The Great Lakes Seaway is a system of interconnected waterways that allows ships to travel between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. It includes the St. Lawrence River and a series of locks and canals that facilitate navigation. This waterway is crucial for transporting goods, such as grain and iron ore, across North America. Opened in 1959, the Great Lakes Seaway enhances trade by connecting the industrial heartland of the United States and Canada to global markets. It supports both commercial shipping and recreational boating, making it an important economic and recreational resource for the region.