14" north latitude.

Hence he gazed out northwards over a vast expanse of piled-up ice in which several small islands were embedded.

In the spaces of open water whales were visible (the small white whale, _Beluga_).

The water in between the islands was affected by the tide.
The travellers had, in fact, reached the Arctic ocean.

But, owing to the fickleness of their guides, and the danger of being detained by some obstacle in these northern latitudes without proper supplies for the winter, Mackenzie was afraid to stay for further investigations, and on July 16, 1789, turned his back on the sea and commenced his return journey up the stream of the great river which was henceforth to bear his name.
The strength of the current made the homeward travel much more lengthy and tedious.