The St. Lawrence is one of the world’s largest waterways. With its Québec portion extending over a distance of 1,700 km, it is the gateway to North America.
Consult our directory to discover the actors and partners of our industry.
The St. Lawrence: A Pathway to Sustainable Prosperity
Owing to its advantageous strategic position, the St. Lawrence is a powerful vector for economic, social and environmental development for Québec society as well as its North American and foreign partners.
The St. Lawrence provides access to all continents and more than 140 countries. Its strategic shipping route makes this thriving economic corridor one of the most important on the continent. The St. Lawrence is a veritable blue highway that connects a pool of 135 million North American consumers within a 1,000 kilometre radius.
Supported by its world-class port network, Québec’s maritime transport is strategically significant for international trade.
Since the vast majority of Québec’s population lives on the banks of the St. Lawrence, maritime transport is a vital component of Québec’s economic life and businesses.
strategic commercial ports located throughout Québec
A powerful economic driver and industrial basin
A diverse ecosystem, a skilled workforce and a thriving industry open to collaboration
400+
companies comprising a diverse maritime ecosystem
25 K
direct and indirect jobs for Quebecers
18.2 G
Canadian dollar contribution by Québec to Canada’s marine exports
75 %
of total traffic is international, in terms of both exports and imports
Montréal: a logistics and transportation hub in North America
In addition to its waterway and strategic port network, Québec provides a road network that is directly connected to the Ontario and U.S. highway systems, quickly accessible border crossings, several rail networks, including two class A-1 networks, and three international airports, one of which is dedicated exclusively to cargo. More than 400 million tons of goods are handled annually in Québec, including 142 million tons in Greater Montréal.
Our port network is in a strategic geographic location and provides access to all continents. It is linked to a connected intermodal network in North America. Our waterways are efficient high-performance trade corridors.
The St. Lawrence is a powerful economic driver and holds potential for invaluable benefits. The vitality of Québec’s maritime industry and related sectors of activity contribute to its competitiveness and prosperity.
State-of-the-art resources in research and development
Québec’s innovation ecosystem is rich in resources for developing cutting-edge technologies to meet global environmental and economic challenges. Our expertise can help you meet environmental standards and remain internationally competitive.
With its maritime vision, Advantage St. Lawrence, the Québec government sees the St. Lawrence River as not just a waterway, but as a pathway toward prosperity and sustainable growth. A total budget of $926.9 million, provided by the Québec government and its partners, will fund the implementation of the strategy’s three priorities until 2025.
