Elliot's Beach Park in Nanaimo offers a shore-entry site featuring a mix of natural reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 15 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though cold water temperatures between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius require appropriate thermal protection. Marine life recorded here includes the East Pacific Red Octopus, scorpionfish, toadfish, and various nudibranchs such as the White-lined Dirona and Northern Leopard Dorid. Crustaceans like rock crabs and shrimp are also common. Night diving is permitted at this location.

Elliott's Beach Park in Nanaimo offers a sheltered shore entry suitable for beginners. The site features a rocky wall on the left side of the bay, with depths ranging from 9 to 18 metres and an average depth of 12 metres. Divers should be aware of moderate currents, boat traffic, and variable visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7C and 14C throughout the year. The site is accessible for shore diving and night diving, with typical dive times around 45 minutes. Facilities at the park include parking and toilets. Snorkelling is also possible at this location.

Vesuvius Bay in Victoria, Canada, offers a varied underwater landscape featuring reefs, drop-offs, and artificial reef structures. The site is accessible via shore entry and is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 91 metres and an average depth of 11 metres. Divers typically experience mild currents and visibility between 2 and 4 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 7C and 11C throughout the year, making this bay one of the warmer ocean locations on Salt Spring Island. Facilities available at the site include parking, showers, and a cafe. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes. Please note that sharp coral and surf are potential hazards at this location.

Portier Pass near Nanaimo offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reef structures, kelp forests, and a wreck. Divers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 30 metres, with visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. This boat-access site is subject to moderate currents that can shift rapidly, making it suitable for intermediate divers who can time their entry with slack water. Given the water temperatures of 7C to 14C, a drysuit is strongly recommended for comfort. The site is exposed to surf, and careful planning using tide tables is essential for a safe dive experience.

Coon Bay is a boat-access-only site located at the northern tip of Galiano Island near Nanaimo. This site features a combination of reef and wall topography suitable for intermediate divers and snorkellers. The area is influenced by the high-flow Porlier Pass, resulting in strong currents that facilitate drift diving. Depths range from 3 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Visibility is typically limited to 4 to 6 metres. Due to the strong currents and potential for boat traffic, this site requires careful planning. Facilities available at the site include toilets, a rinse station, and gear storage.

Maple Bay is a shore-entry reef dive located on the British Columbia coast near Vancouver Island. This site is suitable for beginner divers, offering depths ranging from 2 to 18 metres with an average of 10 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 2 and 9 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 7 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Divers should be aware of boat traffic in the area and are advised to tow a surface marker buoy at all times. The site features convenient amenities including parking, a rinse station, and a cafe for post-dive recovery. Night diving is also permitted at this location.

Bold Bluff Point is a shallow shore dive located on Vancouver Island, featuring a consistent depth of 6 metres. This reef site is suitable for beginner divers looking to build confidence in cold-water environments. Divers should be prepared for water temperatures ranging from 7 to 16 degrees Celsius, necessitating a drysuit or thick wetsuit. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 10 metres. The site is subject to moderate to strong currents, making careful entry timing essential to avoid being caught off guard. On-site facilities include toilets, providing a convenient base for a half-day excursion. Always monitor local current reports before entering the water.

Burial Islet, located off the coast of Victoria, Canada, features a reef and kelp forest structure reaching depths of 20 to 30 metres. Divers typically experience visibility between 10 and 20 metres, though conditions vary. The site includes caves and swim-throughs, requiring appropriate buoyancy control and overhead environment training. Moderate currents and surge are common, making boat access and timing dives around slack water essential. Water temperatures remain cold, ranging from 7 to 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. This site is suited for intermediate divers capable of managing current and navigating complex underwater topography.