The Saint Lawrence Seaway is a system of locks, canals, and channels in Canada and the United States that permit ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. It was officially opened on June 26, 1959, and is now jointly operated by the Canadian and American governments. The Seaway is a major shipping route for bulk cargo such as grain, iron ore, coal, and other commodities. It also provides recreational opportunities for boaters and tourists.