- Harsh Weather Conditions: Vancouver often encountered challenging weather conditions, including dense fog, strong winds, and storms, which made navigation difficult and dangerous.
- Inhospitable Terrain: The rugged and mountainous coastline along the Pacific Northwest presented navigation and exploration challenges. Vancouver and his crew had to use small boats and navigate narrow passages to chart intricate fjords and inlets.
- Inadequate Maps: At the time of Vancouver's expeditions, accurate maps of the Pacific Northwest were scarce. He had to rely on rudimentary and often inaccurate charts, which made his exploration tasks more complex.
- Native Encounters: Vancouver encountered various Native American tribes during his explorations. While many encounters were peaceful, there were instances of tension and clashes due to cultural misunderstandings and resource competition.
- Disease: Diseases like scurvy, dysentery, and smallpox affected Vancouver's crew during their voyages. These health challenges took a toll on the crew's physical condition and morale.
- Food Supplies: Resupply was a significant challenge, and provisions often ran low during prolonged exploration trips. Vancouver had to rely on local resources for sustenance, which were sometimes scarce or unfamiliar to his crew.
- Ship Maintenance and Repairs: Vancouver and his crew faced challenges in maintaining their vessels in the harsh conditions. Ships required repairs, and access to materials for fixing damaged parts was limited.