HMCS Saskatchewan – Nanaimo’s Iconic Artificial Reef
The HMCS Saskatchewan (DDE 262) is one of the most famous wreck dives on the BC coast, and a signature experience for divers visiting Nanaimo. This former Mackenzie-class destroyer escort, launched in 1961, served with the Royal Canadian Navy for more than three decades before being intentionally sunk by the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia in June 1997.
Resting upright at depths of roughly 80 to 130 feet (24–40 m), the Saskatchewan has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. The hull, superstructure, and open swim-throughs are now fully colonized by plumose anemones, rockfish, lingcod, nudibranchs, and dense invertebrate life. The wreck’s solid profile, clear orientation, and dramatic bow-to-stern silhouette make it one of the most photogenic and accessible deep wrecks in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re exploring the bow, taking a run down Burma Road, navigating the exterior walkways, or hovering over the mid-ship structures, the Saskatchewan offers a blend of safe penetration routes, sweeping views, and marine biodiversity that continues to grow year after year.
Videos of the HMCS Saskatchewan
Recommended certifications and experience
The HMCS Saskatchewan is considered an advanced-level dive due to its depth, size, and the nature of wreck penetration hazards. While it is accessible to a wide range of experienced recreational divers, the best experience comes with training that prepares you for deeper profiles and limited-overhead environments.
Most divers should meet the following recommendations:
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- Advanced Open Water Diver (AOW) or equivalent: The Saskatchewan rests around 30–36 meters depending on tide, so comfort and control at depth are important.
- Recent deep-diving experience: Having a few dives in the 30 m range within the last year helps ensure you’re comfortable with buoyancy changes, gas consumption, and narcosis awareness.
- Nitrox certification (recommended): The wreck is fully diveable on air, but Nitrox 28–32% allows for longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals, especially if you plan to explore another wreck on the same day.
Optional but beneficial:
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- Wreck Diver training
Not required for basic external tours, but helpful if you want to understand safe approaches, line use, and hazard awareness. - Good buoyancy and trim
The wreck has silt pockets and delicate growth in many areas, so stable positioning and controlled finning protect both you and the site.
- Wreck Diver training
These guidelines help ensure divers enjoy their time on the Saskatchewan safely and get the most out of this iconic West Coast artificial reef.
HMCS Saskatchewan Dive profile overview
A deep recreational wreck dive with clear navigation and lots to see. The Saskatchewan sits upright in 30–36 meters of water, with most dives starting at the mid-ship buoy so divers can go either direction when they reach the wreck.
Key highlights include:
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- Large twin bow guns covered in plumose anemones
- The bridge and upper structures with rockfish, lingcod, and schools of shiner perch and baitfish
- “Burma Road,” the diver-safe alleyway that runs the entire length of the ship.
- Open swim-throughs and plenty of photo-friendly angles
- Dense anemone growth creating bright white and orange “reef” scenery
Visibility notes:
Best clarity is usually September through March. Spring and summer vis can drop with algae blooms and the herring spawn, but you can often descend underneath the murk by 10–15 meters.
What to expect on your HMCS Saskatchewan charter
Your trip to the HMCS Saskatchewan starts aboard The Shepherd, our comfortable 35-foot dive vessel built for wreck, reef, and wall diving around Nanaimo. The Saskatchewan sits only a short ride (15-20 mins) from the harbour, so the day is relaxed and efficient while still giving you plenty of time underwater.
Onboard, you’ll find everything set up to make wreck diving straightforward:
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- Seating for up to 8 divers
- A sturdy, easy-to-climb dive ladder for re-boarding after deep or long dives
- Overhead netting for dry storage and crates under the benches for gear
- A marine head (washroom)
- Experienced local captains who know the currents, the mooring lines, and the safest entry and exit points on the wreck
Most charters run on Saturday and Sunday, with weekday or private trips available if you’d like to plan something special. Once everyone is aboard, we typically head out to the Saskatchewan for the first dive, complete a surface interval on the boat, and then finish the day with a second wreck like the Rivtow Lion, or a reef dive on Clark Rock, or Snake Wall.
HMCS Saskatchewan Charter Meeting Location
Charters for the HMCS Saskatchewan depart from the Brechin Boat Launch in Nanaimo.
At the launch you’ll find:
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- Pay parking
- Public washrooms
- Easy access to the loading area
If you park along the right hand side (when looking at the ramp) you'll have a short walk to the boat with your gear.
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can park, gear up, and get settled before boarding.
Start Your Adventure
Would you like to dive the HMCS Saskatchewan? Reach out and we'll secure your charter date!
