Lake Ontario

Ontario, which lies on the eastern end of the region, has the smallest surface area of the five Great Lakes. It is 193 miles long and 53 miles wide. Its average depth is 283 feet.  

Ways to Connect

Expect snow, not ice on the Great Lakes this winter

By • Dec 4, 2017
Amy Nichole Harris/Shutterstock

Note: Updated on Dec. 6, based on lake surface temperatures in November, which significantly lowered predictions for the ice cover. --

Over the past two winters, the Great Lakes have had a below-average ice cover. And that’s expected to continue this year.  


Along Lake Ontario, high water, damage persist

By Caitlin Whyte • Nov 29, 2017
Caitlin Whyte

The grey sky seems a bit more ominous out here.

With the winds whipping around and waves crashing on the break wall, Douglas Dobson walks around his home. His neighborhood sits on a narrow strip of land, with Lake Ontario to the north and several ponds to the south.


Video: Gord Downie on his love for Great Lakes

By • Oct 25, 2017

Gord Downie was more than the lead singer for The Tragically Hip, more than a Canadian rock icon.

Downie, who died recently of brain cancer, also was a great friend of the Great Lakes. Especially Lake Ontario, where he learned to swim.

Will money run out for Lake Ontario flood victims?

By • Sep 28, 2017
Kathleen Thomas for North Country Public Radio

As a deadline approaches for Lake Ontario flood victims to seek state aid, there are indications that the money may be stretched thin.

At the eastern end of the lake, about $1 million already has been committed to 45 homeowners in a three-county area, WRVO reports. 

But more than 900 homeowners have applied for help in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, says Gary Beasley, who heads a nonprofit administering area flood grants.

Lake Ontario flood victims look for FEMA aid

By • Sep 12, 2017

Hurricanes in the southern U.S. have captured the nation's attention -- and federal aid. That's a concern in New York, where lawmakers are still seeking federal funds to help residents and businesses after months of flooding along Lake Ontario.

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