11 Bucket List-Worthy Lakes in Canada You Need to See

Canada, known for its vast wilderness and scenic beauty, is home to some of the most stunning lakes on the planet.

With over two million lakes, including the world’s largest freshwater lakes, Canada is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking serenity or thrill.

From glacially carved basins nestled among the Rockies to pristine mirror-like waters in boreal forests.

Here’s a look at 11 of the most stunning and must-visit lakes in Canada, each offering its unique charm and set of unforgettable experiences.

1. Lake Louise (Alberta)

Lake Louise is one of the most iconic and breathtaking lakes in Canada, nestled within the heart of Banff National Park, Alberta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overlooking the shoreline is the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxurious lakeside resort that has been welcoming guests for over a century.

Its turquoise waters, created by glacial silt, reflect the surrounding Victoria Glacier.

Highlights:

• The iconic turquoise water is due to glacial runoff

• Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and lush pine forests

• Home to the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

• Activities include canoeing, hiking, and ice skating in winter

• Trailhead to popular hikes like Lake Agnes Teahouse and Plain of Six Glaciers

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta
Entry Fee: Included with Parks Canada pass
Timings: Open year-round
Activities: Canoeing, hiking, photography, ice skating, snowshoeing
Nearby Restaurants: Fairview Bar & Restaurant, Lakeview Lounge

Suggested Read: Canada Visa for Indians

2. Moraine Lake (Alberta)

Lake is a stunning glacial lake in Banff National Park, known for its vivid blue water and dramatic mountain backdrop in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Often featured in travel photos, it offers incredible sunrise views, scenic canoeing, and hiking trails. The lake’s striking color and surrounding beauty make it a must-visit Canadian gem.

Highlights:

• Bright blue water intensified by light refraction from rock flour

• Surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks

• Famous photo spot known as the “Twenty Dollar View”

• Canoeing across its peaceful waters offers an otherworldly experience

• Seasonal accessibility adds a sense of exclusivity.

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta
Entry Fee: Parks Canada pass required
Timings: Typically open late May to mid-October
Activities: Canoeing, photography, hiking, and sunrise viewing
Nearby Restaurants: Moraine Lake Lodge Café, Lake Louise Village eateries

Suggested Read: Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

3. Peyto Lake (Alberta)

Source: wikipedia

Peyto Lake, shaped like a wolf’s head, is a glacier-fed lake located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park.

Its vibrant turquoise color is best admired from the Bow Summit viewpoint. This easily accessible destination is popular for quick hikes, nature photography, and soaking in sweeping alpine vistas with fewer crowds than nearby lakes.

Highlights:

• The wolf-head shape is visible from the Bow Summit viewpoint

• Striking turquoise color from glacial rock flour

• A relatively short hike leads to a panoramic vista

• Often less crowded than nearby Lake Louise or Moraine Lake

• Prime location for stargazing and night photography

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta
Entry Fee: Parks Canada pass
Timings: Year-round (access may vary seasonally)
Activities: Hiking, photography, wildlife viewing
Nearby Restaurants: Lake Louise

Suggested Read: Top Nightclubs in Canada

4. Maligne Lake (Alberta)

Source: wikipedia

Maligne Lake is Jasper National Park’s largest natural lake, famous for the iconic Spirit Island. Surrounded by glaciers and forests, it offers some of the Rockies’ most stunning vistas.

Visitors can take scenic boat cruises, kayak through crystal-clear waters, or hike surrounding trails. Its untouched beauty makes it one of Canada’s most photographed natural spots.

Highlights:

• Home to Spirit Island, accessible via a boat cruise

• Longest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies

• Surrounded by glaciers and pine forests

• Ideal for kayaking and fishing

• Wildlife spotting includes moose, bears, and bald eagles

Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta
Entry Fee: Parks Canada pass
Timings: Open May to October (boat tours are seasonal)
Activities: Boat tours, kayaking, hiking, fishing
Nearby Restaurants: Maligne Lake Chalet, Patricia Street Deli (Jasper)

Suggested Read: Must-Visit Beaches in Canada

5. Lake Ontario

Source: wikipedia

Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes and a hub of natural beauty and urban convenience.

