The bustling port town of Oswego is situated at the mouth of the Oswego River, where the Oswego Canal (which joins the Erie Canal system) flows into Lake Ontario and provides a vital link between the Great Lake and the Hudson River. Shaped by its long history as a strategic stop along the trading route connecting the Atlantic coast to the continent's interior, Oswego (Iroquois for "flowing out") is home to Fort Ontario, Oswego Harbor Trail park, H. Lee White Marine Museum, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, and historic architecture to explore. During the summer and fall, Oswego hosts several festivals such as Harborfest, a free live music event in late July. Oswego is also a place where boating transitions between the tranquility of the canals to the reality of the open waters of Lake Ontario. Several fishing charters offer trips on the lake to fish for salmon, lake trout, steelheads, rainbow and brown trout. There are ample provisioning options in town, including a Thursday farmers market and nearby shopping.