Redakcja Choose TV
Google Maps has introduced a controversial name change for one of the most recognisable lakes in North America. Users located in the United States will now see the name "Lake America" on maps instead of the former "Lake Ontario". Google explains that the update stems from the company's current policy on geographic names and data supplied by local authorities.
Google Maps shows different names depending on the country
The change was implemented after last week's executive order, and the US GNIS system updated the lake's name on 27 August. Google confirmed the update in a statement, explaining that users in the US will see "Lake America". In Canada it's different; Google Maps there still displays only "Lake Ontario". Users elsewhere in the world will see the label "Lake Ontario (Lake America)". You can also check the difference using a VPN by changing your location. Google cites its policy of updating place names based on data from local authorities. The company used a similar approach in February 2025, when Google Maps showed "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico". This change also prompted reactions on both sides of the border.
Canada has no plans to change the lake's name
Canada has confirmed it will not use the name "Lake America". Prime Minister Mark Carney said the name "Lake Ontario" is more than 400 years old and predates the formation of both Canada and the United States. He also noted the term comes from the Wendat word "Ontari’io", which, among other things, means "the lake is beautiful, the lake is big". MapQuest likewise declined to change the name and even announced plans to create a generator allowing users to give the lake their own names. Apple Maps also does not show "Lake America" at the moment. Google also faces possible user backlash. After heavy criticism over the name "Gulf of America", the company in 2025 restricted the ability to add new reviews for that location. For "Lake America" no such restriction has been introduced so far.
Google Maps has changed the name of Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' for users located in the United States. In Canada the name 'Lake Ontario' remains in use, and in other countries Google shows both names. The change is linked to an update to the US GNIS database following an executive order. Canada does not intend to adopt the new name, and Apple Maps and MapQuest have also not added it to their maps.
source: 9to5google