Bordering cities like Toronto and Kingston, it blends waterfront leisure with city culture.

Visitors can enjoy beaches, boating, and lakeside trails, or explore historical landmarks nearby. It’s a scenic and recreational centerpiece in southeastern Canada.

Highlights:

• Bordering Toronto, offering a city-meets-nature contrast

• Waterfront parks like Toronto Islands and Scarborough Bluffs

• Supports boating, sailing, and paddleboarding

• Key migratory bird habitat

• Historical sites like Fort Henry and the Royal Ontario Museum are nearby

Location: Ontario
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, swimming, sightseeing, cultural tours
Nearby Restaurants: The Waterfront, Amsterdam Brewhouse

6. Emerald Lake (British Columbia)

Source: wikipedia

Emerald Lake, in Yoho National Park, lives up to its name with mesmerizing green waters and peaceful surroundings.

Fed by glaciers and surrounded by mountains, it’s ideal for canoeing, easy walks, and winter snowshoeing. The historic Emerald Lake Lodge adds charm, making it a tranquil escape for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Highlights:

• Vivid emerald-green color caused by glacial sediment

• Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine forests

• Canoe rentals are available in summer

• Home to the historic Emerald Lake Lodge

• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter

Location: Yoho National Park, BC
Entry Fee: Parks Canada pass
Timings: Year-round
Activities: Canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife watching
Nearby Restaurants: Cilantro on the Lake, Truffle Pigs Bistro

Suggested Read: Fascinating Facts About Canada

7. Garibaldi Lake (British Columbia)

Source: wikipedia

Garibaldi Lake is a glacier-fed alpine lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park, accessible via a challenging but rewarding hike.

Known for its bright blue water and scenic mountain views, it’s a favorite among backcountry hikers and campers.

In summer, wildflower meadows surround the lake, making it one of the most beautiful high-elevation lakes in Canada.

Highlights:

• Located at 1,484 meters, fed by glacier melt

• Requires a challenging 18-km round-trip hike

• Panoramic views of snow-capped Mount Garibaldi

• Pristine turquoise water is perfect for camping and nature photography

• Surrounded by wildflower meadows in summer

Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC
Entry Fee: Free (camping permit required)
Timings: Spring to fall (hiking season)
Activities: Hiking, camping, backcountry trekking
Nearby Restaurants: Squamish or Whistler for dining options

Suggested Read: Hiking in Canada’s Great Outdoors

8. Great Bear Lake (Northwest Territories)

Great Bear Lake is Canada’s largest lake entirely within its borders and one of the most remote. Located in the Northwest Territories, it’s known for crystal-clear waters, trophy fishing, and northern lights viewing.

This vast wilderness lake offers solitude, cultural experiences in Indigenous communities, and pristine natural beauty rarely seen by tourists.

Highlights:

• Covers over 31,000 square kilometers

• Crystal-clear and deep waters, ideal for trophy fishing

• Home to remote Indigenous communities

• Rare opportunity for solitude and true backcountry adventure

• Northern lights visibility from autumn through spring

Location: Northwest Territories
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Year-round (best in summer or winter aurora season)
Activities: Fishing, ice fishing, canoeing, aurora watching
Nearby Restaurants: Local lodges or community eateries in Délı̨nę

9. Lake Superior (Ontario)

Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, boasts rugged shorelines, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs.

It’s a natural wonder bordering Ontario and several U.S. states. The lake is ideal for kayaking, hiking, and scenic drives, especially through Lake Superior Provincial Park, where visitors can explore nature and ancient rock art.

Highlights:

• Known for the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches of Lake Superior Provincial Park

• Features the Agawa Rock Pictographs, ancient Indigenous art

• Popular for kayaking, especially around the Slate Islands

• Vital part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour

• Supports diverse wildlife, including moose and black bears

Location: Northern Ontario
Entry Fee: Free / Provincial Park fees apply
Timings: Year-round
Activities: Kayaking, hiking, sightseeing, beachcombing
Nearby Restaurants: The Voyageur Cookhouse, restaurants in Wawa, or Thunder Bay

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10. Okanagan Lake (British Columbia)

Source: wikipedia

Okanagan Lake stretches through British Columbia’s wine country and is a warm, recreational paradise.

