Waterways, such as rivers, canals and lakes, have been essential for the development of North America. Rivers provided a means for settlers to travel and explore the land, while canals allowed for expedient transportation of goods and people. Lakes provided sources of food, recreation, and drinking water for the pioneers, and the water was used to power mill machinery and generate electricity. Additionally, the waterways were integral to the establishment of the fur trade and helped open up the continent for colonization. Today, many of these waterways remain important sources of irrigation, hydropower, transportation, recreation, and drinking water in North America.