The St. Lawrence Seaway connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean, stretching 2,340 miles (3,768 km). Making up the seaway are a series of locks, dams, and canals along the St. Lawrence River and channels connecting the Great Lakes. Because of the St. Lawrence Seaway to reach cities otherwise not accessible from the ocean. Vessels up to 730 feet (223 m) long and with a capacity of up to 27,000 tons may use the seaway. A link between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast had been proposed since Jacques Cartier sought a Northwest Passage in 1535.