The Bellot Strait is a narrow passage serving as the transit from Prince Regent Inlet to Peel Sound and Franklin Strait. To the south of the channel is the Boothia Peninsula - the northernmost point in mainland North America. The strait, about 2 km wide, has fierce currents that can run up to 15 km per hour. There may be the added navigational challenge of ice in the water. As a result, a careful assessment of the conditions on the day is required and the transit must be timed to avoid the strongest currents. No need to worry, though.
MS Roald Amundsen is a purpose-built as an expedition vessel with ice strengthening, ship-depth sounding database, extractable forward-sounding sonar and iceberg search lights – and the Captain and his crew are experienced in sailing treacherous waters. At the eastern end of the channel is historic Fort Ross, a trading post established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1937. There are still two small huts ashore that are maintained by the Canadian Coast Guard, occasionally used by the local Inuit for shelter during hunting trips. Having explored Fort Ross, we attempt a transit through the narrows of Bellot Strait. This strait is where the waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans meet.
After crossing the Passage, we will leave the Atlantic Ocean and enter the Pacific. We will continue looking out for wildlife, of course. Remember, the more eyes keeping watch, the better the chance of spotting polar bears, which are often seen in this area.
After our safe emergence from the Bellot Strait, we cross Victoria Strait and arrive at Coningham Bay, where we launch our tender boats to explore. We hope to see a lot of wildlife, as this shallow, broad bay is a known hotspot for belugas and polar bears.
*Please note some excursions may be at an additional cost.