Lake Ontario

Lake · Ontario, 🇨🇦 Canada

Area 19,073 km²

Time zone America/Toronto, America/New_York

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Featured Lists

Mb1000 / Public domain

Lake Ontario's Absolute Essentials

Lake Ontario's shoreline connects major cultural hubs like Toronto, Kingston, and Rochester. This collection features the Royal Ontario Museum’s vast natural history collections and the historic 19th-century Fort Henry. Explore the tranquil Toronto Islands via the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal or visit the former Kingston Penitentiary for a glimpse into Canada's oldest maximum-security prison. Natural highlights include the sandy dunes of Southwick Beach State Park and boat tours through the Thousand Islands archipelago at the lake's eastern outlet.

11 places

Eugen Bracht / Public domain

Museums and Galleries Highlights

This collection spans the Lake Ontario region, featuring major institutions in Toronto, Rochester, and Kingston. Highlights include the Royal Ontario Museum’s natural history collections, the George Eastman Museum’s world-renowned photography archives, and specialized sites like the Gardiner Museum for ceramics. The list also covers significant social history at the Susan B. Anthony House and maritime heritage at the Antique Boat Museum, alongside unique industrial sites such as the Kingston Penitentiary and the Pump House Museum.

20 places

Etienne Thevenot 1858 ; Wojciech… / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Notable Places of Worship

This collection features significant religious sites surrounding Lake Ontario, ranging from grand urban cathedrals to historic rural chapels. Highlights include the Gothic Revival architecture of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto and the Christ Church Royal Chapel on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, one of only six Royal Chapels outside the United Kingdom. The list also encompasses various denominational spaces, including Anglican parishes, Seventh-day Adventist churches, and multiple Kingdom Halls serving local communities across both Ontario and New York State.

15 places

Josh Evnin / CC BY-SA 2.0

Parks, Nature & Beaches

Explore the diverse shoreline of Lake Ontario, from the 15-island archipelago of Toronto Island Park to the rare sand dunes of Southwick Beach State Park. This collection includes historical landmarks like the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, a key site of the War of 1812, and protected wetlands such as Deer Creek Marsh. Landscapes range from the clothing-optional shores of Hanlan’s Point to the inland glacial kettles and eskers of Mendon Ponds Park, providing essential habitats for local wildlife and migratory birds.

12 places

Bob Linsdell / CC BY 3.0

Premier Golf Destinations

This collection features prominent golf courses situated around the shores of Lake Ontario, spanning both Ontario and New York. The selection includes historic private clubs like the Donald Ross-designed Brook-Lea and the Tillinghast-designed Lockport Town & Country Club. Facilities range from expansive 27-hole public complexes to specialized par-3 tracks and executive nines. Many locations, such as Port Hope and Lake Shore, offer direct lakeside views, while others provide championship layouts utilized for professional and amateur tournaments.

20 places

Taxiarchos228 / FAL

Historic Heritage Sites

This collection spans the international shores of Lake Ontario, featuring 19th-century military fortifications like the Shoal and Cathcart Martello towers and the Sackets Harbor Battlefield. It highlights architectural landmarks such as Kingston City Hall and Rochester’s historic stone bridges, including the Broad Street Aqueduct once used by the Erie Canal. The list also includes significant memorials like the George Eastman Tomb and the Centurion Tank, alongside cultural sites such as the Ann Baillie Building and the historic Carrying Place portage.

15 places

Idawriter / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lighthouses and Towers with Views

This collection features historic maritime structures and elevated viewpoints along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Highlights include the 1846 Murney Tower Martello fortification in Kingston, the 1822 octagonal Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, and the 1000 Islands Tower providing panoramic views of the archipelago. The list spans from the Niagara County shoreline to the entrance of the St. Lawrence, incorporating offshore lights like East Charity Shoal and scenic lookouts at Lake on the Mountain and Little Bluff.

15 places

Wineries and Vineyards

This collection spans the diverse viticultural regions surrounding Lake Ontario, from the historic Niagara Peninsula to the limestone-rich soils of Prince Edward County and the Thousand Islands. The selection includes industry pioneers like Inniskillin, famous for globalizing Icewine, and Waupoos, the first winery established in Prince Edward County. Visitors can explore specialized offerings including Canada’s first fruit winery, artisanal sheep milk cheese pairings, and estate-grown cool-climate Rieslings.

11 places