The available routes connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and some relevant resources.

The Locks

The highest elevation of the great lakes is Lake Superior at 600’ above sea level, next is Lake Michigan & Lake Huron at 577’. This is where I will be starting my trip meaning I’ll be passing through 15 of the 16 locks that make up the Great Lake/St. Lawrence Seaway locking system.

There is lots of commercial traffic traversing these locks and each one has a specific schedule. Luckily the following guide has been published to help recreational traffic wrap their heads around it:

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Useful Links

Here is a great web page on the different routes, and their pros & cons:

  • http://www.sailfarlivefree.com/2012/02/escape-to-sea-how-to-get-from-great.html

Pleasure Craft Guide to the St. lawrence:

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St. Lawrence Seaway Official Website:

  • https://greatlakes-seaway.com/en/navigating-the-seaway/seaway-map/#