- John Cabot. John Cabot, a Venetian navigator living in England, became the first European to explore the Northwest Passage in 1497.
- Jacques Cartier. In 1534, King Francis I of France sent explorer Jacques Cartier to the New World in search of riches… and a faster route to Asia.
- Francisco de Ulloa. The Spanish referred to The Northwest Passage as the "Straight of Anián." In 1539, Spanish explorer Francisco de Ulloa, funded by Hernán Cortés, set sail from Acapulco, ...
- Henry Hudson. In 1609, the merchants of the Dutch East India Company hired English explorer Henry Hudson to find the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
- John Franklin. The most tragic Northwest Passage expedition may have been that led by English Royal Navy officer and Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin in 1845.
- Roald Amundsen. In 1850, Irish Arctic explorer Robert McClure and his crew set sail from England in search of Franklin’s lost expedition.
Why did explorers search for a Northwest Passage?
The Northwest Passage – a water route through the islands of northern Canada connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans – a treasure that explorers had sought for centuries. The quest began as a search for a shorter shipping route between Europe and Asia.
What explorers searched for the Northwest Passage?
What’s on bbc2 today?
- 06:00. Lifestyle. Life in a Cottage Garden with Carol Klein.
- 06:30. Documentary. Britain in Bloom.
- 07:00. Lifestyle. Gardeners’ World.
- 08:00. Nature. Countryfile.
- 09:00. Nature. Landward.
- 09:30. Lifestyle. Beechgrove.
- 10:00. Saturday Kitchen Best Bites. 20/06/2021.
- 11:30. Best Bakes Ever.
Which three explorers searched for a Northwest Passage?
Who was the greatest explorer of all time?
- Marco Polo (1254-1324):
- Vasco Da Gama (1460-1524):
- Christopher Columbus (1451-1506):
- Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512):
- James Cook (1728-1779):
- Jeanne Baret (1740-1807):
- Charles Darwin (1809-1882):
- Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521):
Who was the first explorer to complete the Northwest Passage?
Robert McClure Discovers the Elusive Northwest Passage
- Overview. The Northwest Passage was the persistent vision of many early explorers. ...
- Background. The actual route of the Northwest Passage is located fewer than 1,200 miles (1,900 km) from the North Pole and 500 miles (800 km) north of the Arctic Circle.
- Impact. The Northwest Passage captured the imagination of many famous explorers. ...
- Further Reading. ...
What explorers searched for the Northwest Passage?
Martin Frobisher, Henry Hudson, and James Cook searched icy northern waters for it, in vain. In May 1845 a celebrated British explorer and naval officer, Sir John Franklin, took up the quest to find a route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Arctic waters.
Who first sailed the Northwest Passage?
explorer Roald AmundsenNorwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first man who successfully navigated the North-West Passage by boat, on a voyage that lasted from 1903 to 1906. Roald Amundsen, from Norway, is one of the world's most famous polar explorers.
Did Christopher Columbus look for the Northwest Passage?
Columbus was looking for what would later be called the “Northwest Passage”. If the earth was round as Columbus believed then he reasoned it would be much faster to go west and find a way to the riches in India than to take the dangerous journey around the tip of…
Were Lewis and Clark looking for the Northwest Passage?
Lewis and Clark may not have discovered a direct Northwest Passage, but they did forge a path to the Pacific that would inspire thousands of others to settle in the northwestern United States in the century to follow.
Why did many explorers look for the Northwest Passage?
Explorers searching for the Passage were hoping to establish a lucrative trading route between Europe and Asia. The aim was to shorten the time and cost of sailing to and from markets such as India and China.
Which French and Dutch explorers searched for the Northwest Passage?
Which French and Dutch explorers tried to find the Northwest Passage? The Dutch explorer, Henry Hudson, and French explorers, Giovanni da Verrazano and Jacques Cartier, were sent in search of the Northwest Passage.
Did Henry Hudson find the Northwest Passage?
Henry Hudson was an English navigator and explorer who set out to find either a northeast passage “by the North Pole to Japan and China” or a similar northwest passage. Though neither passage was found, his attempts contributed significantly to the navigational geography of North America.
Who is America named after?
America is named after Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer who set forth the then revolutionary concept that the lands that Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were part of a separate continent.
Who was first to the North Pole?
The first undisputed expedition to reach the North Pole was that of the airship Norge, which overflew the area in 1926 with 16 men on board, including expedition leader Roald Amundsen.
Did Henry Hudson find the Northwest Passage?
Henry Hudson was an English navigator and explorer who set out to find either a northeast passage “by the North Pole to Japan and China” or a similar northwest passage. Though neither passage was found, his attempts contributed significantly to the navigational geography of North America.
Who discovered the northeast passage?
