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Planning for Coastal B.C.
Chart 1 - Symbols, Terms, Abbr.
Official Tide & Current Tables (2025)
Salish Sea (Straits of Juan de Fuca & Georga)
Discovery Passage & West Vancouver Island
Haida Gwaii, Totaranui (Q. Charlotte Sound)
Areas to Avoid
Safe Recreational Boating
Shared Waterways with Commercial Traffic
Marine Forecasts
Canada - Weather Zone Map & Forecast
US - Weather Zone Map & Forecast
Fishing Licenses
Canada, Washington & S.E. Alaska.
Boating Licenses
Canada - PCOC
Guides & Apps for Pacific Northwest Cruising
Salish Sea Pilot Guides: Thorough, up-to-date piloting notes, marina maps, route diagrams & details for harbours & anchorages throughout the region. Pro Tip: Print pages & add your own notes about currents, tidal ranges & hazards.
Waggoner Guides: An essential guide for cruising insights & contact info for marinas, fuel docks, pump-outs, showers, ice-cream & provisions from Washington to S.E. Alaska.. Pro Tip: Buy this popular resource early in the season.
Garmin (Navionics) & Other Chat Apps: Make time to learn the apps in advance, how updates & offline use works. For planning purposes - the desktop version is available for free. Pro Tip: Don't forget to ZOOM in to find hazards not visible in large scale views.
Current & Tide Tables: Download the official guides you will need before you depart to safely transit dangerous currents & anchor in large tidal ranges. Pro Tip: Confirm against the official sources when using alternative sources in dangerous passes.
Recreational Boating & Commercial Traffic
Throughout the Inside Passage - Puget Sound through British Columbia to S.E. Alaska - recreational boaters and commercial traffic share waterways. Cruise ships, tankers, cargo vessels, tugboats with barges and logbooms, seaplanes and fishing fleets occupy the same cruising areas as recreational vessels of all sizes. Awareness of the rules, maintaining a good lookout and advanced planning is essential for a relaxing and safe experience when cruising in the Pacific Northwest.
The following resources are provided to inspire you to do your research and hone your navigation and piloting skills as you explore this vibrant region.
Vancouver Port Authority (including the Frasier River) Handbook
Victoria Port Authority Traffic Scheme
Navigation Safety Around Towing Vessels
Float Planes: In general terms, float planes on the water operate like any other vessel. But boaters are always required to give way to vessels "restricted in their ability to manoeuvre" and take evasive action to avoid a collision. Take off and landing are key moments when float plane maneuverability and line-of-sight is restricted for float planes. Boaters must remain vigilant in their lookout and prepare in advance to understand how local rules apply.
ColRegs: Knowledge of the Collion Regulations is an essential skill for all boat operators. Before you start your cruise in the tidal waters of the Pacific Northwest, take the time to study or take a Coastal Navigation course (we offer those as self-study or guided courses) to ensure your trip to this dynamic region is fun, relaxing and safe.