Discover Ontario's Best Lakes

Ontario, Canada's expansive province, boasts over 250,000 lakes, offering a diverse range of aquatic adventures.

The Great Lakes—Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—are well-known, but Ontario's smaller lakes also offer unique experiences.

Whether you're into beaches, sailing, fishing, or canoeing, Ontario's lakes have something for everyone. Many are accessible via quaint towns or Ontario parks.

Start planning your summer with our guide to the best lakes in Ontario.

1. Lake Huron (Georgian Bay)

Lake Huron is a tale of two halves: the western side features warm, shallow waters and popular spots like Pinery Provincial Park and Grand Bend. The eastern side, known as Georgian Bay, is rugged with deep, cold waters and stunning beaches like Wasaga. Manitoulin Island and Killbear Provincial Park offer excellent camping and boating opportunities.

2. Lake Superior

Lake Superior, the largest and most formidable of the Great Lakes, is a natural wonder with beautiful beaches like Pancake Bay and historical sites like the Agawa Bay pictographs. Campgrounds abound in Lake Superior Provincial Park and other nearby parks.

3. Lake Erie

As the warmest and shallowest Great Lake, Lake Erie is a hub for recreational fishing and beach-going, with spots like Crystal Beach and Port Dover being prime locations.

4. Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario, stretching from Hamilton to the St. Lawrence River, is a playground for Toronto residents. With clear, cold waters and beaches like Woodbine and the Toronto Islands, it's also a hotspot for sailing and fishing.

5. Lake of the Woods

Near Kenora, Lake of the Woods is a vast, island-studded lake known for its clear waters and fishing. The MS Kenora offers tours, and accommodations range from resorts to hotels.

6. Rainy Lake

On the US-Canada border, Rainy Lake is a hidden gem with excellent fishing and clear waters. Beaches like Pither's Point Park and Sandpoint Island are perfect for a summer dip.

7. Lake Simcoe

Close to Toronto, Lake Simcoe is surrounded by provincial parks and small towns, offering warm waters, boating, and fishing, especially for perch in winter.

8. Lake of Two Rivers

In Algonquin Park, Lake of Two Rivers is a favorite for its beaches, campgrounds, and canoe-friendly waters.

9. Lake Nipissing

Lake Nipissing, a historic fur trade route, offers warm, shallow waters and sandy beaches, with North Bay providing a range of accommodations.

10. Lake Muskoka

In the Muskoka Region, Lake Muskoka is lined with luxurious cottages and offers boat cruises from Gravenhurst.

11. Mazinaw Lake

Mazinaw Lake in Bon Echo Provincial Park is known for the towering Mazinaw Rock and its pictographs, offering a cool but scenic swim and fishing opportunities.

12. Lac Seul

Lac Seul is a fisherman's paradise, with houseboat rentals available for exploring its vast waters.

13. Lake Temagami

Lake Temagami is a canoeist's dream, with granite shorelines and ancient forests, accessible via a scenic drive north of Toronto.

14. Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Lake

For a secluded adventure, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Lake in its namesake park offers untouched nature, fishing, and canoe routes.