Great Waterways

The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) - The Intracoastal Waterway is a 4,800 km (3,000 mile) long recreational and commercial waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Some lengths of the ICW are natural and others are manmade.

The Great Lakes Waterway - The Great Lakes Waterway is a system of natural channels and artificial canals which enable navigation between the North American Great Lakes.

Launch your own adventure along Canada's original highways. Going through the locks, you'll appreciate the "cutting-edge" engineering technology – from over 150 years ago! Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes, fascinating stories and lively local culture. Here's your chance to create unforgettable memories, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Canada's waterways. Find out more...

Fortunately people began to realize the value of the canals for leisure, boating, fishing and walking.

The Great Loop - The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that stretches about 6,000 miles (9,700 km) and allows boaters to explore Eastern North America. This system of waterways encompasses the eastern portion of the United States and part of Canada. It is made up of both natural and man-made waterways, including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Rideau Canal, and the Mississippi and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Anyone who completes the journey is then named an official 'Looper.'

The America's Great Loop Cruisers' Association (AGLCA) - AGLCA's members range from experienced Loopers to boaters in the midst of Looping; from those planning on one day cruising the Great Loop to those simply exhilarated by the process of learning about the journey. Every level of interest is welcome, no restrictions or limitations!

Super Loopers - For most, cruising America’s Great Loop is the Looper’s very first long-distance boating adventure. It is most often the boaters first time to cruise through unknown and unfamiliar waters. While some have boating experience on inland lakes or rivers, others have experience on Intracoastal and tidal waters. Many have never been through a Lock and some have never even seen a Lock, Lift or Swing Bridge. In addition, most Loopers have never experienced anchoring out in tidal waters or strong river currents. Very few Loopers starting out on this voyage have experienced all the above.

Waterway Guide - Choosing Your Great Loop Route - Atlantic to Great Lakes - The longest route traveling from the south is along the northeast Atlantic coast sailing past the spectacular sites of Nova Scotia. On arriving at this famed seagoing area of the world, you will then enter the Saint Lawrence Seaway north of Quebec, Canada, and follow the Seaway directly to Lake Ontario.

How Does a Lock Work - A lock usually consists of a watertight basin known as a lock chamber, which is used to raise or lower the water level as required. Boats are raised or lowered by filling or emptying the lock chamber. Gates at each end of the lock chamber allow the boats to enter and leave. The gates are operated by various hydraulic, electric or manually operated systems, depending on the canal.

Related Links:

• The Great Lakes Seaway
• Great Lakes Guide
• Boating Safely - Everything You Need to Know
• Thousand Islands National Park
• Visit 1000 Islands
• Boating Georgian Bay
• The North Channel and Manitoulin Island
• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• NOAA Nautical Charts
• My Top 10 Places to Go Boating in Ontario
• How to Rent a Boat in Ontario
• Boating Ontario