marked by a sandy bottom adjacent to the beach area and silty bottom along the rocky shoreline. The bottom contour is gently sloping and depths greater than 20 feet can only be attained by relatively lengthy excursions from shore. However, muskies can be found in the shallow weed beds right off the beach and make for interesting viewing. Bass are frequently sighted in the rocky areas to the north of the beach. The dive sites offering more variation in dive profile are located on the west side of the lake, making a boat necessary for access.

Site A
Directly opposite the beach, and across the lake, this site is marked by a rock face on the south side of the entrance to a small bay. The maximum depth here is about 35 feet, making this an excellent choice for a night dive. This area is home to numerable bass and crayfish. Rock walls and occasional boulders make up the underwater landscape.

Site B
An extensive reef lies some 100 m off the western shore and runs parallel to it. The reef can be accessed from Site A by taking a bearing on the store across the lake while under the cliff face at the north end of the site. Proceed on this bearing either on the surface or beneath for about 100m. If you exceed a depth of 40 feet, you have missed the reef. The reef is marked by a large expanse of intact rock and a considerable number of boulders. At one point the reef comes to within 5 feet of the surface. Again, this site is home to many bass and crayfish.

Site C
This site offers more variety in dive profiles as depths in excess of 50-60 feet can be attained without venturing over expanses of silt. However, Blue Lake is somewhat unique in that the visibility and clarity of the water decreases below the thermocline. A type of algae thrives in this environment making for somewhat soupy diving conditions. This site lies to the south of the previous two sites. The south end of the site can be located from the beach by the campground by taking a bearing on a white rock that is quite visible at the waterline. However, this makes a good staging area. Interesting diving can be found over a fairly extensive area to the north of this entry point. Again, bass are the dominant fish species. Short rock walls and boulders make an interesting profile for the dive.

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