The Canadian Arctic Archipelago includes all islands north of the Canadian mainland and west of Greenland, extending north from the mainland a distance of 1,400 mi (2,255 km) and having a maximum east-west extent of approximately 1,500 mi (2,415 km). The climate is characterized by long cold winters, short cool summers, and very low precipitation.

The remote location, the dearth of permanent settlements and service facilities, and the extremely harsh climate pose many problems for those engaged in exploration work and will contribute peculiar difficulties for future exploitation of the area's immense mineral resources.

There are unusual problems which have been or will be encountered when operating in the Arctic, but techniques have been developed to overcome them. Despite these adverse factors, it appears that the potential rewards of Arctic exploration are commensurate with the risks.