Bellot Strait

Bellot Strait, the passage on the north coast of North America which separates North Somerset from Boothia Felix, and connects Prince Regent Inlet with Franklin Channel. Its east entrance was discovered in 1852 by Lieutenant Bellot. After four unsuccessful attempts, it was explored for the first time by McClintock on his crowning voyage. It is about 20 miles long, and, at its narrowest part, about 1 mile wide, running pretty nearly on the parallel of 72°, between granite shores which, everywhere high, rise here and there to 1500 or 1600 feet. Through this funnel both the winds and the waters have full play; the latter, permanent currents and flood-tides alike, coming from the west. A point on the south shore, 71° 55' N., 95° W., is the most northerly point of the North American continent.