description Lake Ontario Overview
Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the five Great Lakes and the smallest by surface area. It is bordered by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and New York State to the south. Major cities on its shore include Toronto, Hamilton, and Rochester. Water flows into it from Lake Erie via the Niagara River and exits through the Saint Lawrence River.
insights Ranking position
Lake Ontario ranks #47 of 214 in the Lake ranking, behind Lake of the Woods, ahead of Lake Saimaa.
help Lake Ontario FAQ
Which states and provinces border Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario is shared between the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and New York State in the USA to the south. It serves as a major geographic boundary between the two countries. Its northern shore is home to Toronto, the largest city in Canada.
Is Lake Ontario the largest of the Great Lakes?
No, it is actually the smallest of the five Great Lakes by surface area. Despite its small size, it is incredibly deep, making it the 14th largest lake in the world by volume of water. Its depth helps it maintain a significant impact on the regional climate.
Does Lake Ontario connect to the Atlantic Ocean?
Yes, Lake Ontario drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River, which flows out from its northeastern corner. This connection makes the lake a vital part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway shipping route. Massive cargo ships pass through the lake to reach the open ocean.
What major body of water feeds into Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario receives the vast majority of its water from Lake Erie via the Niagara River. The water cascades down into Lake Ontario after passing over the famous Niagara Falls. This makes the waterfall a crucial part of the Great Lakes basin's natural water flow.
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