August 17, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent, Canada’s largest, most powerful icebreaker, reached the North Pole on August 16 as part of its 2026 Arctic deployment.
The transit supports Canada’s work to define the country’s continental shelf and map its outer limits under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea. As part of the ongoing 2024-2027 missions in support of Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is collecting high-resolution geoscience and hydrographic data in the Arctic. The mission demonstrates Canada's ability to operate safely and effectively in one of the world's most challenging environments while advancing important national interests in the Arctic.
Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers are among the most capable and powerful in the world, operated by some of the most experienced crews, and able to reach remote and hard-to-access areas across Canada’s Arctic. Through its enduring presence and operations in Canada’s Arctic waters, the Canadian Coast Guard reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security in the North.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s summer operational season runs annually from June to November to support Northern communities, carry out services, and support Government of Canada Arctic missions.
Quotes
“The arrival of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent at the North Pole is an important milestone that reflects Canada’s enduring commitment to the Arctic. Supported by the expertise of Canadian Coast Guard personnel, this mission advances scientific knowledge, strengthens our presence in the North, and reinforces Canada’s sovereignty and security.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Reaching the North Pole reflects the professionalism and dedication of the crew of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent and everyone who supports our Arctic operations. Our icebreakers enable the Canadian Coast Guard to operate safely and effectively in Canada’s Arctic, supporting northern communities, scientific research, and Government of Canada priorities across the North.”
Kevin Brosseau, Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar
Noah Note: Not mentioned here, or really much anywhere, but this is part of the Canada-Sweden Arctic Ocean Expedition. CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent was joined this year, as last by the Swedish Icebreaker Oden. Oden has actually been a featured friend for several years in the Canadian Arctic, and this is the second consecutive year she joined Louis to the North Pole.
Here are some of the photos from the Swedish side of the expedition from this year and last:
Interesting to compare the two very different icebreaker designs from two different decades.
Waitaminute - Back in the mid-1900's the North Pole could be reached via snowmobile. That Ice now looks pretty thin. And open water!? It looks to me that climate change is having an alarming effect.