The Canadian rocker’s new single “Lake Ontario” is a wry retort to those who would rename the lake, and the first taste of his “love letter to Canada,” How’s It Goin’.
TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2026 – Bryan Adams has a very powerful message for anyone who wants to rename Lake Ontario, and he’s set it to music. Today, the Canadian Grammy and JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter released “Lake Ontario,” the latest single from his forthcoming studio album How’s It Goin’, which will most likely go down as one of those iconic tunes that Canadians will be singing from coast to coast to coast for many years to come.
A Song About the Lake, and Who Gets to Name It
“Lake Ontario” begins with the story of one of North America’s Great Lakes, laying the foundation for what Adams calls a wry retort to those who seek to re-name it. The lyrics tell their own direct story of how distraction has become currency in today’s world, but that in time, the name will remain the same now and forever.
The release doesn’t name anyone, but Adams makes his point of view clear.
“Empires and regimes, dictators and kings, they all come and go. Lake Ontario is forever. This is a song for all the sane people on both shores who know that the current madness will pass, and that Lake Ontario will always be Lake Ontario,” Adams said.
For Torontonians, whose city sits on the lake’s northwest shore, the song hits close to home and the video features the Toronto skyline as well as numerous other recognizable Ontario locales along the great lake’s shores.
The new album arrives Nov. 6, 2026, via BAD Records, and “Lake Ontario” is available to stream and download now.
Inside How’s It Goin’
How’s It Goin’ is Adams’ musical love letter to Canada. Rooted in the people, places, landscapes and stories that have shaped the country, the album sees him turn his songwriting and voice towards home. Drawing on Celtic folk and rock, it explores a distinctly Canadian and Acadian musical landscape.
At its heart, the album is about Canada: its vast landscapes, the characters, the history, the humour, the resilience and the stories that make it the country that it is. It is Adams looking back at the place that helped shape him while discovering new ways to tell its stories.
The Songs
Among the album’s 13 songs are:
- “51st State” – an anthemic track that has already been receiving nightly standing ovations around the world
- “Diesel and Dirt”
- “Iron Ribbon”
- “The Battle of Lundy’s Lane”
- “The Ballad of Terry Fox”
- “How’s It Goin'” – the title track, an energetic, acoustic-driven celebration of Canadian life
Formats and Collector Editions
The physical album features 12 songs and will also be released digitally, with “Lake Ontario” as the bonus track, and on CD and LP. The LP comes housed in a gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves, obi and shrink wrap. A special A4 hardback book edition will also be available, featuring the album on CD, song lyrics and images connected to the stories and subjects explored across the record.
Find full lyrics for “Lake Ontario” below:
From glacial erosion – to indigenous care
From European exploration – to industrial wear and tear
The “lake of shining waters” is what the Iroquois called her
It’s a first nations name – not an executive order
But things weren’t going his way in Iran
So like a baby tossing the toys from the pram
He may have thought it best to throw a low blow
And create a real dog and pony show
But it feels like another distraction
While the Epstein files were getting traction
One day they’ll come out and we’ll say “there you go”
And then we’ll all dive into Lake Ontario
After centuries of trade and war
People settled down on the banks and shores
All rivalries and conflicts – had all but ceased
But it just took one dude to break that peace
But things weren’t going his way in Iran
So like a baby tossing the toys from the pram
He may have thought it best to throw a low blow
And create a real dog and pony show
But it feels like another distraction
While the Epstein files were getting traction
One day they’ll come out, and we’ll say “there you go”
And then we’ll all dive into Lake Ontario
