Navigation Resources
References for Pacific Northwest Boaters
Official Tide & Current Tables (2026)
Pro Tip: Download the official guides to cross reference against non-official sources when transiting dangerous passes.
Salish Sea (Straits of Juan de Fuca & Georgia)
Discovery Passage & West Vancouver Island
Haida Gwaii, Totaranui (Q. Charlotte Sound)
Chart 1 – Symbols, Terms, Abbr.
Marine Forecasts
Pro Tip: Screenshots of the forecasts are useful ways to track weather systems and anticipate changes.
Canada – Weather Zone Map & Forecast
US – Weather Zone Map & Forecast
Areas to Avoid
Parks & Wildlife Information
Canadian Key Biodiversity Areas
Fishing Licenses
Canada, Washington & S.E. Alaska.
Boating Licenses
Customs Clearance
Boaters crossing between Washington and British Columbia must immediately report to customs upon arrival. Canada requires reporting via the Telephone Reporting Centre (1-888-226-7277) or at designated direct reporting sites. U.S. arrivals must report to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immediately, preferably using the CBP ROAM App. NEXUS/CANPASS speeds clearance.
Local Knowledge
Salish Sea Pilot Guides
A trusted digital cruising companion for B.C. and Washington waters. This essential guide is updated annually with detailed, practical guidance, including interactive coverage of anchorages, marinas, docks, parks, and coastal destinations. Pro Tip: Print pages & add your own notes about currents, tidal ranges & hazards.
Voyage Makers Discount Code: VOYM92
An encyclopedic resource of cruising information, marina
resources, anchorage guidance, and local insight from Washington to British Columbia and Southeast Alaska. It is a trusted planning resource for those who want to explore the coast thoughtfully, safely, and well. Pro Tip: Buy this guide early, seasoned cruisers snap these up when the season begins.
Garmin (Navionics) & Other Chart Apps
Make time to learn the apps in advance, how updates &
offline use works. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ZOOM in to find hazards not visible in large scale views. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ZOOM in to find hazards not visible in large scale
views.
Recreational Boating & Commercial Traffic
Throughout the Inside Passage — from Puget Sound through British Columbia to Southeast Alaska — recreational boaters share busy waterways with commercial traffic, including seaplanes, cruise ships, tankers, tugboats with barges and log booms, ferries, and fishing fleets.
Safe cruising in the Pacific Northwest requires more than a chartplotter and a nice day. It depends on a proper lookout, knowledge of the COLREGS, sound preparation, strong situational awareness and the ability to anticipate traffic before it becomes a problem.
The following resources will help you prepare for your cruise in the working waters of this extraordinary cruising region.
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Handbook
Victoria Port Authority Traffic Scheme
Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme
Navigation Safety Around Towing Vessels
Shared Waterways with Commercial Traffic
Float Planes
Float planes on the water operate like any other vessel. Boaters must give way to vessels “restricted in their ability to manoeuvre” and take evasive action to avoid a collision. Take-off and landing are times when float planes cannot easily manoeuvre and when pilot line-of-sight can be limited. Boaters must remain vigilant in their lookout and prepare in advance to understand how local rules apply.
ColRegs
Knowledge of the ColRegs are required of 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. Pro Tip: You’re first responsibility is to avoid collision and make your intentions known.