Answer box
"Lake America" is the name the U.S. federal government began using on Aug. 27, 2026, for the body of water long known as Lake Ontario. Canada continues to call it Lake Ontario. Some map platforms show different names depending on the country of the user. The lake itself — its water, shoreline, and communities — has not changed.
What changed on August 27, 2026?
President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing U.S. federal agencies and the U.S. Geographical Names Information System (GNIS) to use "Lake America." The order is a domestic U.S. instruction. It does not bind Canada, international bodies, or private companies such as Google, Apple, or MapQuest.
Following the order, the EPA and NOAA began updating relevant federal pages to use Lake America. The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary page retained "Lake Ontario" in its title as of early September, reflecting that the sanctuary designation predates the executive order.
What does 'official' mean here?
In this case, "official" applies to the U.S. federal government's own naming systems. It does not mean the name is official in Canada, at the United Nations, or on every map app. Naming authority on the Great Lakes is split by jurisdiction, which is why two countries can use two names for the same body of water.
Google Maps, Apple Maps, and MapQuest
Google announced on Aug. 29, 2026, that U.S. users of Google Maps would see Lake America, Canadian users would see Lake Ontario, and users outside both countries would see both names. Apple Maps adopted a similar country-based approach by Sept. 1. MapQuest publicly said it would continue using Lake Ontario, according to AP reporting.
Canada's position
The Government of Canada has not recognized Lake America as the name of the lake. Canadian federal and provincial geographic name databases continue to list Lake Ontario.
The Indigenous roots of "Ontario"
"Ontario" comes from a Wendat (Huron) word often interpreted as "beautiful lake" or "sparkling water." The name long predates European settlement and remains in wide use in Canada and much of the world. We treat that history with respect and link to Indigenous and academic sources below.
FAQ
- Did Lake Ontario get renamed everywhere?
- No. The U.S. federal government renamed it in U.S. systems. Canada still uses Lake Ontario. Private mapmakers choose their own labels.
- Why does my map say Lake America?
- If your Google or Apple account is set to the United States, those platforms now display Lake America. Canadian accounts still see Lake Ontario.
- Is Lake America the international name?
- No. There is no single international naming authority for the lake. The U.S. and Canada can use different names, as can private platforms.
- Will the name change affect travel?
- Not in any practical way. Border crossings, road signs, and local businesses still use the names they used before. We cover both names in our travel guides.