Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is home to over 250,000 lakes and rivers, each offering unique and unforgettable experiences for travelers and locals alike. While it’s impossible to narrow down the best of the best, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most stunning and popular lakes in Ontario that are sure to captivate your senses and create lasting memories in 2024.
Whether you’re seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply some sun-soaked relaxation, these lakes offer a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to all tastes and preferences. From swimming and fishing to kayaking and paddleboarding, hiking and biking to camping and stargazing, the lakes of Ontario have something for everyone. And with their crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush forests, they’re simply breathtaking to behold.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Ontario in 2024, be sure to add these 10 lakes to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed! 2024 promises to be an exceptional year for lake enthusiasts, with new and exciting opportunities to explore the beauty and wonder of Ontario’s aquatic treasures.
1. Lake Muskoka
Nestled in the heart of the Muskoka region, Lake Muskoka is the epitome of tranquility and natural beauty. With its crystal-clear waters, sheltered bays, and over 1,300 islands to explore, it’s a haven for boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders. The shoreline is dotted with charming towns and villages, offering a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Lake Muskoka is also known for its stunning sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the many waterfront parks and patios that line its shores. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for hikers and bikers as well.
2. Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay is a vast and beautiful freshwater basin that forms part of Lake Huron. It’s known for its stunning coastline, dotted with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque islands. The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and seals, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The Bruce Trail, a scenic hiking trail, follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay, offering breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The bay is also a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, with many sheltered coves and inlets to explore.
3. Lake Huron
Lake Huron is one of the Great Lakes of North America and forms part of the border between Canada and the United States. It’s the second largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. The lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and villages located along its shores. Lake Huron is also home to a number of lighthouses, which are a popular attraction for visitors. The lake is surrounded by forests and wetlands, making it a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.
4. Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes and is located on the border between Canada and the United States. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and cities located along its shores. Lake Ontario is also home to a number of historical sites, including Fort York in Toronto and the Battle of Queenston Heights in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The lake is surrounded by forests and farmland, making it a great place for hiking and biking.
5. Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes and is located on the border between Canada and the United States. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and cities located along its shores. Lake Erie is also home to a number of wineries and vineyards, making it a great place to sample some of the region’s finest wines. The lake is surrounded by forests and farmland, making it a great place for hiking and biking.
6. Lake Simcoe
Lake Simcoe is located in central Ontario and is the fourth largest lake in the province. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and villages located along its shores. Lake Simcoe is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Battle of Beaverdams in 1813. The lake is surrounded by forests and wetlands, making it a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.
7. Lake Nipissing
Lake Nipissing is located in northern Ontario and is the fifth largest lake in the province. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and villages located along its shores. Lake Nipissing is also home to a number of First Nations communities, and there are many opportunities to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. The lake is surrounded by forests and wetlands, making it a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.
8. Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes and is located on the border between Canada and the United States. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and cities located along its shores. Lake Superior is also home to a number of lighthouses, which are a popular attraction for visitors. The lake is surrounded by forests and mountains, making it a great place for hiking and biking.
9. Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is located in northwestern Ontario and is the sixth largest lake in the province. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and villages located along its shores. Lake of the Woods is also home to a number of First Nations communities, and there are many opportunities to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. The lake is surrounded by forests and wetlands, making it a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.
10. Rainy Lake
Rainy Lake is located in northwestern Ontario and is the seventh largest lake in the province. It’s a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are many charming towns and villages located along its shores. Rainy Lake is also home to a number of First Nations communities, and there are many opportunities to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. The lake is surrounded by forests and wetlands, making it a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, and Best Hotels
The culture of Ontario’s lakes is as diverse as the lakes themselves. From the bustling towns and cities that line their shores to the quiet villages and First Nations communities that call them home, there’s something for everyone to experience. The lakes are also a popular destination for Indigenous tourism, with many opportunities to learn about the rich history and culture of the First Nations people who have lived in the area for centuries.
The best months to visit Ontario’s lakes are during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the water is at its warmest. However, the lakes are also beautiful in the spring and fall, when the leaves change color and the crowds are smaller. Winter is also a great time to visit the lakes, when you can enjoy activities such as ice fishing and snowshoeing.
There are a number of ways to get to Ontario’s lakes, including by car, train, and plane. The closest major airport to most of the lakes is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Once you arrive at the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus or train to your destination. There are also a number of water taxis and ferries that operate on the lakes, which can be a convenient way to get around.
There’s no shortage of great food to be found near Ontario’s lakes. From fresh fish and seafood to locally grown produce, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Some of the most popular local dishes include pickerel, whitefish, and trout, which can be enjoyed at many of the restaurants and lodges that line the shores of the lakes. There are also a number of wineries and breweries located near the lakes, where you can sample some of the region’s finest wines and beers.
There’s a wide range of accommodation options available near Ontario’s lakes, from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts. Some of the most popular hotels include the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, the Deerhurst Resort, and the Blue Mountain Resort. These hotels offer a variety of amenities and activities, such as swimming pools, golf courses, and spas.
