15 Best Amazing Lakes To Explore in Ontario

The lakes of Ontario are what give the province’s summers such unique qualities. Families go to the parks to camp or spend the day on the water, or people retreat to their lakeside cottages. Nature-loving Ontarians spend their winters dreaming of boating, waterskiing, fishing, and playing in the sand.

There are 250,000 lakes in the province that are just itching to be discovered. For many, the Great Lakes that spring to mind are Ontario, Huron, Erie, and Superior. Even though these lakes are quite desirable, we frequently discover that the smaller lakes are the most noteworthy.

Ontario is home to a wide variety of lakes. others are well-known for their fishing, others have gorgeous beaches, some are excellent for sailing, while still others have crystal-clear waters that are great for SUPing and canoeing. Parts of the lakes are accessible from parks in Ontario or from towns.

It actually depends on your interests which one will be first on your summer schedule. Start with our selection of Ontario’s finest lakes.

Best Lakes To Explore in Ontario:

Below are the best lakes:

1. Lake Huron,Ontario:

There are two unique characters in Lake Huron. both the eastern and western halves.

Long beaches and limestone shorelines can seen on the western part, which shared with the United States. This portion of the lake is warm and somewhat shallow, with a lot of development along the majority of the shore. Along this area, Grand Bend, a coastal town, offers fun summertime activities, while Pinery Provincial Park offers fantastic camping.

Georgian Bay, the eastern part, is wholly located in Ontario. It rugged, with granite shorelines and, in some cases, smooth pink rocks, with the exception of the Bruce Peninsula. There’s a lovely campground and great hiking paths in Killarney and Killarney Provincial Park, making it a great place to explore Georgian Bay. On Lake Huron, this is where we spend the most of our time. Although the water is chilly, the view is breathtaking.

Georgian Bay has deep, consistently cold water. The amazing beach at Wasaga, which is among the best in Ontario, is one of the highlights of Georgian Bay. The world’s longest freshwater beach is located there. Simply ask a local which area they think is the most beautiful to spark an animated discussion.

Manitoulin Island is located at the upper end of Lake Huron. The remnants of the northern end of the Niagara Escarpment make up this enormous island.

No matter where you go, there are countless options for recreation. Popular recreational activities include sailing, canoeing, swimming, and boating. Fishing is another popular activity, but you really need to know where to go, and that sometimes means using specialist equipment and traveling far offshore.

There are excellent sites to camp around the lake, including Killbear Provincial Park, which is close to Parry Sound. This park offers hiking paths, numerous great beaches, and a sizable campground. Park on the Bruce Peninsula is another fantastic location.

You may have an amazing family vacation by taking a circle route around Georgian Bay. Tobermory and Manitoulin Island connected by ferry, and you can continue eastward from there to your starting location.

2. Lake Superior:

Lake Superior is the oldest of the Great Lakes. There a menacing history of ships being sunk by this enormous, frigid, deep lake. It was the one that the Voyageurs feared most in those days. It’s a location for adventure, enjoyment, and leisure for the majority of Ontarians.

The lake can be as placid as a mill pond in the summer, especially around July. The Lake Superior is the pinnacle of nature. The untamed coastline is breathtakingly gorgeous and served as the model for numerous well-known pieces by the Group of Seven. Some places have smooth pink rocks that drop into crystal-clear water.

Some of Ontario’s best beaches are located along Lake Superior. Pancake Bay and Batchawana Bay’s lengthy, arcing beaches like something out of a glossy Caribbean magazine, without the palm trees, of course. In the shallows, the water is fairly warm and clear. You will probably find yourself retreating back to the shallows rather fast if you venture a little further out to the cooler water.

The pictographs at Agawa Bay are one of the lake’s must-see historical sites. The Ojibwe people created the images, which span 150–400 years in age. Only on calm days when the waves are not breaking on shore may one visit the pictographs. A nice hiking track winds through the forest to get there.You will probably find yourself retreating back to the shallows rather fast if you venture a little further out to the cooler water.

Make sure to visit the Terry Fox Memorial if you are traveling the North Shore route. This location offers some of the greatest views on the entire lake, looking out over the water to the Sleeping Giant.

There are campgrounds along the shore; some of the nicest ones may found in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Neys Provincial Park, and Lake Superior Provincial Park. Several of these parks rank among Ontario’s top locations for camping.

Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay are two of the major cities that border Lake Superior. Terrace Bay, Rossport, and Marathon are among of the smaller settlements.

3. Lake Erie:

Of all the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is the shallowest and hottest. The northern border, particularly the area close to Niagara Falls, is developed. It is possibly the most tranquil of all the lakes because there aren’t too many danger spots, it’s not too big, and it’s not too deep.

One of the greatest lakes for fishing for pleasure is Lake Erie. Because there are so many bait fish in this lake, walleye and bass can grow to enormous sizes. 

One of the greatest beaches in Ontario is Crystal Beach, which is close to Fort Erie. Although there is a fee for entry, the township has lately made investments in new infrastructure and offers beach patrols.

You may get an ice cream and stroll out on the pier in Port Dover, which is another excellent location to reach the beach.

