km 21

The Metcalfe 'canaller', returning from Montreal, exits Lock No. 5 heading toward the Great Lakes. Until the early 20th century, the numerous obstacles in the S.t Lawrence River made it difficult to transport goods and slowed down trade.

In 1903, the standardization of the St. Lawrence canal system and the construction of more than 200 'canallers' boats that were adapted to the new canals facilitated and increased trade with the interior of the continent. These improvements significantly reduced the time it took for such vessels to travel the St. Lawrence network. In 1935, thanks to these improvements, a round trip from Montreal to Chicago could be completed in less than 12 days.