Icebreaking in Canada

The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaking program makes sure that marine traffic moves safely through or around ice-covered waters.

From December to May, icebreakers and hovercrafts operate along Canada’s east coast from Newfoundland to Montréal and in the Great Lakes. From June to November, icebreakers provide services in the Arctic.

Canadian Coast Guard ice operations centres task our fleet of icebreakers and guide the movement of marine traffic through ice. With the support of the program, most Canadian ports are open for business year-round.

Alternative formats and transcript (How icebreaking works)

Services

Our staff and fleet operate out of multiple regions to deliver vital services in different sectors.

Route assistance

The program provides route assistance services, such as:

freeing vessels beset in ice
maintaining shipping routes
escorting ships through ice-covered waters
organizing convoys (escorts of 2 or more ships) to maximize services in favourable conditions

Ice routing and information services

We provide general routes to shipping and specific routes can be requested.

Harbour breakouts

Our harbour breakout services include:

clearing ice from:

wharf faces of port terminals
facilities in commercial and fishing harbours

breaking out approaches
end-of-season ice clearance
assisting shipping within ports and at marine facilities in emergencies

CCGS Pierre Radisson conducting first harbour breakout in Port Alfred, upper Saguenay River

Flood control

The program provides flood control services by:

helping ice flow during spring break-up
breaking out river entrances to allow for ice and water flow
anticipating flood risks by monitoring ice conditions and water levels
protecting flood-prone areas by preventing ice jams and excessive ice buildup

Northern resupply

We resupply northern settlements and government sites with fuel and dry cargo when commercial carriers aren’t available.

Arctic sovereignty

Our icebreakers help to maintain sovereignty in the Canadian Arctic by supporting the Canadian Coast Guard’s programs, such as:

Search and Rescue
Environmental Response
Marine Communications and Traffic Services

We also support our mandate by providing the following services:

weather and ice information
resupplying northern communities
breaking out community approaches
recommending ice routes across the Arctic
platforms for scientific and hydrographic programs
escorting ships and organizing convoys through ice
reinforcing services to and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples

Clients

We hold pre-season meetings with clients to discuss their needs and our traffic expectations. These clients include:

fishing vessels
port operators
Arctic residents
the general public
commercial vessels

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Ice Service forecasts seasonal ice conditions for us and the marine industry. We use this to anticipate any potential areas of concern and plan accordingly.

Our icebreaking program provides high-quality services by following these procedures:

developing and improving public standards for services by consulting with clients
continually improving the delivery of services to meet standards
accounting for performance against our standards
monitoring client satisfaction with services
providing accessible complaint and correction options when service standards aren’t being met

Requesting an icebreaker

Contact your nearest MCTS station to make your official request. You must tell us if you need a routine escort or if you’re in a distress or emergency situation.

Response time will depend on: