<P> When the cold winds of winter pass over the warmer water of the lake, they pick up moisture and drop it as lake - effect snow . Since the prevailing winter winds are from the northwest, the southern and southeastern shoreline of the lake is referred to as the snowbelt . In some winters the area between Oswego and Pulaski may receive twenty or more feet (600 cm) of snowfall . Also impacted by lake - effect snow is the Tug Hill Plateau, an area of elevated land that is about 20 miles (32 km) east of Lake Ontario, creating ideal conditions for lake - effect snowfall . The "Hill", as it is often referred to, typically receives more snow than any other region in the eastern United States . As a result, Tug Hill is a popular location for winter enthusiasts, such as snow - mobilers and cross-country skiers . Lake - effect snow often extends inland as far as Syracuse, with that city often recording the most winter snowfall accumulation of any large city in the United States . Other cities in the world receive more snow annually, such as Quebec City, which averages 135 inches (340 cm), and Sapporo, Japan, which receives 250 inches (640 cm) each year and is often regarded as the snowiest city in the world . Foggy conditions (particularly in fall) can be created by thermal contrasts and can be an impediment for recreational boaters . In a normal winter, Lake Ontario will be at most one quarter ice - covered, in a mild winter almost completely unfrozen . 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 . </P> <P> 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 . Cool onshore winds also retard early bloom of plants and flowers until later in the spring season, protecting them from possible frost damage . Such microclimatic effects have enabled tender fruit production in a continental climate, with the southwest shore supporting a major fruit - growing area . Apples, cherries, pears, plums, and peaches are grown in many commercial orchards around Rochester . Between Stoney Creek and Niagara - on - the - Lake on the Niagara Peninsula is a major fruit - growing and wine - making area . The wine - growing region extends over the international border into Niagara and Orleans counties . Apple varieties that tolerate a more extreme climate are grown on the lake's north shore, around Cobourg . </P> <P> A large conurbation called the Golden Horseshoe occupies the lake's westernmost shores, anchored by the cities of Toronto and Hamilton . Ports on the Canadian side include St. Catharines, Oshawa, Cobourg and Kingston, near the St. Lawrence River outlet . Close to 9 million people or over a quarter of Canada's population lives within the watershed of Lake Ontario . The American shore is largely rural, with the exception of Rochester and the much smaller ports at Oswego and Sackets Harbor . The city of Syracuse is 40 miles (64 km) inland, connected to the lake by the New York State Canal System . Over 2 million people live in Lake Ontario's American watershed . </P> <P> A high - speed passenger / vehicle ferry, the Spirit of Ontario I, operated between Toronto and Rochester from June 17, 2004, to January 10, 2006, when the service was cancelled . The Crystal Lynn II, out of Irondequoit, New York, has been operating between Irondequoit Bay and Henderson, New York since May 2000, operated by Capt . Bob Tein . </P>

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