CHS Canadian Great Lakes Nautical Chart

Navigation in the Canadian Great Lakes region, extending from Lake Superior to Lake Ontario via a network of inland waterways, presents a unique challenge for mariners. A true inland sea at the heart of North America, this maritime area requires the highest standards of hydrographic accuracy to deal with variations in water levels, currents and complex rocky areas.

The nautical charts published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) are the official reference for safe navigation in these waters. Established in 1883 and operating under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the CHS is one of the world's oldest hydrographic authorities and is responsible for charting more than 240,000 kilometres of coastline. Choosing an official CHS chart is essential for safety and regulatory compliance for any skipper wishing to explore these vast waters, whether for cruising, commercial shipping or fishing.

What is this nautical chart used for?

The value of a CHS nautical chart lies in its ability to synthesise technical data into a strategic decision-making tool for the navigator.

• Navigation planning: Although digital navigation is becoming increasingly widespread, paper charts remain the preferred reference for route planning and as a reliable onboard backup.

• Safe navigation in complex areas: They provide an essential level of detail in areas known for changing seabeds or strong currents, such as the approaches to the St. Lawrence River or the archipelagos of the Great Lakes.

• Precise identification of seabed relief: The chart provides a detailed understanding of underwater topography, helping navigators optimise their routes and avoid hazards.

• Compliance and confidence: Using official charting ensures that navigators have access to information validated according to the international standards of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

Which type of navigator is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop offers these documents to meet the operational needs of a wide range of maritime users.

• Leisure sailors: Whether sailing in coastal or offshore waters, sailors using either sail or power can rely on CHS charts for the accuracy required for day sailing or extended cruises.

• Professional mariners: These charts are essential for commercial shipping, towing, fishing and offshore operations in Canadian waters.

• Navigation schools: They provide an ideal training resource for learning chartwork and analysing the marine environment.

• Explorers of northern regions: For those venturing towards the Canadian Arctic or remote areas, the CHS provides exceptional geographic coverage where other publishers may offer less detailed information.

Reading and understanding the chart

The effectiveness of CHS charts is based on the density and clarity of the hydrographic information they provide.

• Detailed bathymetry: Depths are given in metres, supplemented by depth contours and an accurate representation of the seabed.

• Aids to navigation: The chart identifies lighthouses, lights, buoys—including lateral and cardinal marks—and leading lines essential for navigation and position fixing.

• Coastline characteristics: Navigators can identify the nature of the coastline, including beaches, cliffs and rocky areas, as well as port infrastructure.

• Identified hazards: Shoals, drying rocks, wrecks and shallow-water areas are clearly indicated with a high degree of accuracy.

• Regulatory information: Traffic Separation Schemes, marked channels, and protected or military areas are clearly delineated.

• Environmental data: Information on currents, tides and variations in water levels helps navigators anticipate sailing conditions.

Reliability, updates and safety

Safety at sea depends directly on the reliability and currency of the navigation documents being used.

• Continuous updates: The CHS regularly revises its charts to incorporate Notices to Mariners, new bathymetric surveys and changes to maritime infrastructure.

• Digital transition: Although mariners remain attached to paper charts, the CHS is progressively shifting its production towards Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) to allow even faster integration of updates.

• Printed to order: At Nautic Way, all nautical charts are printed to order in order to provide the latest available hydrographic corrections.

• Contractual provisions: Due to their rapid obsolescence, these charts cannot be returned or exchanged after ordering, in accordance with the French Consumer Code.

Nautic Way expertise for mariners

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in nautical charts and maritime documentation.

• Professional expertise: Nautic Way assists leisure sailors, skippers and professional mariners in choosing the right navigation documentation, with a catalogue of more than 25,000 references.

• Extensive Canadian selection: We offer more than 246 products from the Canadian Hydrographic Service catalogue, covering all scales—coastal, nearshore, offshore and oceanic.

• Specialist advice: Our team of experts is available to guide you towards the appropriate folio or individual chart for your route, whether you are navigating the St. Lawrence River or the Great Lakes.

• Location: Based in Challans (85300), France, our bookshop puts its specialist expertise at the service of safe and efficient navigation worldwide.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for navigation in this area?
The choice depends on your area of navigation, whether coastal, nearshore or offshore. You can use our interactive chart map on the Nautic Way website to identify the appropriate chart numbers for your route from the hundreds of available references.

Is this chart sufficient on its own?
Although comprehensive, an official CHS chart is an essential foundation that should form part of a broader navigation strategy including other documents such as sailing directions and light lists for comprehensive risk management.

How often should I replace my chart?
It is essential to use the latest edition. As our charts are printed to order with the latest available updates, we recommend renewing your navigation documents before each major voyage to ensure the accuracy of safety-related information.

Can it be used with a GPS?
Yes. Official paper charts and digital charts (ENCs) are based on the same hydrographic databases, ensuring consistency when plotting your GPS position on the paper chart.

What is the difference compared with another publisher?
CHS charts are official documents produced by the Canadian government, providing reliability and compliance with international standards that private publishers cannot always certify to the same level.