The Northwest Passage is a historic sea route through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America via the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and was long sought by European explorers as a possible trade route to Asia. The passage is known for its challenging ice-bound waterways that for centuries blocked regular marine navigation. The passage was explored for over 400 years, with early attempts by figures like John Cabot (1497) and Martin Frobisher in the 16th century, motivated by the desire for a shortcut to the riches of Asia. The first confirmed complete navigation of the Northwest Passage by ship was by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen between 1903 and 1906 after many failed attempts and tragic expeditions, including the famous lost Franklin Expedition of 1845. The route remains difficult to navigate but has become more accessible due to recent Arctic sea ice decline linked to climate change.
