The
Cataraqui River ( ) forms the lower portion of the
Rideau Canal and drains into
Lake Ontario at
Kingston, Ontario. The name is taken from the original name for
Kingston, Ontario; its exact meaning, however, is undetermined. Early maps showed several name variations including the Great Cataraqui River and Grand River Cataraquay. The river was once called Riviere de Frontenac, or Frontenac River.