10 Best Lakes in Ontario

Lake Huron is one of the most unique lakes in the world. Being the second largest of the Great Lakes, it’s not surprising that it has several different habitats including beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, forests, and river systems. This environment means it’s home to a number of endangered species and plants which will delight nature lovers.

Bordered by Ontario to the north and east and the US State of Michigan to the south and west, Lake Huron’s rugged coastline forms several rocky grottos and outcrops including Flowerpot Island and its impressive rock structures. You can enjoy these best up close from a kayak or paddleboard as the turquoise waters are so enticing.

An incredibly important natural resource, Lake Ontario is home to several rare and important ecosystems including sand dunes, marshes, and barrier beaches. This means that, as a visitor, you could spot several endangered species, including the Piping Plover, a shorebird, which nests here. The waters are also home to a number of migratory fish due to the lake’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Surrounded by Ontario in 3 directions and New York State on the south and east, Lake Ontario also features the breathtaking Niagara Falls where over 135 million litres of water flow into the Niagara Gorge every minute. The Thousand Islands region, an archipelago of approximately 2000 islands, is well worth your visit.

The biggest lake in the world by surface area, it’s not surprising that Lake Superior has been nicknamed “The Freshwater Sea.” With only 5% of the shoreline developed, Lake Superior is more rugged and wild than some of the other Great Lakes. The Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of the best places you can start exploring, with 19 different hiking trails.

Surrounded by Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Minnesota, Lake Superior is also the perfect place to go sailing for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As well as exploring the waters, you’ll also want to spend time traversing the coastline as it features some of the oldest rocks in the world. Remember to pack your camera.

The most southern and shallowest of the Great Lakes, this also makes Lake Erie the warmest of them, creating wonderful swimming conditions. Lake Erie is also the most biologically diverse lake, offering once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing opportunities. You may be able to spot rare butterflies, songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.

Surrounded by Ontario, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Michigan, Lake Erie is also an ideal place to horse trek down the beach or camp under the stars. You could also stop by Port Dover to explore a dreamy seaside town. Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Bessie, Lake Erie’s mythical lake monster.

Made up of 14,500 islands, Lake of the Woods provides nesting environments for many wildlife species. You can go from learning about then-endangered Piping Plovers to watching American white pelicans fish for their dinner. The incredible wildlife and beautiful scenery make the Lake of the Woods picture-perfect.

Bordered by Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota, at Lake of the Woods you’ll also find plenty of activities for the whole family, including fishing, boating, and other water activities. On the Manitoba border, Kenora is a particularly popular destination and hosts festivals and events throughout the year that you won’t want to miss, including Harbourfest, the largest musical festival in northern Ontario.

Whatever season you visit, Lake Simcoe will fill you with wonder with its stunning scenery. While you can fish here at any time of year, the ice fishing is truly spectacular with perch, lake trout, pike, and whitefish all available to catch. Outside of the ice fishing season, you can also enjoy the waters by jet skiing or surfing.

Located in southern Ontario, Lake Simcoe is surrounded by forests that can be explored by bike. Naturalists will love spending time admiring the wildlife and plant species that make their home here. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach to relax on, you’ll want to check out De La Salle Park Beach for playgrounds and picnic benches.

With enchanting cottages along the shore, Lake Muskoka offers miles of scenic views as the natural shoreline is preserved and the waters are crystal clear. Torrance Barrens is a must-see as it features the world’s first permanently designated Dark Sky Reserve, where you’ll get unique star gazing opportunities with no light pollution to spoil the sights.

Located between Port Carling and Gravenhurst in Ontario, there are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Muskoka. You can hike along the shore, paddle on the peaceful waters, or take a dip in the waters. Away from the water, there are also several local art galleries and art installations to explore, which you can do via the Lake of Bays Art Loop.

A rugged playground, Mazinaw Lake both delights and intimidates those who visit it. The scale and depth of the lake has captured the imagination of people for centuries with First Nation tribes speaking of a legendary monster living deep in depths. Today, you can enjoy the waters by water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or boating.

Located in the Addington Highlands, north of Kaladar in eastern Ontario, Mazinaw Lake rises majestically out of the water. 330-feet above the waters, the rock is decorated in ancient pictographs created by the Algonquin Indians. Part of the Bon Echo Provincial Park, you’ll also find many stunning hiking trails here.

A crescent shaped reservoir, Lac Seul is known for its more remote and wild nature. Made up of open waters, bay, natural channels, and islands, it is also one of the best fishing locations. Here you’ll be able to catch walleye, northern pike, muskie, yellow perch, whitefish, and occasionally bass.

Located in the Kenora District, the fact Lac Seul is relatively untouched also makes some of the islands a significant calving habitat for boreal woodland caribou. History buffs will be interested to know that during fur trading days, Lac Seul formed part of the route from James Bay to Lake Winnipeg. Embrace the wilderness and enjoy a moment of true peace.

Located within Killarney Provincial Park, O.S.A lake is considered to be the most beautiful lake in the park and its main focal point. A stunning turquoise colour, the lake owes its vibrant colour to the surrounding white quartzite bedrock. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to get out on the water.

Originally called Trout Lake, it was renamed to O.S.A in recognition of the conservation efforts of the Ontario Society of Artists who lobbied hard to protect this irreplaceable treasure. Stop by the nearby Killarney village for dockside dining at Herbert Fisheries, ranked as 1 of the top 10 fish and chip restaurants in Canada.