Exploring Hudson Bay: A Visitor's Guide

Hudson Bay, located in northeast Canada, is a colossal inland sea and the world's largest, stretching over 637,000 square kilometers. It's so vast that the entire UK could fit inside with space to spare. Depths average 128 meters, with some areas reaching 259 meters. For those looking to explore this remote area, a visitor's guide can help highlight the top attractions.

Landscape

Akshayuk Pass, Auyuittuq National Park, Baffin Island

The bay is surrounded by the Canadian Shield's glacial terrain, with Baffin Island's peaks reaching up to 2,000 meters. The surrounding tundra extends to the timberline, offering a unique ground-moraine landscape.

Climate

Subpolar-continental climates dominate, with long, icy winters where temperatures can plummet to -60°C, and brief summers that see the permafrost thaw into boggy landscapes. Unique formations like pingos emerge due to the freeze-thaw cycle.

Wildlife and Vegetation

Despite a short growing season, over 800 plant species thrive here. Wildlife is less diverse, but includes migratory birds, seals, and the occasional polar bear or school of beluga whales.

History

Henry Hudson first sighted the bay in 1610, with the first European overland arrival by Pierre Esprit Radisson in 1662. The first trading post was established in 1668.

Population

The region is sparsely populated, primarily by Inuit communities who now focus on fishing and handicrafts rather than traditional hunting.

Economy

Rich in natural resources, the area's harsh conditions and terrain make resource extraction challenging. The bay's freeze-over halts shipping for most of the year, and transportation relies heavily on planes. The fur trade and fishing remain economically significant.

Hudson's Bay Company

Founded in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company once controlled a vast territory and monopolized the fur trade. It has since evolved into a major retail business with stores across North America and Europe.