Lake Ontario Crossing: Toronto to Olcott, NY Distance

The great-circle (straight-line) distance across Lake Ontario from Toronto, Ontario to Olcott, New York is approximately 53 km (33 miles / 29 nautical miles).

Context

• Route: South-southwest from Toronto Harbour across the open lake to Olcott Harbor at the mouth of Eighteenmile Creek.
• Navigation: Recreational powerboats: 1.5–2.5 hrs; sailboats: 3–5 hrs depending on wind. Commercial ferries (defunct) took ~2 hrs.
• Border: Crosses the Canada–US international boundary at mid-lake (43°45′N). Boaters must report to CBSA/CBP (NEXUS, ROAM app, or phone).
• Bathymetry: Mid-lake depth ~150 m (500 ft); thermocline ~15 m in summer.

Historical Note

The Toronto–Rochester ferry (Spirit of Ontario I, 2004–2005) ran 2.5 hrs to Rochester (70 km east of Olcott). No current scheduled service.