Tremble Island in B.C.'s north coast when the tides are running.Darryl Leniuk for The Globe and Mail
What's the deal?
Scuba dive in a lush, current-swept channel.
Where's it at?
Tides force the waters from approximately 1,600 kilometres of coastline, including the voluminous Seymour Inlet, Belize Inlet and Nugent Sound, through narrow Nakwakto Rapids on British Columbia's north coast, creating currents that move up to 30 km/h. They carry with them massive amounts of oxygen and nutrients and support a rich underwater ecosystem. For scuba divers, it's one of the top coldwater dive sites around.
Book a trip with Browning Pass Hideaway Resort, which runs dive charters in the Port Hardy area from early spring till late fall. You'll jump in just before slack tide, and within moments the current will be pushing you along. Stop to admire the rare gooseneck barnacles, which resemble giant red lipsticks embedded with mother-of-pearl. Every nook and cranny is covered with colourful marine life: sponges, soft coral and anemones. But don't linger for long; depending on the tide, you may only have 10 to 15 minutes to get out of the current and wait behind tiny Tremble Island in the channel's centre for your pick-up.
Who's it for?
Those who like coldwater, currents and loads of marine life. Dive charters with Browning Pass cost $745 for four days and three nights, including accommodation, meals and diving. vancouverislanddive.com
Special to The Globe and Mail