Canada's Northwest PASSAGE is a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean. It was first explored by Europeans in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that it became a viable commercial route. The Northwest PASSAGE is an important part of Canadian history and culture, and has been used by explorers, traders, and adventurers for centuries. The term 'Northwest PASSAGE' is seven letters long, and is often abbreviated as NWP.