Northwest Passage Exploration

The Northwest Passage , a fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic archipelago of Canada, has long captivated the imaginations of explorers, adventurers, and nations alike. Over the centuries, numerous courageous individuals have braved the treacherous waters and icy landscapes in search of this elusive passage. Their expeditions—marked by hardship, triumph, and tragedy—have left an indelible mark on history.

The allure of the Northwest Passage traces its roots back to the Age of Exploration, a time when European powers sought new trade routes to the lucrative markets of the East. Among the early proponents of this quest was Christopher Columbus, whose legendary voyages to the Americas in the late 15th century sparked a fervent desire to find a shorter, more direct route to the riches of Asia. Columbus, along with other explorers of his era, envisioned a sea passage that would bypass the long and perilous journey around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope, or the equally hazardous route across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The discovery of such a passage, it was believed, would not only revolutionize trade but also cement the maritime dominance of the nations that controlled it. Thus, the search for the Northwest Passage became intertwined with the broader ambitions of European exploration and imperial expansion, driving explorers to brave the icy waters of the Arctic in pursuit of glory, wealth, and adventure.

Before the “Little Ice Age”—a period of cooling that especially affected the North Atlantic—Norwegian Vikings sailed along the coasts of North America, possibly even venturing into the Arctic waters of what would later be known as the Northwest Passage. They made it as far as Ellesmere, Skraeling, and Ruin islands on hunting expeditions, trading with the Inuit who lived in the region. While evidence of their exact routes remains elusive, the sagas and archaeological findings suggest that the Vikings may have been among the earliest explorers to navigate the icy channels of the Arctic, paving the way for future generations of adventurers.

In 1497, Italian explorer John Cabot—sailing under the flag of England at the behest of King Henry VII—set out on a voyage to find a westward route to Asia. His ship reached present-day Newfoundland, inCanada, though it is believed that Cabot and his crew only stayed long enough to stock up on fresh water. Sailing along the coast, this is considered the earliest European exploration of North America since the Vikings. Although Cabot did not directly explore the Northwest Passage, his quest marked the beginning of European interest in the waters of the North Atlantic and the possibility of a navigable route to the riches of the East.

In the late 16th century, English explorer Martin Frobisher embarked on three expeditions to the Arctic in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. He is thought to have landed on what is now called Baffin Island. Frobisher's expeditions were driven by the desire to discover a lucrative trade route to Asia and to find precious metals such as gold and silver. In fact, on his second voyage he hauled 200 tons of what he believed was gold onto his ships, and then made the third trip with a larger fleet to collect more—1,350 tons this time. Upon return to England, his large bounty was discovered to be worthless rock.

One of the most famous and tragic chapters in the history of Northwest Passage exploration is the ill-fated expedition led by Sir John Franklin in 1845. Franklin—a member of the British Royal Navy who had fought in wars in Napoleonic France and the United States—had already made two previous Arctic expeditions. Charged with finding the final portion of the Northwest Passage, Franklin's expedition consisted of two ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, and 129 men. However, the expedition became trapped in the ice off King William Island in September 1846. A note found on the island indicates that Franklin died in June, less than a year later. None of the crew survived, but what had happened to the expedition remained a mystery. Several ships were sent out to search, and reports from Inuit hunters relayed that, after the ships became trapped, the crew tried to make their way of foot but did not survive the cold. The ships from the lost expedition were not located until 2014.

In 1850, Robert McClure, a Scottish naval officer, set sail aboard the HMS Investigator as part of a British expedition to search for Sir John Franklin's lost expedition. Navigating through treacherous ice and harsh conditions, McClure and his crew became the first to traverse the Northwest Passage from west to east, albeit with the aid of sledges over the ice. Although the Investigator itself became trapped in the ice and had to be abandoned, McClure's achievement marked a significant milestone in the quest to conquer the Arctic.

In 1906, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen successfully navigated the entire length of the Northwest Passage aboard the ship Gjøa. Amundsen's voyage, which took three years to complete, demonstrated the feasibility of traversing the Northwest Passage by ship. His meticulous planning, navigational skills, and the technique of using a small ship and stay close to the coast. Amundsen also learned survival tips from local Inuit, including using dogs for transportation and wearing animal skins to keep warm and dry. Later, Amundsen would return to the Northwest Passage in an attempt to reach the North Pole. After a failed attempt by ship, he was verified as having been part of the first group of explorers to reach the pole by airship in 1926. Amundsen also made expeditions to the South Pole, truly making him one of the greatest of all polar explorers.

In recent decades, renewed interest in the Northwest Passage has been sparked by climate change, which has led to the melting of Arctic sea ice and the possibility of increased accessibility to the region. Advances in technology and transportation, including icebreakers and modern vessels equipped with improved navigation systems, have made traversing the passage more possible, despite the unpredictable ice conditions and remote location. 

However, this newfound accessibility also raises concerns about the environmental impact of increased shipping and resource extraction in the fragile Arctic ecosystem. The melting of sea ice poses a threat to the diverse array of wildlife—including polar bears , walruses , and Arctic foxes —and the Indigenous communities that have inhabited the Arctic for millennia. Efforts to protect and mitigate the impact of climate change are crucial to ensuring the protection of the region’s pristine natural beauty and biodiversity.

The exploration of the Northwest Passage is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the relentless pursuit of discovery, and the power of nature. From the earliest voyages of exploration to the modern-day challenges posed by climate change, the quest to unlock the secrets of the Arctic continues to inspire awe and fascination. As we reflect on the exploits of the explorers who dared to chart these icy waters, may we also heed the call to preserve and protect the fragile wonders of the Northwest Passage for future generations.

At Polartours, we balance the thrill of discovery with respect for the power and fragility of nature. Explore our trips to the Northwest Passage, the Arctic, and beyond, or get in touch with us for tips on how to consciously follow in the footsteps of the great explorers of the polar regions.