4. Lake Ontario:

Lake Ontario is right outside your door if you reside in Toronto. The lake stretches 300 kilometers from the west coast city of Hamilton to the east, where it empties into the St. Lawrence River. Toronto is located in between.

Despite the lake’s clarity and coldness, you should still go swimming at one of the many beaches that along its shore. The Toronto Islands and Woodbine have some of the city’s nicest beaches. The three best beaches in Mississauga, including Jack Darling Park, are located on Lake Ontario.

The lake is a popular place to sail because there are no other boats or other marine impediments to worry about. Most Wednesday nights are race nights, with a stunning view of the lake packed with white sails.

As with most lakes, getting out on the water is the best way to truly enjoy it. Most marinas allow you to hire boats. Observing the sun set over the skyscrapers is one of the most delightful sights to behold.

It might surprise you to hear that Lake Ontario is a salmon habitat. I Several marinas, like Port Credit in Mississauga, are the home base for charter fishing boats.

5. Lakes of Wood:

Lake of the Woods is located close to Kenora, Ontario, just across the boundary between Manitoba and Ontario. This is another one of our favorite lakes, especially considering our background in Northwestern Ontario.

With approximately 14,500 islets, this enormous lake is incredibly picturesque and largely abandoned, with the exception of a few homes and the sections close to the town. 

A mixture of white pine, jack pine, and poplar trees encircle the exposed ancient granite shoreline, which is lapped by clear seas.

The starting point for journeys is the busy town of Kenora. Taking a two-hour cruise on the MS Kenora is a great way to get a feel for the lake.

With catches of walleye, bass, northern pike, lake trout, and many other species—and, occasionally, a muskie to mix things up—the lake is often seen as a good place to fish.

There are several places to stay in Kenora, including opulent resorts, cottage rentals, and hotels with lake views. Additional entry sites include Nestor Falls and Sioux Narrows, both of which offer a variety of lodging choices.

6. Rainy lake,Ontario:

One of our particular favorites and one of Ontario’s undiscovered gems is Rainy Lake, which is located close to the town of Fort Frances and spans the US-Canada border. Every summer, without fail, we spend time here. The untamed shorelines are dotted with massive white and red pines, providing habitat for various wildlife such as bears, moose, wolves, beavers, and ducks.

Northern pike, walleye, and bass are the main species that may be caught on the lake. You stand a good chance of hitting one of these three trophy-sized fish if you know where to look.

Every summer, the crystal-clear water gets warmer. Beaches are not everywhere, but if you’re boating, Pither’s Point Park in Fort Frances or Sandpoint Island are some of your finest options for a swim on a sandy shore.

Both sides of the border should take the time to view some of the lake’s features. Among the principal attractions are Kettle Falls and two mermaid statues, both of which are well-liked boating locations. Cottages can also be found around the lake, however they are dispersed and appear to be hard to come by.

Fort Frances has a respectable selection of lodging options. for convenient lake access. There’s a port and a decent launch near downtown, making Rainy Lake very accessible from Fort Frances.

7. Lake Simcoe,Ontario:

Lake Simcoe is our home. From Toronto, this sizable body of water is easily accessible in less than an hour. On the lake’s shores are three provincial parks: Sibbald Point, McRae, and Mara. These parks all have some of Ontario’s top campgrounds and beaches.

The waters of Lake Simcoe are renowned for being clean, warm, and very shallow. While there are little villages all around the lake, the cities of Barrie, Orillia, and Beaverton are the closest to some of the most accessible locations. There are waterfront parks with green areas, boat launching, and swimming areas in every site.

Here, pleasure boating is king. Hundreds of boats are out on the lake enjoying the sights and drifting about on sunny summer weekends.

Swimming is a common activity when at sandy, shallow areas. Simply search for all the boats that are anchored slightly offshore to locate these, which are close to Fox Island and Snake Island.

Look out for kiteboarders racing across the water beneath brightly colored kites if the winds are up. The greatest place to see them is in Centennial Park, which is located just outside of Beaverton.

Fishing enthusiasts who want to capture perch often fish at Lake Simcoe. The greatest time to do this is in the winter, when Beaverton has plenty of ice hut rentals available.

8. Lake of two Rivers:

Lake of Two Rivers is an excellent pick for the top list of lakes in Ontario, and fans of Algonquin Park will immediately recognize it.

This lake, which is among the most well-liked in the whole park, is ideal in a lot of aspects. It boasts various beaches that are great for lazing on a hot summer day, as well as warm, tea-stained seas. On its shores, the lake boasts one of Ontario’s top campgrounds, and it’s conveniently accessible from the major highway via the park.

There are two rivers that feed and drain Lake of Two Rivers, and one of these rivers provides a great canoe path to Pog Lake without requiring a portage. On the lake, motorized watercraft are not permitted.

Apart from the water-based pursuits, a trail for hiking, walking, and bicycling has been created along the south shore using an abandoned railway line.

9. Lake Nipissing,Ontario

You may hear the reverberations of the powerful Voyageurs’ songs as you sit around your campfire. This is so that these courageous men might engage in the fur trade; Lake Nipissing was a vital link in the chain of lakes.

