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The world's only Freshwater, Tour-Submarine

Currently Not Available
You may want to wet your appetite for one of the most unique outdoor adventures available on this globe by reading on below about a tour in the world's only freshwater submarine. However, after successfully operating the the "HF Waddell" in 2005 and 2006, subtours for the public had to be suspended until further notice. Over 400 dives were logged by Haliburton Forest staff on the sub until interference by government bureaucrats made any further operation on a commercial basis unfeasible. With a lack of government regulation pertaining to submarines the Ontario Ministry of Labour applied diving standards to the operation. There was no fit and, for lack of competence on the part of the government regulators, also no give. The sub is dry-docked in its pen until further notice.

MacDonald Lake
The Home of The Haliburton Forest Submarine, is a headwater lake with a surface area of 340 acres. It is the home of the famous Haliburton Gold Lake Trout and the site of decades of ground-breaking, aquatic research. It also offers an insight into the logging history of the past century, now resting on the lake's bottom. All of this combines to provide you with an outstanding opportunity to learn and explore.


The Experience
Much like the remainder of Ontario, over one quarter of Haliburton Forest's landscape is “under water”, the majority in the form of lakes. Aquatic ecosystems have gained prominence over the past decade and society today values the important role lakes, rivers and wetlands play within the overall ecosystem. In order to make the underwater world accessible and provide a unique insight into this little understood part of our planet, Haliburton Forest is offering submarine tours to the general public.

The Sub
In 2002 Haliburton Forest commissioned the construction of the world's first, dry, ambient pressure tour submarine. It was built by IVC Corp in Vancouver specifically with the application at Haliburton Forest in mind. It is a 1-pilot and 5-passenger submersible. Operating on battery power, this high-tech vehicle offers all the features of its larger, military brothers: sonar, a digital periscope, auto-hover provisions as well as under water communications. These features will also ensure that passengers will be safe and comfortable. Large portholes will allow a unique view into the underwater environment.

The Tour
In an hour long introductory instruction about submarines in general and the Haliburton Forest vessel and its safety in particular, passengers will also learn about the unique aquatic environment at MacDonald Lake. This is followed by a 1 and ˝ hour dive, taking the submersible to a maximum depth of 70 feet, where passengers can experience the true deepness of this body of freshwater. The majority of the dive will be spent exploring the littoral zone of between 20 and 40 feet, where intriguing life forms and formations can be observed in real life. Apart from aquatic plants and organisms like clams and crustaceans, passengers will observe a variety of fish in their natural habitat. Tours will run up to four times daily, 7 days per week, rain or shine from early May to the end of October.

The Pilot
Initially trained as divers, hundreds of hours of submarining experience after certification as a sub-pilot allows Haliburton Forest staff to join the sub-pilot team. With a background in natural history, the submarine pilot will not only ensure a comfortable and safe dive but also serve as your interpreter in the underwater world. A team of 8 sub-pilots has been trained at Haliburton Forest to make this unique experience available.

The Passengers
The size of the submarine as well as the fact that its hull is not pressurized restricts who can join us for a tour. Members of the public who have one of the following conditions can not become a passenger: any Respiratory or Nasal condition, including colds, Heart Conditions, Claustrophobia and Pregnancy. Members of the public under 15 years of age and larger than 60" in girth should also not join the tours.

The Cost
The cost per tour for adults is $ 130.00, for youths $110.00. In conjunction with the Canopy Tour ( 70 feet up and 70 feet down !) as well as a visit to the Wolf Centre, the fee is $200.00 combined.

Haliburton Forest - see it from 70' up and 70' down !

Reservations are Required - Non refundable deposit required at time of booking.
Click Here for Waiver Form (in PDF Format)