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Nares Strait

Nares Strait (Danish: Nares Strædet; 80°0′N, 70°0′W) is a waterway lying between Ellesmere Island (the most northerly part of Nunavut, Canada) and Greenland. It links Baffin Bay with the Lincoln Sea in the Arctic Ocean. From south to north, the strait consists of Smith Sound, Kane Basin, Kennedy Channel, Hall Basin and Robeson Channel.

In 1964, its name, from the British naval officer George Strong Nares, was agreed by the Danish (Stednavneudvalget, now Stednavnenævnet) and Canadian governments.

The strait and neighbouring waters are usually hazardous for navigation and shipping. During August, however, it is usually navigable by icebreakers. Prior to 1948, only five vessels were recorded as having successfully navigated north of Kane Basin.

Hans Island, a tiny island lying within the strait, is claimed by both Denmark (on behalf of Greenland) and Canada.

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