Sidney, which is located just north of Victoria next to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, boasts many excellent dive sites and includes two unique artificial reefs in the form of a Canadian Navy Destroyer Escort and a retired Merchant Vessel.

HMCS MacKenzie:    

This 1961 vintage 110-metre destroyer escort began her illustrious second career as an artificial reef when she was sunk off Rum Island on September 16, 1995. The MacKenzie lies level on her keel with a slight list to port.   Any potentially dangerous compartments have been sealed or stripped and access portals to the outside have been added throughout the length of her hull and decks.  She has already attracted a plethora of marine life creating both a habitat and spawning ground for fish, invertebrates and filter feeders.

G.B. Church:    

This 54 metre, 1943 vintage coastal freighter/fish packer was scuttled in August of 1991 in 27 metres of water off Portland Island, in Princess Margaret Marine Park near Sidney.  She is now home to a staggering variety of marine organisms.  The outside of her hull is encrusted with Sponges, Tubeworms and Barnacles.  Lurking in the many compartments and recesses aboard are Lingcod, Cabezons, Pacific Octopus, Sculpins, many species of Rockfish and Perch.

Repulse Rock (The White Lady):    

A popular boat dive in Sannich Inlet.  A deep dive where one will find giant cloud sponges which are very old and delicate, making wonderful photography subjects.