The first confirmed complete passage, from west to east, was made by the Finland-Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, with the Swedish ship Vega 1878–79 backed by the royal funding of king Oscar II of Sweden.
Who flew over the South Pole for the first time in history?
On December 14, 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott. Amundsen, born in Borge, near Oslo, in 1872, was one of the great figures in polar exploration.
What is the mystery of the Northwest Passage?
The Mystery of the Northwest Passage: Past and Present Explorers. The Northwest Passage is one of Canada’s most exciting chapters of discovery, history and exploration. The Northwest Passage is a sea corridor connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago islands and along the northern-most coast of North America.
Who believed he could find a passage across the continent?
In the earliest attempts, explorers still believed they could find a passage across the continent. Rene-Robert Cavelier believed he could find a Northwest Passage from the Great Lakes. While exploring the Saint Lawrence River, Jacques Cartier falsely claimed that the rapids at present-day Montreal were the last obstacle keeping him from China.
What was the name of the ship that was rescued by an expedition travelling from the east?
McClure then travelled up the west coast and into the Bering Strait. Unfortunately, the ship became stuck in pack ice in the spring of 1853 and McClure and his crew were rescued by an expedition travelling from the east. McClure continued his journey by sled and became the first to transit the entire Northwest Passage.
Why did Europeans search for 300 years?
Europeans searched for 300 years to find a viable sea trade-route to Asia. Names of adventurers, like Henry Hudson and Sir John Franklin, are etched into the history of the Northwest Passage. The fascinating history has sparked an interest in travellers from around the world. Modern-day explorers are drawn to Canada’s High Arctic for ...
Where did Amundsen spend his winters?
They spent two winters (1903-04 and 1904-05) in what is now a community called Gjøa Haven.
What was the prize awarded to the British for finding the Northwest Passage?
Abandoned Hudson (britannica.com) The British were becoming frustrated by failing attempts and declared a £20,000 prize to anyone who discovered a northwest passage. This continued to stimulate and encourage future expeditions. Most of the attempts to find the Passage travelled west, departing from Europe.
Where did Roald go to winter?
They decided to winter here before they made the final journey back to Norway. Norway had recently gained independence from Sweden and had a new king, so Roald was excited to inform him of their success. Roald skied 800 km to Eagle City, Alaska.
Who Discovered the Northwest Passage?
For centuries, many European nations hoped and speculated that a Northwest Passage might exist, since its existence would have been highly advantageous for European economies.
John Cabot, 1497
As early as the 11th century, Vikings were traveling to North America. Some had contact with Indigenous groups, including the Inuit. However, much of the Vikings' experiences are unrecorded today, so it is unclear if any of them found or attempted to find the Northwest Passage.
Jacques Cartier, 1534-1542
While Cabot sailed for England (despite being Italian), the next major expedition to search for the Northwest Passage was French in origin. Jacques Cartier traveled to North America three times in eight years in an attempt to find a faster shipping route to Asia. He was most likely the first European to explore the St.
Martin Frobisher, 1576-1578
For Europeans in the sixteenth century, the answer to the question ''what does the Northwest Passage mean?'' was ''wealth.'' Explorers believed that they would find a shortcut to gold, spices, and other riches. Returning home after finding the passage would have been seen as an act of heroism.
Who discovered the Northwest Passage?
The first recorded attempt to discover the Northwest Passage was the east–west voyage of John Cabot in 1497, sent by Henry VII in search of a direct route to the Orient. In 1524, Charles V sent Estêvão Gomes to find a northern Atlantic passage to the Spice Islands. An English expedition was launched in 1576 by Martin Frobisher, who took three trips west to what is now the Canadian Arctic in order to find the passage. Frobisher Bay, which he first charted, is named after him.
Where did the Northwest Passage originate?
Northern Pacific. 1765 globe by Guillaume Delisle, showing a fictional Northwest Passage. Most Northwest Passage expeditions originated in Europe or on the east coast of North America, seeking to traverse the Passage in the westbound direction.
How far did Amundsen ski?
After completing the Northwest Passage portion of this trip and having anchored near Herschel Island, Amundsen skied 800 kilometres (500 mi) to the city of Eagle, Alaska. He sent a telegram announcing his success and skied the return 800 kilometres (500 mi) to rejoin his companions.
How far did the Humvee rover travel on sea ice?
In April 2009, planetary scientist Pascal Lee and a team of four on the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition drove the HMP Okarian Humvee rover a record-setting 496 km (308 mi) on sea-ice from Kugluktuk to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, the longest distance driven on sea-ice in a road vehicle.
What is the largest cruise ship in the Northwest Passage?
