Its eastern end connects to the mouth of Bute Inlet and to Calm Channel, at Stuart Island.

[3] The name Canal de Cardero changed over time to the present form, Cordero Channel, and expanded in geographic scope to include a larger area.

The 1792 Spanish expedition of Galiano and Valdés used the term Canal de Cardero for only one part of today's Cordero Channel, that being the portion west of Phillips Arm.

[3] Near Arran Rapids, which today marks the eastern end of Cordero Channel, the Spanish found a large village whose inhabitants were friendly.

After making this discovery the Spanish returned to their base of operations where they met with the British expedition of George Vancouver for the last time before rejoining at Nootka Sound.

In the late evening, somewhere near Dent Island, they anchored in a cove, which they gave the name Anclage del Refugio.

In addition the natives made maps for the Spanish, showing which channels were closed inlets and which were straits that led to the sea.

They entered it on July 26 and made quick progress to another section of Cordero Channel they called Canal de Olavide.

They were carried by the current into the section they called Canal de Cardero, unable to steer or make way with oars.