Google Maps has made a recent update to its platform, now showing “Lake America” when users within the United States search for the lake’s name. However, if Canadians search for it, they will still see the original name, Lake Ontario, unless they specifically look for Lake America.
The decision to change the name on Google Maps was influenced by the U.S. government’s official geographic names database, which has formally altered the designation of the lake. This alteration follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order to rename the body of water as Lake America.
This change occurred shortly after trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada deteriorated, leading to Canada imposing retaliatory tariffs. In response to Trump’s executive order, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed that Canadians will continue to refer to the lake as Lake Ontario, both presently and in the future.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently unveiled a new sign for “Lake Ontario” in Winona, near Hamilton, amidst these developments. The tension between the two countries has extended to the naming of this significant body of water.