Offshore exploratory drilling from thickened, floating ice platforms in the Canadian arctic islands is described. Design procedures, based on elastic plate theory and finite element analysis, are used in conjunction with a reduced elastic modulus to predict long-term deflections. Construction of the platforms is carried out using semi-automated techniques and the provision of support facilities such as airstrips is a major part of the program. Methods of monitoring vertical deflections and strains through the ice are described. The trends over the past 5 yrs and for the near future are to heavier rig loads and longer durations.