Lake Ontario: Geographical Profile
Geography · Saturday, 29 August 2026
Lake Ontario is the smallest of the five Great Lakes of North America by surface area. It serves as a vital freshwater link between the Great Lakes system and the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.
Quick highlights
- Smallest Great Lake by surface area but 4th deepest.
- Primary inlet is the Niagara River (Niagara Falls).
- Primary outlet is the Saint Lawrence River.
- Bordered by Toronto (Canada) and Rochester (USA).
- Essential for the Saint Lawrence Seaway shipping route.
Location and Basin
Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the Great Lakes. While Lake Superior is the largest, Ontario is significantly lower in elevation, receiving the flow of the entire Great Lakes basin before it heads to the sea.
Economic Importance
It supports massive industry and tourism. Its 'Lake Effect' snow significantly impacts the weather of New York state and Ontario province.
Remember this
- The five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario.
- Ontario is the only Great Lake that does not border Michigan.
- Inlet: Niagara River.
- Outlet: Saint Lawrence River.
- Largest city on its shore: Toronto.
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