The largest passenger ship to navigate the Northwest Passage was the cruise liner Crystal Serenity of gross tonnage 69,000. Starting on August 10, 2016, the ship sailed from Vancouver to New York City with 1,500 passengers and crew, taking 28 days.
What was the first cargo ship to sail through the Northwest Passage?
The first commercial cargo ship to have sailed through the Northwest Passage was SS Manhattan in August 1969. SS Manhattan , of 115,000 deadweight tonnage, was the largest commercial vessel ever to navigate the Northwest Passage.
What was the purpose of the Northwest Passage?
The Northwest Passage represented a new route to the established trading nations of Asia .
Early Attempts at The Northwest Passage
Exploring The North
- Explorers Martin Frobisher (1576) and John Davis (1585) described Baffin Island as a barren obstacle with ice-blocked passages to the west. Henry Hudson (1611) discovered Hudson Strait and the enormous Hudson Bay on his final expedition. When he wanted to travel further west after wintering in James Bay, his homesick crew mutinied and set him adrift as they sailed back to En…
The Second Era of Exploration
- The most famous of all attempts to find the Northwest Passage were Sir John Franklin’s tragic expedition and Sir Robert McClure’s grand success. In 1845, Sir John Franklin was chosen despite being 59 years old to lead a lavishly-equipped expedition to chart the last unknown parts of the Northwest Passage. The two ships became ice-locked in 1846 nea...
A Successful Journey
- Roald Amundsen was the first to make the journey through the Passage entirely by ship. The expeditions led by Franklin and McClure were examples of the British tradition of exploration with expensive ships that were well-funded with supplies and modern technologies. In contrast, a Norwegian explorer named Roald Amundsen set sail with a small crew of six on a small and sha…
Modern-Day Explorers Return
- The Northwest Passage has an incredible history filled with heroic figures pushing themselves to the limits of survival for the sake of exploration. Steeped in history and surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, Canada’s High Arctic has become an increasingly popular destination for adventurers, history buffs and travellers seeking the next frontier of travel. Trips like Narwhal & P…
Want to Visit The Northwest Passage?
- Arctic Kingdom excels at private customizable trips. Get a group together or bring your family and explore the sights and destinations you dream of visiting! Contact usfor more information about experiencing this region of Canada’s High Arctic.
Experience The Arctic on A Safari
- Get chances to view elusive Arctic wildlife and experience the majesty of the Arctic on safaris almost year-round. View all Arctic Safaris here. Ready for adventure? Contact our Arctic Travel Advisorsto book. Are you still curious about the many wonders of the Arctic or looking for more interesting content then explore more blogs here! By: Mat Whitelaw
Summary
The Northwest Passage (NWP) is the sea route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America via waterways through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The eastern route along the Arctic coasts of Norway and Siberia is accordingly called the Northeast Passage (NEP). The various islands of the archipelago are separated from one another a…
Historical expeditions
As a result of their westward explorations and their settlement of Greenland, the Vikings sailed as far north and west as Ellesmere Island, Skraeling Island for hunting expeditions and trading with Inuit groups. The subsequent arrival of the Little Ice Age is thought to have been one of the reasons that European seafaring into the Northwest Passage ceased until the late 15th century.
Overview
Before the Little Ice Age (late Middle Ages to the 19th century), Norwegian Vikings sailed as far north and west as Ellesmere Island, Skraeling Island and Ruin Island for hunting expeditions and trading with the Inuit and people of the Dorset culture who already inhabited the region. Between the end of the 15th century and the 20th century, colonial powers from Europe dispatched explorers in an attempt t…
Routes
The Northwest Passage has three sections:
• East
• Centre: Canadian Arctic Archipelago
• West: There being no major islands, follow the coast to the Bering Strait.
Extent
The International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the Northwestern Passages as follows:
On the West. The Eastern limit of Beaufort Sea from Lands End through the Southwest coast of Prince Patrick Island to Griffiths Point, thence a line to Cape Prince Alfred, the Northwestern extreme of Banks Island, through its West coast to Cape Kellet, the Southwestern point, and then…
International waters dispute
The Canadian government classifies the waters of the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, as internal waters of Canada as per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and by the precedent in the drawing of baselines for other archipelagos, giving Canada the right to bar transit through these waters. Some maritime nations, including the United States and some of the European Union, claim these waters to be an international strait, where foreign vess…
Thinning ice cover and the Northwest Passage
In summer 2000, two Canadian ships took advantage of thinning summer ice cover on the Arctic Ocean to make the crossing. It is thought that climate change is likely to open the passage for increasing periods, making it potentially attractive as a major shipping route. However, the passage through the Arctic Ocean would require significant investment in escort vessels and staging port…
See also
• Arctic Bridge
• Arctic exploration
• Discovery of North-West Passage Act 1744
• List of Arctic expeditions