St. Lawrence River

　　The St. Lawrence River is a river located between Canada and the United States, forming a major water system in central North America. It originates from Lake Ontario, flows through Montreal and Quebec City, and empties into the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the Gaspé Peninsula, which leads to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence River is 3,260 kilometers long, with a drainage basin covering approximately 300,000 square kilometers. Starting from Kingston at the mouth of Lake Ontario to Cornwall in Ontario, the river serves as the border between the United States and Canada. Below Cornwall, the river lies entirely within Canadian territory.

　　The St. Lawrence River is abundant in water and relatively low in sediment content. Its tributaries include the Ottawa River, the Richelieu River, and the Saguenay River. Lake Champlain in Vermont is also part of its tributary system. Together with the Great Lakes, it forms the world’s largest freshwater system.

　　The banks of the St. Lawrence River are home to 80% of Quebec’s population and nearly all of its industry. It nourishes the residents on both sides and can be regarded as the country’s mother river, while also promoting economic development. The St. Lawrence River is not only an international shipping route connecting the United States and Canada, but also links to Western Europe and the rest of the world via ocean-going routes, making it of significant economic importance.

　　The St. Lawrence River converges with the Saguenay River here, forming a massive fault. As seawater from the river’s estuary rises, it carries a large amount of nutrients, attracting herds of whales that come to feed and breed. As a result, this area is one of the few places in the world where you can spot blue whales, beluga whales, humpback whales, and fin whales all at once. The endangered North Atlantic right whale and the adorable beluga whale have become local highlights, drawing a continuous stream of tourists.

　　Saint Lawrence River Reason to visit: The most important river in Canada Continent: North America Country/Region: Canada Province/State: Ontario and Quebec