3606 - Juan de Fuca Strait Nautical Chart

The International Gateway: 3606 - Juan de Fuca Strait

Navigate the main artery of the Pacific Northwest with the professional authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Chart 3606 is the definitive 1:100,000 scale "road map" for mariners, providing the comprehensive coverage required for safe transit through the Juan de Fuca Strait, connecting the open Pacific to the bustling ports of the Salish Sea.

Precision for Global Trade and Coastal Safety

The Juan de Fuca Strait is one of the world’s most significant maritime corridors, featuring a complex Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) used by international tankers, cruise ships, and cargo vessels. CHS Chart 3606 provides the "ground-truth" data required for safe pilotage:

• International Shipping Lane Detail: Clearly defines the boundary between Canadian and US waters, as well as the essential traffic lanes for deep-sea vessels entering and exiting the region.

• Strategic Coastal Approaches: Offers the precision needed to navigate the approaches to Victoria Harbour, Sooke, and the rugged coastline from Cape Flattery to Race Rocks.

• Essential Current & Hazard Awareness: Detailed bathymetry for high-energy zones like Race Rocks Marine Protected Area, known for powerful tidal streams and intricate rocky shoals.

• Aids to Navigation: Explicitly marks the latest positions of lighthouses—including Sheringham Point and Fisgard—as well as essential buoys and electronic navigational aids.

The Professional Standard for Salish Sea Navigation

As commercial shipping and recreational boating continue to grow, the reliability of Chart 3606 is more vital than ever. Whether you are a professional captain coordinating with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) or a recreational boater crossing the strait to the San Juan Islands, this official CHS chart delivers the accuracy and detail needed to navigate with total confidence.