Where did the explorers think the northwest passage was?

Answer 1

Explorers in the 16th to 18th centuries believed the Northwest Passage was a direct water route through the Arctic, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They speculated it lay along the northern coasts of North America, often through a series of straits and channels. Many sought this passage to facilitate trade and establish faster routes to Asia, but it remained elusive due to ice and challenging conditions. Ultimately, it was not fully navigated until the 20th century.