Victoria (Global Adventures): British Columbia is one of the top rated diving destinations in North America. Canada’s westernmost Province has a coastline that stretches for more than 17,000 miles (27,000 kilometers), and includes deep, mountainous fjords and about six thousand islands, most of which are uninhabited.

The Coastal Mountains and the Inside Passage's many inlets provide spectacular scenery, and help the outdoor adventure and ecotourism industry to attract visitors from all over the world. British Columbia has long been enjoyed for pursuits like mountain biking, hiking and camping, rock climbing and mountaineering, hunting, fishing, and scuba diving.

The North Pacific waters are home to more than 5,000 species of invertebrates and nearly 400 species of fish, including crabs, prawns, and large octopuses. British Columbia is known for excellent wall diving, a healthy marine environment, big animal encounters, and superb wreck diving.

The 366 feet (112 meter) long HMCS Mackenzie rests on the seafloor at a depth of 90 to 106 feet (27 to 32 meter) in the Georgia Strait off Sidney, British Columbia. Launched on May 25, 1961, the 2,880 ton anti-submarine destroyer was assigned to the Pacific Fleet and served largely as a training ship. After 30 years of service, during which she visited 96 foreign ports and sailed 845,640 nautical miles, the ship was decommissioned on August 3, 1993.

The Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia purchased the HMCS Mackenzie in March 1995. After cleaning the boat, it was scuttled on September 16, 1995. Today, the ship sits on clay and rock with a 20 degree list to port.

At a depth of around 60 feet, divers can explore the bow and deck guns, superstructure, and exhaust stacks. The radar tower extends all the way up to approximately 30 feet (9 meter). A total of 5 decks with access portals cut into the ship allow divers to penetrate the boat. Many of the artifacts are still aboard the ship, so divers will always find something to explore. The former command bridge is easily accessible within recreational diving limits, and many interior rooms, stairwells, and corridors can be explored.

The wreck is in excellent condition and there is no risk of collapse. Any potentially dangerous compartments have been sealed prior to sinking. However, it is always a good idea to follow techniques used by technical divers and deploy a reel when penetrating the wreck since the structure has accumulated tons of silt over the years. Marine live has already settled in on the wreck, and divers can find Wolf Eels, different species of Rockfish, Anemones, Sea Stars, Lingcod, Cabazon’s, and Pacific Octopus. The outside of the hull is encrusted with Sponges, Tubeworms and Barnacles.

Visibility at the site is usually around 25 feet (8 meter); however, it can reach 40 feet (12 meter) during autumn and winter. Local divers have reported seeing 80 feet (24 meter) on very rare occasions. To get the best out of the trip, a good dive light is recommended.

Strong currents can occur during large ebbs, so the use of a drift line could be a good idea. Divers should check the current table for Porlier Pass and dive near the slack and always carry a signal buoy in case they get blown away.

Surface water temperatures can hit 64 degrees in the summer, and is usually around 40 – 45 degrees during the winter months. At depth, the water is always around 40 degrees.

The wreck can be found at the following coordinates: 48º 40.094' N, 123º 17.170' W.

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Stait of Georgia, BC, Canada

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