Canada’s Arctic and The Northwest Passage

Arctic Icebergs – Safe journeys through the Northwest Passage require ships that can sail through icy conditions. The most reliable vessels have reinforced hulls. Unfortunately, ice is unpredictable, and tour boats sometimes require the aid of icebreakers to get through. Be prepared for itinerary changes on any Arctic Adventure.

As Canada enters a new era of geopolitical tensions, especially those relating to our northern sovereignty, Canadians can benefit with a review of their values and priorities. From diamonds to infinite fresh water, Canada is a vast expanse of resources and opportunities – the envy of the entire world. But, as climate change accelerates and polar ice retreats, remote Arctic regions will inevitably open for development including mining, defense, and tourism. With only a couple of all-season roads reaching into Arctic Canada, road trips have many limits. Canada’s Arctic Archipelago can only be reached by ship or plane. Our Northwest Passage has long been considered a convenient shipping route replacing existing alternatives. But, getting through from one end to the other is restricted to warmer seasons and fraught with perils. To navigate through safely and efficiently requires reinforced ships capable of dealing with the many ice forms and all their notorious unpredictability. Regardless of the difficulties, we have an urgent need to expand Canada’s presence in our North.

Vast, remote, and unexplored, our Arctic wilderness is waiting to be discovered. Regulated tourism should help improve our northern infrastructure and national presence. Increased access provides visiting tourists with unique landscapes, rare animals, historic sites, and traditional native communities. Forget about beaches, malls and night clubs. Arctic visits usually attract the more adventurous among us. Since the sun stays below the horizon for most of winter, there’s not much to attract vacationers. But, north of the Arctic Circle in summer, the sun remains above the horizon for the entire day. Regardless, it can still be cold or infested with biting insects. But, if you desire solitude, and a profound connection with untouched wilderness, Canada’s Arctic beckons you.

Gibbs Fjord, Baffin Island – Although barren, Arctic scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Many of its geological features would be National Parks if they had easier access. Gibbs Fjord on the east coast of Baffin Island is one of many such locations offering a tapestry of rugged landscapes and wildlife sightings.

Fort Ross, Somerset Island – Abandoned in 1948, Fort Ross was the last trading post established by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Outposts like this reveal the hardships of Arctic exploration. It’s difficult to imagine living here for several years. However, brief summer visits offer countless photo opportunities and views of rarely seen animals.

Naujaat, Nunavut (mainland) – Canadian Arctic trips will likely include visits to remote communities. Only about 150,000 people inhabit this enormous region. They’re spread out over 53 small communities where visitors can enjoy traditional performances, customs, artisan works, and various indigenous activities. Some visitors use villages like Naujaat as a base for their explorations. Photo courtesy of Nina Stavlund.

Narwhal – Restricted to Arctic waters, Narwhal are extremely difficult to observe. Getting close to them often requires camping along the edge of the ice and open sea. The “Floe Edge” attracts all types of Arctic wildlife looking for food. Under good conditions, the parade of iconic Arctic creatures includes many species of birds, seals, whales and even Polar Bear.

Gyrfalcon – Some Arctic birds are rarely seen south of the Tundra. The majestic Gyrfalcon is one of these. The largest falcon on the planet, they’re often a highlight of any successful Arctic trip. This young white morph Gyrfalcon perched quietly on top of this historic memorial marker on Beechy Island.  

Walrus – Walrus were once common as far south as the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Today, they’re mostly uncommon, and restricted mainly to Arctic regions. This remarkable bottom feeder is well adapted for icy conditions.   

Polar Bear – Some of Canada’s Arctic species have become endangered. Many animals adapted to extreme polar conditions suffer from ongoing climate issues. Able to swim extremely long distances, Polar Bears are considered Marine Mammals. They need ice on the open sea to effectively hunt seals in winter. As polar ice delays its formation, and then melts prematurely, many bears have trouble adapting.

Viewing Polar Bear from a Zodiac – When conditions warrant, Expedition Cruises take passengers on zodiac excursions. It’s a safe and effective way to explore remote areas. However, when Polar Bears are around, landing is prohibited. Photo courtesy of Nina Stavlund.

Hudson Bay – In the land of the midnight sun, it never gets completely dark in summer. Camped along the Floe Edge of Northwestern Hudson Bay, we enjoyed the colourful night sky while waiting for Bowhead Whales to pass.  Photo courtesy of Nina Stavlund.

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