Cruise The St. Lawrence Seaway

Cruise the St. Lawrence Seaway

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Travel without the crowds aboard the classic overnight riverboat, the 66-passenger Canadian Empress, as it slowly cruises through the waters of Canada’s St. Lawrence Seaway. The vessel carries a lot of repeat passengers from both sides of the St. Lawrence River.

Between May and October every year, explore the passages and channels of the 1000 Islands, or follow the majestic St. Lawrence into the heart of Montreal, passing through seven seaway locks as you go.

Cruise the St. Lawrence Seaway on the Canadian Empress. * Photo: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

See the Scenic St. Lawrence Seaway Up Close

At 5,525 miles, the border between Canada and the United States is the longest undefended border in the world and a significant amount of those border miles covers the length of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The St. Lawrence Seaway was created in 1959 as a joint venture between Canada and the United States, and it continues to serve as a vital corridor for shipping, recreation, and tourism.

It’s an ideal waterway to explore on a small-ship cruise, whether a small private boat or yacht, or the likes of the charming 66-pax Canadian Empress.

Map of the St Lawrence Seaway

3 Reasons to Cruise the St. Lawrence Seaway

1. The 1000 Islands Region

If you’re keen to see the lovely 1000 Islands, an archipelago of more than 1,800 islands that straddles the Canada–US border along the Saint Lawrence River, then you’ll be glad to know that all of Canadian Empress’s itineraries cruise there.

A nature and boating lover’s paradise, The 1000 Islands are also an opportunity to see some grand late 19th and early 20th-century mansions built by wealthy families as summer “homes.”

The Upper River Expedition round-trip from Kingston spends the most time in the Islands because they tour the US channel on the way downriver, and the Canadian channel on the way back to Kingston.

Canadian Empress visits the Canadian communities of Kingston, Gananoque, Brockville and Prescott.

Cruising 1000 Islands on Canadian Empress

Cruising the scenic 1000 Islands. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines

2. The Locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway

If you’ve got a penchant for locks and find the process of passing through them fascinating, then the St Lawrence Seaway harbours many pleasures.

In all, the St Lawrence Seaway system is connected by five short canals, which comprise 15 locks that are filled and emptied by gravity.

Between Montreal and Lake Ontario, there are a total of seven locks to cruise through — two locks on the US side and five in Canada.

Iroquois Seaway Control Lock (Canada, near Kingston)
Eisenhower (US Side)
Snell (US Side)
Beauharnois I (Quebec)
Beauharnois II (Quebec)
Ste-Catherine (Entering Greater Montreal)
St-Lambert and the South Shore Canal (Entering Montreal Harbour)

Iroquois Lock on a St Lawrence Seaway cruise

Canadian Empress passing through the Iroquois Lock. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines

If you love locks, go for these Canadian Empress cruises:

Canadian Connection — https://www.stlawrencecruiselines.com/cruises/canadian-connection/
Canada’s Capital — https://www.stlawrencecruiselines.com/cruises/canadas-capital/
Upper River Expedition — https://www.stlawrencecruiselines.com/cruises/upper-river-expedition/

The massive doors of the Eisenhower Lock. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines

3. Exploring Historic Montreal

There’s so much to see in Montreal, a scenic city composed of a number of islands.

From the Notre Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, to St. Joseph’s Oratory on the top of Mount-Royal, one of the world’s most visited shrines and a great vantage point for views of downtown Montreal and the St Lawrence River.

Old Montreal, between the river and downtown, is the most historical part of the city. Montreal’s colonial history dates back to the 17th century, when the French came to pursue the lucrative fur trade and established a port, now known as the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port), and a real showstopper for visitors.

The Old Port of Montreal. * Photo: https://www.oldportofmontreal.com/about-old-port

To choose a cruise that spends quality time here, then definitely go for the Canadian Empress’ Canadian Connection Cruises, either the east or west directions.

On these itineraries, the ship docks downtown in the historical part of Montreal, in the Old Port, the true heart of the city.

Who is St Lawrence Cruise Lines?

The best way to do a guided tour of the Seaway is to see it with St. Lawrence Cruise Lines.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines is a family-owned business founded some 42 years ago. They’re the region’s most experienced tour operator providing overnight calm water cruises on Canada’s inland waters.

Cruises aboard the Canadian Empress range from 4-7 nights with departures from Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec City.

Enjoying the scenery along the way aboard the Canadian Empress. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines

The atmosphere aboard the classic riverboat is warm and authentic and all staterooms have access to fresh air, climate controls and an intimate view of the river.

River cruising is all about relaxation, and the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers provide the perfect atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the experience, both the itinerary and fellow passengers.