Where is St. Lawrence River located on a map? The St. Lawrence River, a vital waterway in North America, stretches over 3,058 kilometers (1,900 miles) and serves as a significant boundary between the United States and Canada. Its geographical location makes it a crucial component of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the interior of North America.
The river originates from Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes, and flows northward through the province of Ontario in Canada, passing by the cities of Kingston, Ottawa, and Montreal before emptying into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. This extensive waterway spans across the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as well as the U.S. state of New York.
On a map, the St. Lawrence River is easily identifiable due to its distinctive path. Starting from the southeastern part of Lake Ontario, it meanders through a series of locks and canals, including the famous St. Lawrence Seaway, which allows ships to navigate from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The river’s course is marked by a series of green lines, indicating its direction and flow.
To locate the St. Lawrence River on a map, follow these steps:
1. Find North America on the map.
2. Locate the Great Lakes region, which includes Lake Ontario.
3. Trace the river’s path from Lake Ontario northward through Ontario and Quebec.
4. Observe the river’s convergence with the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The St. Lawrence River’s strategic location has made it a vital transportation route for centuries. It played a significant role in the fur trade between European settlers and Indigenous peoples during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the river continues to be a critical transportation artery, supporting trade and tourism in the region. Additionally, the river’s vast network of lakes and rivers provides a rich ecosystem for various species of fish, birds, and wildlife, making it an essential habitat for biodiversity.
