September 07, 2026

Apple Maps vs. MapQuest: The Battle Over “Lake America”

If you have not used MapQuest in a while, you might be hearing a lot more about it again. Surprisingly, the reason has nothing to do with getting directions or finding the fastest route. Instead, MapQuest is getting attention because of what it refuses to change on its maps.

President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order directing U.S. federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” The decision quickly became controversial, especially in Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded by unveiling a huge sign along the Canadian shore that reads, “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.” Canada has made it clear that it has no plans to recognize the new name.

Now, mapping companies are being pulled into the debate.

Apple Maps has started displaying “Lake America” for users in the United States. Canadian users will continue to see “Lake Ontario,” while users in other parts of the world may see both names. The change follows an update to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System, which now recognizes Lake America as the federal name.

MapQuest, however, is taking a completely different approach. The company has refused to rename Lake Ontario on its maps. It also previously declined to change the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. In other words, if you open MapQuest, Lake Ontario is still Lake Ontario.

That decision has given MapQuest an unexpected comeback. The mapping service, which many of us probably associate with the days of printing out turn-by-turn directions before a road trip, has experienced a surge in interest and downloads. Its refusal to adopt the Lake America name helped push the app to the top of Apple's App Store rankings.

The disagreement between Apple Maps and MapQuest also raises an interesting question. Who actually decides what places are called on the digital maps we use every day?

Apple appears to be following official U.S. government geographic naming. MapQuest is choosing to stick with the traditional name that has been used for generations. Neither approach physically changes the lake, of course, but the name people see when they open an app can influence which name eventually becomes familiar.

There is also a deeper history behind Lake Ontario's name. The name has Indigenous origins and comes from “oniatarí,” which has been translated as “lake of shining waters.” Canadian leaders have pointed to that history while arguing against the change.

For users, the difference is now pretty simple. Open Apple Maps in the United States and you may see Lake America. Open MapQuest and you will still see Lake Ontario.

Who would have guessed that in 2026, one of the biggest reasons people would be talking about MapQuest again would be the name of a lake?

Until next time -
Jeanie @ Gopher Update