Sr Lawrence Seaway System issued its first advisory of 2026, No 01/2026 advising the navigation season and the maximum draft in 2026.
The opening of the 2026 navigation season is scheduled to take place on the following date and time:
Montreal / Lake Ontario Section: March 22, 2026 – 0800 hours (D.S.T.)
Welland Canal: March 22, 2026 – 0800 hours (D.S.T.)
Ship transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions. Restrictions may apply in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been installed.
In the Montreal / Lake Ontario Section, the maximum allowable draft will be 8.00 m. The maximum draft will be increased to 8.08 m for all ships when the South Shore Canal is ice-free and when water levels are favourable.
In the Welland Canal, a maximum allowable draft of 8.08 m will be in effect from the start of the navigation season for all ships.