Cargo steamers await the opening of 'Navigation' at Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, Canada. The name of two cities on the Saint Mary's River, forming part of the boundary between the United States and Canada. The word 'Sainte' may also be abbreviated as "Ste." In the foreground one can see three 'whalebacks' was a type of cargo steamship of unique design, with a hull that continuously curved above the waterline from vertical to horizontal - used notably for carrying grain or ore. Likely in this instance to be transporting copper ore from the local mines. This postcard clearly shows how a fully laden boat rides (low!) in the water.