Surveys and Shoals in Commercial Navigation Channels

The Waterways Management program of the Canadian Coast Guard conducts bathymetric surveys of several commercial channels located across Canada. The results of these surveys can be accessed through the links in the list below. The soundings represent the state of the channels at the date of survey as indicated in the document. Background chart information, where included, should not be used for navigation purposes.

This information is updated on a continuous basis. Other survey results will be posted as they become available.

The sounding surveys of channels contribute to the Canadian Coast Guard responsibilities to:

• Ensure the Canadian shipping channels are “safe, navigable and accessible”;

• Identify the bottom conditions, restrictions or hazards to safe navigation;

• Ensure that the condition of the Canadian shipping channels is disseminated among the mariners, pilots and other stakeholders; and,

• Provide channel maintenance, under the Oceans Act 1996, Part III, Section 41, in designated channels.

Additional information may be obtained by email.

Quebec Region

• St. Lawrence River
• Cap-aux-Meules/Havre Aubert

Central & Arctic Region

• St. Mary’s River
• St. Clair River
• St. Clair River cut-off channel
• Detroit River
  • Fleming Channel
  • Livingstone - Amherstburg Channel

Pacific Region

• Fraser River, North Arm - Main Channel
• Fraser River, South Arm - Main Channel
• Fraser River, Main Arm Channel
• Fraser River, Side Channels
• Courtenay River Channel
• Campbell River Channel
• Mamquam Blind Channel
• Squamish
• Vancouver Harbour