Lakes in Canada: Stunning Natural Wonders from East to West
Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. While lakes in British Columbia and Alberta often steal the spotlight with their turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrops, their eastern counterparts hold their own unique charm. If you’re looking for a place to swim or go motorboating, eastern Canadian lakes are ideal. However, if you’re craving a tranquil canoe ride over pristine waters in a wilderness setting, take Horace Greeley’s advice: “Go west.”
12. Joffre Lakes
Joffre Lakes offers some of the most picturesque scenery in British Columbia. These three stunning alpine lakes—Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes—owe their mesmerizing turquoise hue to glacial activity. Located 35 km (22 miles) north of Penticton, this spot exudes tranquility, but getting there is no easy feat. While the first lake is a short walk from the parking lot, reaching the Upper Joffre Lake requires tackling a steep, rocky 3-mile hike. The journey may be challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort.
11. Spotted Lake
If you want to witness something truly unique, Spotted Lake near Osoyoos, British Columbia, is a must-visit. Unlike traditional lakes, its distinct colorful “spots” emerge as mineral-rich water evaporates during the summer months. The minerals left behind harden into pools of vibrant hues, creating a striking, otherworldly effect. Although walking on the lake isn’t allowed, you can still enjoy the remarkable view from behind a fence.
10. Lake Huron
Straddling the border between Canada and the United States, Lake Huron is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It’s also home to Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island on the planet. The lake’s Georgian and Saginaw Bays are so vast that they are sometimes mistaken for separate lakes. With its dense forests and historic shipwreck sites, Lake Huron is a paradise for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The lake’s name honors the Huron Indigenous people who once lived along its shores.
9. Garibaldi Lake
Situated in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Garibaldi Lake is the definition of scenic perfection. Just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, this lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. However, it’s not a destination for casual visitors—it requires an 18-km (11-mile) roundtrip hike to reach, taking about five to six hours. Many visitors choose to camp overnight to fully immerse themselves in its breathtaking beauty.
8. Lake Superior
Formed by volcanic action, Lake Superior has been around for hundreds of millions of years. As the largest of the Great Lakes, its Canadian and American shores have witnessed countless shipwrecks, earning it the nickname “The Graveyard of the Great Lakes.” One of its most famous wrecks is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, lost in 1975. Today, Whitefish Point serves as an underwater preserve, offering divers a glimpse into its mysterious past.
7. Lake Ontario
Despite being the smallest of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario still ranks as the 14th largest lake in the world. Bordering Toronto and Niagara Falls, this lake plays a crucial role as the Great Lakes’ gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, via the St. Lawrence River. The lake is dotted with historic lighthouses and islands, making it an appealing destination for boating enthusiasts. For extreme swimmers, crossing its 51-km (32-mile) expanse is a rare but rewarding challenge—only about 50 people have completed the feat.
6. Abraham Lake
Abraham Lake, located on Alberta’s North Saskatchewan River, is a man-made reservoir created in 1972. Though it wasn’t formed by glacial action, its striking blue hue mirrors that of natural glacial lakes. Winter brings an unexpected spectacle, as methane bubbles—produced by decomposing plants—freeze beneath the surface, creating a fascinating natural phenomenon. Be warned, though—methane is highly flammable, so it’s best to avoid open flames near the lake’s icy expanse.
5. Emerald Lake
Located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Emerald Lake is at its most vibrant in July, when its emerald-green waters are at their peak beauty. This lake’s unique color comes from the powdered limestone suspended in its waters. While it’s frozen until June, the summer months provide opportunities for canoeing and hiking, while winter transforms it into a cross-country skiing haven.
4. Peyto Lake
With its deep turquoise waters, Peyto Lake is a dream for photographers. Situated in Banff National Park, Alberta, its striking contrast against the rugged mountains makes it one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. The best vantage point? Bow Summit on the Icefields Parkway, where visitors can soak in a panoramic view. Adventurers can also hike down to the shoreline for an even closer look at this natural wonder.
3. Maligne Lake
Tucked within Jasper National Park, Alberta, Maligne Lake is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies. This 21-km (13-mile) long lake is famous for Spirit Island, a tiny, tree-covered island that has been the subject of countless iconic photographs. Visitors can either hike along the shore or take a boat tour to fully appreciate the lake’s breathtaking scenery.
2. Lake Louise
Possibly the most famous lake in Canada, Lake Louise is the crown jewel of Banff National Park. Named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, this lake’s turquoise waters are fed by the majestic Victoria Glacier. Whether you visit in summer for hiking and canoeing or in winter for skiing, Lake Louise is a year-round paradise.
1. Moraine Lake
If there’s one lake in Canada you must visit, it’s Moraine Lake. Surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, this glacially fed lake is one of the most photographed in the world. It has graced Canadian currency, Windows lock screens, and National Geographic covers. The electric blue water, contrasted against dramatic mountain peaks, creates a scene so surreal it looks painted. If you ever find yourself in Banff, don’t miss the chance to witness this iconic natural wonder.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s lakes are diverse and breathtaking, offering everything from adventure-packed hikes to serene canoeing experiences. Whether you’re seeking photographic beauty, historical intrigue, or tranquil solitude, these lakes provide an unforgettable glimpse into Canada’s stunning wilderness. Which one will you visit first?
