Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario, one of the 5 Great Lakes, located in New York State and Ontario, Canada. It is fed mainly by the Niagara River, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence River, making it an important part in transportation of goods through the St. Lawrence Seaway system. It is about 193 mi (311 km) long and 53 mi (85 km) wide, with depths ranging from 500 to 802 ft (152 to 244 m). Its low elevation above sea level (245 ft/75 m) and great offshore depths keep it from freezing during the winter. It tempers the surrounding climate, producing cool summer days along the eastern shore and allowing fruit crops to produce successfully on the southern shore.

See also: Great Lakes.