With sunny beaches, waterfront towns like Kelowna, and the legend of the lake monster Ogopogo, it offers something for everyone. Visitors enjoy boating, paddleboarding, wine tasting, and lakeside dining in one of Canada’s most vibrant and scenic regions.

Highlights:

• Stretching over 135 km through Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon

• Home to the legendary lake monster, Ogopogo

• Popular for wakeboarding, boating, and houseboating

• Wine-touring destination with lakeside vineyards and wineries

• Sand beaches and lively boardwalks enhance the vacation vibe

Location: Okanagan Valley, BC
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open year-round
Activities: Boating, wine tours, paddleboarding, swimming
Nearby Restaurants: Waterfront Wines, Old Vines Restaurant, Oak + Cru

11. Lake Memphremagog (Quebec)

Lake Memphremagog is a long, cross-border lake located in Quebec’s picturesque Eastern Townships. Its peaceful shoreline is dotted with charming towns like Magog and Georgeville.

Known for scenic cruises and local legends about a lake monster named Memphre, it’s perfect for relaxing getaways, cycling, and enjoying the blend of nature and quaint village life.

Highlights:

• Over 40 km long, stretching from Quebec to Vermont

• Alleged home of a mythical lake creature named “Memphre”

• Scenic cruises and sailboat rentals are available

• Bordered by picturesque towns like Magog and Georgeville

• Popular for cycling the greenways and shoreline trails

Location: Eastern Townships, Quebec
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Year-round
Activities: Sailing, swimming, cruises, cycling
Nearby Restaurants: Bistro Chez Sirano, Les Enfants Terribles Magog

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FAQs

1. How many lakes are in Canada?

Canada is home to over 2 million lakes, which account for more than 60% of the world’s natural lakes. These lakes cover around 9% of the country’s surface area, making Canada the most lake-rich nation on Earth. Some of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world are found here, such as Lake Superior and Great Bear Lake.

2. Are the lakes in Canada man-made?

The vast majority of lakes in Canada are naturally formed, mostly as a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age. However, there are also some man-made reservoirs and artificial lakes, typically created for hydroelectric power, irrigation, or flood control.

3. What is the most beautiful lake in Canada?

While beauty is subjective, many travelers and locals agree that Lake Louise in Alberta is the most beautiful lake in Canada. Its stunning turquoise waters, fed by glacial melt, are framed by the majestic Victoria Glacier and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

4. Can you swim in the lakes in Canada?

Yes, swimming is allowed in many Canadian lakes, especially during the warmer summer months. However, be aware that glacial-fed and high-altitude lakes like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake remain icy cold year-round, even in summer.

5. What is the best time to visit Canada’s lakes?

The best time to visit most lakes in Canada is during the summer months from June to September, when the weather is warm, trails are open, and water activities are in full swing. In the fall, the surrounding forests offer vibrant foliage views, while winter visits to some lakes can provide opportunities for skating, snowshoeing, and snowy landscapes.

6. What activities can you do at the lakes in Canada?

Canadian lakes offer a wide range of activities for all kinds of travelers. Common activities include canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic boat tours. In winter, some lakes like Lake Louise transform into ice skating rinks, while others offer snowshoeing, ice fishing, or cross-country skiing nearby.

7. Is there an entry fee for lakes in Canada?

Access to many lakes in Canada is completely free, especially those located in public areas or along highways. However, lakes located within national or provincial parks often require a park entry pass or daily fee, such as those in Banff, Jasper, or Yoho National Parks. Fees typically go toward maintaining trails, facilities, and conservation efforts.

8. Are pets allowed at Canada’s lakes?

Yes, pets are generally allowed at many lakes in Canada, especially in public and provincial parks. However, it’s important to keep pets on a leash, clean up after them, and follow any posted park regulations. Some national parks may have specific pet rules or restricted areas to protect wildlife or fragile ecosystems, so always check local guidelines before your visit.