The French River empties into Georgian Bay after 65 kilometers of the lake’s westward extension from North Bay. The lake is distinct in that its average depth is only 4.5 meters. This guarantees a pleasant summertime temperature, and a multitude of sandy beaches and sandbars provide excellent day trip opportunities.

Walleye and northern pike fishing is good on the lake, although there are stringent conservation restrictions.

There are a variety of lodging possibilities in the area, from upscale boat-in resorts along the French River on the western end to hotels and motels in North Bay.

10. Lake Muskoka:

To witness how the affluent and famous spend their summers, it’s worth visiting the renowned Muskoka Region, which is a few hours north of Toronto.

Magnificent granite shorelines along Lake Muskoka are home to tall white and scarlet pine trees. You’ll also see gorgeous cottages and boathouses along the same shorelines.

Taking a sail on the RMS Segwun or Wenonah II is one of the best ways to see the lake. The primary town on Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst, is where these boats depart. The lake is circled by the cruises, which pass by the well-known “millionaire’s row.”

All of the lake’s marinas offer boat launches, and the water is clearly marked with obstacles for those who bring their own vessels.

11. Mazinaw Lake:

Located in Bon Echo Provincial Park, Mazinaw Lake is roughly 1.5 hours north of Kingston. The remarkable Mazinaw Rock, which rises to a height of 100 meters, is the main feature of this gorgeous lake’s eastern shore. There are more than 250 pictographs dotted around the base of this striking rock face.

The lake’s nearly complete halving by a peninsula adds to its uniqueness. This feature guarantees that there is calm in at least one area of the lake regardless of the direction of the breeze. Because of this, the lake is ideal for water sports like kayaking and canoeing.

The lake is easily accessible from two sandy beaches, although even in the middle of summer, the deep lake’s water can be frigid. Wetting a line and trying your luck for walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth and largemouth bass is another good option offered by the lake.

One of the greatest campgrounds in the province is located at Bon Echo, right back from the lake. Beneath towering white and scarlet pine trees lie idyllic campgrounds.

12. Lac Seul,Ontario:

Go north to Lac Seul if you want to catch lots and plenty of fish. The lake is accessible by good roads and is located approximately 5.5 hours northwest of Thunder Bay.

The lake is enormous, spanning more than 240 kilometers in length and featuring around 5,000 kilometers of shoreline. This boater’s paradise has an endless number of islands and coves. This area boasts exceptional walleye, northern pike, and monster muskie fishing, with records being broken.

Hiring a houseboat with all you need to explore the lake is one of the most well-liked activities. These are between 19 and 22 meters long and equipped with every luxury imaginable, such as power and running water.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Canada

13. Lake Temagami:

People who have been there will nod and smile when you tell them you have an invitation to a cottage on Lake Temagami or that you are organizing a canoe adventure; they will know you are in for a unique experience. Even after numerous canoe camping excursions, we are always amazed by this lake.

This magnificent lake boasts granite beaches, some of the oldest white pine trees in Ontario, and excellent fishing.

The lake is easily accessible by decent roads; it is located approximately five hours north of Toronto and approximately one hour from North Bay. You’ll need a boat of some kind, whether it’s an inboard or outboard, sailboat, canoe, or kayak, to truly enjoy the lake.

There are campsites scattered throughout the lake, and one may plan multiday canoe journeys to other lakes including Obabika and Diamond Lake.

14. Lady Evelyn,Ontario:

A journey to Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Lake is in order if you don’t mind making a little effort to reach a sizable lake that you’ll probably have virtually all to yourself.

The lake, which is part of the eponymous provincial park, a great place to spend a week or two getting lost in nature. There are hiking routes that lead to pockets of old-growth woodland, sandbars dotted around the south side, and a fantastic waterfall at the far south end.

With routes leading south to Diamond Lake and then onto Lake Temagami or Lake Obabika, this is great canoe terrain. The lake is home to several top-notch fishing resorts and yields trophy walleyes for anglers.

About thirty-five minutes north of Temagami, near Mowat Landing, off Highway 558, is the primary access point. For a charge, you can take a boat ferry with your belongings to cross the Mattawapika Dam, or you can portage the 300 meters on your own.

15. Lake Temiskaming:

The thing that makes Lake Temiskaming special is that not many people are aware of this enormous, conveniently located body of water. The vast and profound lake, which is situated less than two hours to the north of North Bay, is dotted with tall cliffs on some parts of its shoreline.

Popular fishing spots include walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, burbot, and lake trout, all of which are eager to fight you.

The lake is ideal for sailing and other water activities including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and winging because windy days are common there. There are a few sandy beaches around the lake; the one in Haileybury has a free waterslide and bathing area.

Fort Témiscamingue, which was first built in 1720, was a crucial station in the fur trade near Lake Temiskaming. Today, you may tour the site as part of a visit to the Obadjiwan-Fort-Témiscamingue National Historic Site, where you can learn about life over 200 years ago from costumed interpreters.

For a bite to eat, consider 28 on the Lake at the Waterfront Inn in New Liskeard, which has a view of the lake.

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