The smallest of the Great Lakes, in terms of surface area, is Lake Ontario. Spanning approximately 7,340 square miles (19,011 square kilometers), it is the final lake in the Great Lakes chain before the water flows into the St. Lawrence River.
Lake Ontario may be the smallest, but it plays a crucial role in the Great Lakes system. It serves as a vital outlet for the water from the other Great Lakes and is home to a diverse ecosystem. The lake borders the United States and Canada, with New York to the south and Ontario to the north, making it both a site of natural beauty and a hub for economic and recreational activities.