Prepare for marine ice

Marine ice includes glacial ice, icebergs, sea ice and lake ice. Sea and lake ice forms when the water freezes. However, ice islands and icebergs were once land ice or ice shelves that have broken off into water. Fast ice is connected to the shoreline and/or anchored to the ocean bottom.

Why prepare for marine ice

Marine ice can have a direct impact on the lives of people in Canada. It may cause other hazards such as floods or erosion. Marine ice can damage marine vessels and property. Thinner than normal marine ice can impact travel and the transportation of supplies along ice roads. It can disrupt traditional hunting practices, food sources and livelihoods of Canada’s Indigenous and Inuit people.

What to do

Before marine ice

If you live or travel in areas that are at risk of marine ice, take steps to prepare yourself.

During marine ice

The behaviour of marine ice is complex, and conditions can change rapidly. When in doubt, don’t go out on the ice .

Where to start

You can protect yourself and members of your group by learning more about marine ice and by taking proper precautions with enough safety margins if you are traveling in ice infested water and/or over ice.  Make sure that your group is prepared.

Features

Canadian Ice Service

The leading authority for ice and iceberg information in Canada's navigable waters.

Sea ice: types and forms

Learn about the many different types of sea ice.

Ice safety  

Learn about how to stay safe when traveling over frozen waters.

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