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.
![Diamond Lake at sunrise](/media/canada-best-lakes-in-ontario-diamond-lake-near-lake-temagami.jpg)
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)
![Georgian Bay at Killarney](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-huron-georgian-bay.jpg)
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
![Agawa Bay on Lake Superior](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-superior-agawa-bay.jpg)
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
![Lake Erie beach at Port Ryerse](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-lake-erie.jpg)
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
![View of Toronto from Lake Ontario](/media/canada-best-lakes-in-ontario-lake-ontario-toronto-waterfront.jpg)
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
![A cottage on Lake of the Woods](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-lake-of-the-woods.jpg)
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
![Sandbar in the North Arms of Rainy Lake](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-rainy-lake-sand-bar.jpg)
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
![Public beach in Beaverton on Lake Simcoe](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-simcoe-beaverton-beach-day.jpg)
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
![Lake of Two Rivers, Algonquin Provincial Park](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-lake-of-two-rivers-algonquin-canoes.jpg)
In Algonquin Park, Lake of Two Rivers is a favorite for its beaches, campgrounds, and canoe-friendly waters.
9. Lake Nipissing
![Sandy beach on Lake Nipissing](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-lake-nipissing.jpg)
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
![Boats on Lake Muskoka](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-lake-muskoka.jpg)
In the Muskoka Region, Lake Muskoka is lined with luxurious cottages and offers boat cruises from Gravenhurst.
11. Mazinaw Lake
![Mazinaw Lake](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-mazinaw.jpg)
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](/media/canada-ontario-best-lakes-lac-seul.jpg)
Lac Seul is a fisherman's paradise, with houseboat rentals available for exploring its vast waters.
13. Lake Temagami
![Misty morning on Lake Temagami](/media/canada-best-lakes-in-ontario-temagami-misty-morning.jpg)
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
![Sky reflecting in the water on Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Lake](/media/canada-best-lakes-in-ontario-lady-evelyn-smoothwater-canoe-on-shore.jpg)
For a secluded adventure, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Lake in its namesake park offers untouched nature, fishing, and canoe routes.