It's closer than you think!

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As you follow the area directions you will be driving along side Middle Waterton Lake. You will pass by a tourist information booth on your right and the Prince of Whales Hotel on your left. Take the next left on the road running parallel to the highway and follow it down to the picnic area. There is parking directly in front of the camp kitchen.

This is a great dive site for all levels of experience.

A grassed area leads down to the rock beach. It is a gentle walk down to the lake side.

Bottom Conture:
The bottom drops off gradually to a maximum depth of 50ft.

Bottom Composition:
The bottom is very silty, so try to stay off the bottom.

Currents:
None.

Water Temperature
Anywhere from 40° - 55° F.

Visibility:
Visibility can range from 5 - 20ft on a calm day.

Depth:
Emerald Bay is a bowl configuration, the deepest part of the bowl is approx. 50ft.

Marine Life:
Around the wreck, you may catch an occassional glimpse of suckers, burbot (ling cod) and trout.

Vegetation:
None.

Underwater Attractions:
The Wreck of the Gertrude lies in Emerald Bay, and is one of the best dive spots in Southern Alberta. Enter the water with a direct line with the water tap and swim straight out until the bottom drops off quickly. Dive to 25ft; turn right following the drop off line, and you will swim right to the paddle wheeler.

The Gertrude is one of the few wrecks in Alberta. The area is a national park, therefore a daily or yearly pass is required. It is illegal to remove anything which may be of historical significance. Careful buoyancy control is necessary when moving around the wreck to prevent damage to the structure.

Hazards:
Tour boats and power boats opperate on the opposite side of the bay. Stay out of the channel. Be sure to Fly a Flag!

Fly a Flag!
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