4394 - LaHave River - West Ironbound Island to Riverport Nautical Chart

Navigate the gateway to one of Nova Scotia’s most storied waterways with the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Nautical Chart 4394. This official marine chart provides high-resolution coverage of the lower LaHave River, spanning from the rugged Atlantic entrance at West Ironbound Island up to the bustling community of Riverport. Mapped at a detailed 1:20,000 scale, Chart 4394 is the definitive tool for mariners transiting the shifting sands and scenic passages of the lower river estuary.

As an official CHS publication, this chart is meticulously engineered for the safety of fishing fleets, pleasure craft, and coastal explorers. It features comprehensive bathymetric soundings (in metres) and detailed seafloor composition, critical for navigating the sandbars and channels around Gaff Point and the entrance to Riverport Harbour. The chart provides accurate positioning for all major navigation aids, including the West Ironbound Island Light and the specific river buoys marking the channel toward East LaHave. Updated to the latest Notice to Mariners (NTM), this chart identifies submerged hazards, tidal variations, and coastal topography with the precision required for a safe passage through this dynamic South Shore landscape.

Technical Specifications

• Chart Number: 4394

• Scale: 1:20,000 (Detailed estuary scale)

• Region: Atlantic Coast (South Shore, Nova Scotia)

• Coverage: West Ironbound Island, Gaff Point, Oxner's Head, Riverport Harbour, and the lower LaHave River channel.

• Dimensions: Approximately 32" x 45".

• Format: Printed on heavy-duty kraft paper; meets official carriage requirements for vessels in Canadian waters.

Key Navigation Features

• Estuary Entrance Detail: Specialized cartography for navigating the transition from the open Atlantic into the sheltered LaHave River.

• Aids to Navigation: Precise locations and light characteristics for West Ironbound Island and river channel markers.

• Safety Information: Clearly identifies the shifting shoals, submerged rocks, and the rocky ledges surrounding the Ironbound islands.

• Bathymetry: Features high-density depth contours and spot soundings (in metres) to assist in navigating the river's deep-water channels.