
Embark on a voyage into one of the world’s most spectacular maritime environments with the professional authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Chart 1203 is the indispensable navigational guide for the lower reaches of the Saguenay River, covering the breathtaking passage from the historic port of Tadoussac to the towering cliffs of Cap Éternité.
The entrance to the Saguenay Fjord is world-renowned for its extreme depths, cold-water upwellings, and critical marine mammal habitats. CHS Chart 1203 provides the "ground-truth" data required for:
Detailed 1:30,000 Scale: Offers the granular detail necessary for identifying safe leads through the deep-water channels of the fjord and the shallower bars at the mouth of the river.
Complex Current & Tide Data: Provides essential bathymetry to help mariners manage the powerful tidal currents where the Saguenay meets the St. Lawrence Estuary.
Safety in Marine Protected Areas: Crucial for navigating the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, identifying sensitive zones for beluga and fin whale conservation, and ensuring compliance with local speed and distance regulations.
Hazard & Landmark Identification: Explicitly marks submerged rocks and shoals near Baie Sainte-Marguerite and L'Anse-Saint-Jean, while highlighting the massive coastal elevations used for radar and visual pilotage.
With increasing recreational cruising and the vital role of the Saguenay as a commercial artery, Chart 1203 is more vital than ever. Whether you are a pilot on a transatlantic cruise ship, a sea kayaker, or a whale-watching operator, this official CHS "road map" provides the accuracy needed to navigate the configuration, dangers, and aids of this majestic Quebec waterway.
| Feature | Details |
| Chart Number | 1203 |
| Region | Quebec (Saguenay River / St. Lawrence Estuary) |
| Scale | 1:30,000 |
| Publisher | Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) |
| Key Coverage | Tadoussac, Baie Sainte-Marguerite, L'Anse-Saint-Jean, Cap Éternité |
| Compliance | Meets 2026 safety requirements for the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park |