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Retired US Army Corps of Engineers general, Hiram M. Chittenden, lobbied Congress to fund the initial earth moving in 1911. Part of the Canal’s construction necessitated lowering Lake Washington’s water level by 9-ft (3-m).

These bridges operate with counterweights and cantilevered sections that can be raised and lowered. Fremont and Ballard Bridges are the oldest, built in 1917. The former is only 30-ft (9-m) above the water line, and opens about 35 times each day.

At the base of Capitol Hill’s northeastern tip, the upmarket community of Montlake abuts the Arboretum and the Ship Canal. Just across the Canal, the university’s huge Husky Stadium dominates the majestic view.

A very urban lake with Seattle’s downtown skyline framing its southern shore. Seattle’s maritime museum, Center for Wooden Boats and South Lake Union Park at the south end are worth a visit.

Seattle’s maritime industry prospers along the Ship Canal route. Tanker ships or gill netters lie in dry dock, boat dealers proliferate, and oil booms float here and there – in stark contrast to the natural ecology that struggles to survive.

Every December, local boaters celebrate the holiday season by venturing out during several cold evenings after decorating their boats with creative and colorful light displays.

The idiosyncratic floating home enclaves of northern Lake Union and Portage Bay are visible almost exclusively by boats traveling the Canal and environs. One was a focal point in the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks romantic film, Sleepless in Seattle (1993).

Although the Ship Canal is literally and figuratively far from any wilderness it still attracts diverse wildlife. Blue heron, gulls, beaver, Canada geese, and migrating salmon are among the many creatures to look for.

Officially completed in 1917, the Hiram C. Chittenden Locks link the Sound and Salmon Bay at Ballard. About 100,000 vessels pass through annually, as do salmon runs in the adjacent fish ladder – fully equipped with observation windows for visitors.

The western terminus of the Ship Canal feeds into this scenic bay, home to a public marina. The water-front boasts fine seafood restaurants, meeting spaces, and Golden Gardens park.