An in-depth analysis of planned cruise ship itineraries and voyages in the Canadian Arctic

Abstract

There is limited data on marine tourism traffic (cruise ships and pleasure craft) and on-shore locations visited by cruise ships in the Canadian Arctic. Marine tourism vessels represent 11.8% of all vessel voyages transiting within the Canadian Arctic, which is significant as these vessels "go off the beaten path" seeking out natural and cultural experiences. Given the vast landscape of the Canadian Arctic, as well as the fact that not all on-shore sites require a permit to visit, there is uncertainty as to where marine tourism vessels are disembarking passengers onto land. This research utilizes databases with information on marine tourism voyages (i. e., ship traffic) from 1990 to 2019 and shore locations from 2008 to 2019 to better understand the current scale and scope of the sector. Data on marine tourism voyages were acquired from the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Archive and shore location information were compiled from planned publicly available cruise ship itineraries. The results show that marine tourism vessels and related shore activities have been steadily increasing over time, while also illustrating and highlighting the infancy of the Canadian Arctic marine tourism industry as a total of 150 unique on-shore locations have been advertised to tourists from 2008 to 2019 with a minimum of 44 different on-shore locations advertised each season. This article advances and improves our understanding of the marine tourism industry and is vital for the management and planning of a sustainable tourism industry that ensures both respect of the northern ecosystems and environment and the rights and traditions of Indigenous northerners.