Wreck of the Mary Ward
Tour and snorkel the famous ‘Wreck of the Mary Ward’
On November 24th, 1872, the Mary Ward ran aground on a shoal 4 kilometres off Northwinds Beach in Craigleith, near Collingwood. That fateful night a dramatic story unfolded, of mystery, intrigue, heroism, and human failing in a disaster that left 8 people dead and the ship permanently entombed in the graveyard of the reef.
The ship had been recently purchased by business men in Owen Sound to carry salt, coal and hardware from Sarnia to Collingwood. In Tobermory, passengers were picked up from the Cumberland, whose Captain had decided it was too late to brave the waters of Lake Superior as originally planned.
The waters were calm and there was a warm south west breeze when she ran aground in the early evening. Around midnight, a fierce storm blew up and panic set in.
Listen to the story of the boat and the people on it and how some of them played a role in the stories of Collingwood and Canada. Come with us and see first-hand the location of the disaster and appreciate more what happened that night as you tour the wreck. Imagine being a passenger reconciled to your fate as huge waves broke over the boat and it began to break up.
The wreck is resting in shallow water so it can be snorkelled. A glass bottomed kayak allows you to view the wreck from the surface as it magnifies everything below.
Motor boat tours run by appointment from Collingwood. Reservations are recommended. Special rates for groups and families. Have lunch at the wreck.
Kayak tours start from Northwinds Beach, also by appointment.
