INSIDE PASSAGE Meaning and
Definition
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The Inside Passage refers to a protected maritime route along the coast of North America, specifically in British Columbia, Canada, and southeastern Alaska, United States. It is characterized by a series of waterways, including fjords, straits, and channels, nestled between the mainland and the numerous islands that line the coastline.
This scenic water route stretches over 1,000 miles and provides a safe passage for maritime traffic, including ships, ferries, and recreational vessels. The Inside Passage allows vessels to navigate through relatively calm waters, shielded from the oceanic swells and exposed open seas. Its natural protection by the surrounding landmasses, coupled with the fjords and islands, offer a picturesque and tranquil journey.
The waterway is known for its diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds, and boasts breathtaking scenery with towering mountains, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. The lush temperate rainforests and coastal ecosystems that line the route are home to an array of wildlife species.
The Inside Passage holds historical and cultural significance, with Indigenous communities having lived and traveled along its waterways for thousands of years, relying on its resources for sustenance and transportation. Nowadays, it serves as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who desire to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes and explore the unique coastal towns and villages dotting the route.
Overall, the Inside Passage is a renowned natural waterway that provides both a practical transportation route and an unmatched scenic experience, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Etymology of INSIDE PASSAGE
The term "Inside Passage" refers to a coastal route that runs along the western coast of North America, mostly through the southeast coast of Alaska. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
Inside: This word comes from the Old English word "innan", which means "within" or "into the interior". Over time, it evolved into "innes", "innere", and finally "inside" in Middle English. In this context, it signifies that the route lies within the mainland as opposed to being exposed to the open ocean.
Passage: This word originates from the Old French "passage", which means "a crossing" or "a path". It comes from the Latin word "passare", which translates to "to step" or "to go". In this case, it refers to a navigable waterway that allows ships to travel through a certain region.
