Has Lake Ontario ever frozen over?

Some of the Great Lakes have a greater chance of freezing over than others. According to the Canadian Ice Service, Lake Ontario — shown here at the pier in Cobourg — has a mere 1-in-100 chance of having 90-per-cent ice coverage. read more

Lake Ontario is more sheltered than the other Great Lakes. The Niagara River via Lake Erie provides flow causing agitation to the water. read more

Lake Ontario has completely frozen over on five recorded occasions: from about January 20 to about March 20, 1830; in 1874; in 1893; in 1912; and in February 1934. Lake breezes in spring tend to retard fruit bloom until the frost danger is past, and in the autumn delay the onset of fall frost, particularly on the south shore. read more