The City of Cleveland is the largest and most difficult-to-access wreck in the Tobermory area. There’s a lot to see in 30 feet of water, and plenty of time to take it all in.
The City of Cleveland was a 255-foot-long four-masted wooden steamer built in Cleveland in 1882. In 1901, she ran aground and sank near Fitzwilliam Island during a rare September snowstorm. This wreck is located a long distance from Tobermory and receives few visitors, but she is an absolute delight to dive. Photographers Paradise is how one of the dive shops describes her, and they are correct. Despite being submerged for a century, much of the wreck has survived, including the engine, boilers, propeller, massive rudder, driveshaft, and numerous small objects. The decks have been collapsed, allowing marine archaeologists to study her construction details. She would be suitable for snorkelers.
Fathom Five National Marine Park in Tobermory protects many underwater treasures and is probably Canada’s most popular diving destination. Divers travel long distances to see the underwater sights. Fathom Five National Marine Park, Canada’s first national marine park, was established in 1987 and covers 45 square miles, including 20 islands and 22 shipwrecks. Divers must pay a small fee to Parks Canada before they can enjoy everything Tobermory has to offer.
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The City of Cleveland is considered the Great Lakes’ most impressive shallow dive. While many of Tobermory’s shipwrecks are better suited for experienced divers, the City of Cleveland is a playground for divers of all skill levels. The only disadvantage is the lengthy boat ride to get there, but the long round-trip commute is worth it. The trip to the wreck and back takes four hours by boat.
The bow of the steamer is about 10 feet below the water’s surface, with its deepest point around 30 feet. The shallow dive allows for more bottom time to explore the steam engine’s massive boilers, the rudder, and the main attraction — an enormous propeller resting upright in sand.
Video from Toronto Diver @ YouTube