The St. Marys River forms the outlet of Lake
Superior, connected it with Lake
Huron. From Whitefish Bay at
the southeastern corner of Lake
Superior, the river flows in a general southeastern direction to empty
into Lake
Huron at Point De Tour, a distance of 63 to 75 miles depending on the
route traveled. The river is bound on
the west side for its entire length by the eastern end of the upper peninsula
of Michigan and on the east side by the Ontario mainland in the upper part of
Drummond Island, Michigan and St. Joseph Island, Ontario in the lower
part.
A series of dredged deep-draft channels lead through the St.
Marys River to connect the deep water of Lake
Huron with than of Lake
Superior. The channels are well
marked by lighted and unlighted buoys and lighted areas.
All salt water vessels transiting the lock systems along the St.
Marys River which are not equipped with either bow or stern thrusters, are
required to be assisted by one or more tugs to ensure that full control of the
vessel is maintained at all times. Tugs
are also required for all power vessels which experience control problems at
low speeds, or in close quarters.
The Great Lakes Towing Company provides tug service at the Soo
Locks and the St. Marys with tugs from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.