The St. Lawrence begins at the North River in Minnesota, United States. It flows through 2,500 miles (4,000 km), connecting the Great Lakes region with with Atlantic Ocean. It forms the U.S.-Canadian border until it reaches the northeastern corner of New York state, where it turns sharply northeast. It continues in that direction until it meets the St. Lawrence Estuary near Quebec City. The estuary connects the river to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and then to the Atlantic Ocean.
After its northeastern turn, the river reaches Montreal, the largest port on the St. Lawrence River system. Montreal is a 350-year-old city located on an island in the river. It is the second largest city in Canada, with 3.4 million residents, and is known for its cultural diversity, tourism and recreational opportunities. Its port handled 24.5 million metric tons of cargo in 2009, according to port management.
Quebec City sits on a hill above the mouth of the St. Lawrence Estuary, making it a natural fortress. Samuel de Champlain founded its original trading post in 1608 and Charles Dickens later called it the "Gibraltar of America." Its population of 622,000 makes it Canada's third largest city. It is the capital of Quebec Province and boasts rich historical and architectural heritage. The United Nations Economic and Social Council designated it a World Heritage Site in 1985.
The St. Lawrence River system is one of the world's largest international shipping routes, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with central North America. Recreational uses include fishing, boating, swimming and touring. The system also supplies fresh water for residential and commercial purposes.
