Opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, permitting travel of ocean-going vessels from the Atlantic Ocean into the Great Lakes. Canadian police on motorcycles lead and escort line of Cadillac cars during arrival of VIPs for ceremonies. United States First Lady Mamie Eisenhower and British royal Prince Philip pass by in a an open Cadillac convertible. Ceremonial stage area is seen. President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth arrive, seated in the back of a large Cadillac sedan. The rear seat is open, convertible style, while the rest of the vehicle is closed like a traditional sedan. Mrs. Eisenhower and Prince Philip arrive in a similarly designed Cadillac, with a closed forward area and open rear seat. Canadian Mounted Police guard and watch nearby. View of Queen Elizabeth and President Eisenhower exiting the vehicle and approaching the ceremony area on foot.
President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth arriving in a Cadillac sedan with an open back seat for ceremonies to open officially the St. Lawrence Seaway. Britain's Prince Philip and U.S. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower also arrive in a separate Cadillac sedan. The distinguished guests wave to the audience gathered as their cars approach the ceremony stage. President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth are greeted by officials before ascending steps to an outdoor stage. Queen Elizabeth addresses the gathered crowd. President Eisenhower also addresses the audience. Officials are seen seated on the stage. View of President Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth descending steps, followed by two U.S. Navy officers, to enter the waiting Cadillac sedan after the ceremony.
Royal British yacht "Britannia" moving slowly in the St. Lawrence Seaway as part of the Seaway's opening ceremony festivities. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip seen on the forward bridge waving to the crowd and press along the sides of the Seaway. Novelty British flags hooked to small parachutes are shot in the air from ships and float down to the crowd. Close-up of the Britannia's ship's plaque. U.S. Navy crew at quarters aboard the USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931), serving as an escort ship. Many sailors at the rails of the U.S. Navy ship USS Forrest Sherman, with the Royal Yacht Brittania in the background. The official gates at the seaway are seen. A choir of high school or college students sings at the ceremony. View of First Lady Mrs. Eisenhower entering a Cadillac sedan, and Queen Elizabeth going to a second Cadillac sedan with President Eisenhower. Large crowd watches the officials enter the cars. Prince Philip and Mrs. Eisenhower ride away in a Cadillac and are followed by Queen Elizabeth and President Eisenhower in a second sedan.
View from shore of newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway as the British Royal Yacht Britannia navigates a lock of the seaway canal. Crowd looks on from platforms and waves at the royal party aboard the ship. View switches to the grandstand at the opening ceremony for the St Lawrence Seaway. Britain's Queen Elizabeth approaches the podium to give remarks. Camera pans across grounds showing audience listening to the addresses from the ceremony grandstand. Candian police and mounted police in the foreground near the grandstand. United States President Dwight Eisenhower approaches the podium to make remarks.
A DC-6 aircraft, carrying Queen Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon of the United Kingdom (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother), taxis after landing at Uplands Airport (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, 1000 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 9B4, Canada) in Ottawa, Canada. The Queen Mother descends steps from the aircraft. Quick view of parliamentary luncheon for 300 persons given in her honor. The Queen Mother receives a bouquet of flowers at the airport and reviews an honor guard of The 1st Black Watch (RHR) of Canada, in an airport hangar. Canadian officials in a line, being greeted by the Queen Mother. Afterwards, she enters an automobile with a clear plastic roof.
John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, British Governor General of Canada, broadcasts New Year's message to citizens of Canada. He speaks about the death of King George V, of England, and of his successor, King Edward VIII, who of his own will resigned from his high office. He gives New year wishes and talks about his travels and what he has seen that has made him optimistic about Canada and its future.