A purposely sunk ship named Rivtow Lion has now been an artificial reef and dive site since 2005. Whether beginner or advanced, the Rivtow Lion diving site is home to a vast number of creatures. The journey starts from Brechan Boat Ramp near BC Ferries terminal in Departure Bay. The beautiful nature and the fantastic scenery inside the ship motivate photographers to take excellent pictures.
Rivtow Lion is located in Departure Bay, Nanaimo, Central Vancouver Island. Rivtow Lion is one of Nanaimo's diving sites and is accessible by boat. Some other diving spots near Rivtow Lion include Breakwater Island, Dodd Narrows, Gabriola Passage, Carlos Island, Keel Cove, Porlier Pass, HMCS Cape Breton, Clark Rock, Orlebar Point, and Jesse Island.
Latitude: 49.2021° or 49° 12' 7.6" north
Longitude: -123.9762° or 123° 58' 34.2" west
From Nanaimo:
Getting to Rivtow Lion from Nanaimo is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 3.4 km (2.1 miles) and takes about 5 minutes.
Drive to the northwest on Wallace St toward Wentworth St for 500 m (1640.4 ft). Turn right onto Comox Rd, and after 93 m (305.1 ft), turn left onto Terminal Ave N/Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Continue to follow Terminal Ave N for 250 m (820.2 ft) with a slight right onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 2.1 km (1.3 miles) and turn left onto Brechin Rd. After 450 m (1476.3 ft), you will reach Brechin Rd.
From Victoria:
The access to Rivtow Lion from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 114 km (70.8 miles) and takes about an hour and a half.
On Pandora Ave, head west toward Government St for 99 m (324.8 ft) and turn right onto Government St. Drive 1 km (0.6 miles) with a slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. After 72 m (236.2 ft), use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and drive 110 km (68.3 miles). Stay on Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N with a slight right. After 2.1 km (1.3 miles), turn left onto Brechin Rd. Continue 450 m (1476.3 ft) more to reach Brechin Rd.