Lake Ontario

Bordered by the U.S. state or New York and the Canadian province of Ontario, Lake Ontario is the smallest of the collection of lakes in the area called the Great Lakes. Don’t let that deceive you though, because Lake Ontario with its 7,340 square miles surface area and five big islands actually holds the title of the 14th largest lake in the world. A 900-mile long road called theWaterfront Trail is used to connect the cities and villages that line the Canadian shores of Lake Ontario. The most well-known of these cities is of course Toronto, Canada’s most populous city and home to tourist attractions such as the Hockey Hall of Fame, Rogers Center, the Royal Ontario Museum and the iconic CN Tower.
Niagara-on-the-Lake borders the more famous Niagara Falls, but actually has quite a bit to offer by itself, such as the many wineries and restaurants along the lake or two historical military forts. Those looking for a more quiet and less touristy waterfall, should check out the very photogenic Ball’s Falls emptying into a circular pool just near Jordan. Head to the sandy beaches and the bright white lighthouse of Presque’ile Provincial Park near Brighton, hike around the dramatic sandstone cliffs called the Scarborough Bluffs or explore the 1,000 Islands, where Lake Ontario empties into the St. Lawrence River and has formed a myriad of little islands.

Practical Info

Lake Ontario is equally divided between Canada and the United States. Explore the Canadian side via the Waterfront Trail, a series of interconnected trails along the shore.