Canadian Coast Guard’s winter icebreaking season underway

January 16, 2026                    Ottawa, Ontario          National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard

The Canadian Coast Guard has begun winter icebreaking operations in Atlantic Canada, the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary, the St. Lawrence River, and the Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways. Every winter, the Canadian Coast Guard provides icebreaking support, escort, and ice management services to aid the safe and efficient movement of people, ships, and goods across Canadian waters.

This vital service plays an important role in public safety. Breaking ice helps prevent the formation of ice jams, which can cause flooding in northern and coastal communities. It also enables the flow of commercial goods across Canada, which supports the economy.

The Canadian Coast Guard reminds the public that it can be very dangerous to venture onto the ice and encourages individuals to familiarize themselves with our ice safety tips. Broken and fragmented ice tracks and ridging left behind by passing icebreakers or commercial vessels may not freeze over immediately, creating hazardous conditions for ice users. In addition, newly fallen snow will obscure ship tracks. Unsafe ice conditions can persist long after icebreakers have left the area.

More information on Canadian Coast Guard icebreaking services can be found on our website.