Soo Canals

Soo Canals, or Sault Sainte Marie Canals, waterways on the U.S.-Canada border linking Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The U.S. canal has 2 channels and 4 locks, the Canadian canal has 1 lock. About 85 million short tons (77 million metric tons) of cargo are shipped through the canals annually. Cargo is comprised mainly of iron ore, coal, oil, stone, and grain. By using these canals, which are icebound during the winter months, ships may bypass the dangerous rapids on St. Mary's River.