In 1903 the Canadian government vessel Neptune visited the whaling grounds in Hudson Bay on a patrol mission and passed the winter in the ice. Notice the snow packed around the ship to provide insulation against the cold. As well, the decks were roofed over with boards or canvas. On the left, some crew members are building snow houses where their ship's supplies and provisions will be stored during the winter. While not a whaler, the Neptune was similar to many whaling vessels in that it was powered by both steam and sail.
Courtesy: National Photography Collection, Public Archives of Canada (PA-53569)
