3960 - Approaches to Portland Inlet Nautical Chart

The Northern Gateway: 3960 - Approaches to Portland Inlet

Navigate the rugged boundary between British Columbia and Alaska with the professional authority of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS). Chart 3960 is the definitive 1:40,000 scale navigational guide, providing the high-resolution data required to safely move through the high-energy waters of Dixon Entrance and into the sheltered reaches of Portland Inlet.

Precision for Wilderness Exploration and Border Transit

This region is one of the most remote and biologically rich areas of the Pacific Northwest. CHS Chart 3960 provides the specific intelligence needed for safe pilotage in these technical waters:

• Portland Inlet & Canal Junction: Features detailed mapping of the strategic entrance where Portland Inlet, Observatory Inlet, and the Nass River estuary meet—a vital area for vessels heading toward the mining and port facilities of the far north.

• Dundas Island & Dixon Entrance: Provides granular bathymetry for the northern fringe of the Dundas Islands, identifying the submerged hazards where the sheltered Inside Passage meets the open Pacific.

• The Khutzeymateen Approach: Offers safe leads for the entrance to the Khutzeymateen Inlet, home to Canada’s first grizzly bear sanctuary, ensuring eco-tour operators and cruisers can navigate the silt-laden river mouths safely.

• Landfall & Border Safety: Explicitly marks the international boundary between Canada and the USA (Alaska), along with prominent lights and drying reefs essential for crossing the Dixon Entrance safely.

The Professional Standard for Far North Navigation

As the primary navigational resource for vessels transiting between Prince Rupert and the Alaska Panhandle, the reliability of Chart 3960 is paramount. Specifically designed to meet the rigorous requirements of marine navigation, this official CHS chart delivers the accuracy and detail needed to explore the deep northern fjords with total confidence.