Canadian lakes, especially those in Alberta and British Columbia, are breathtaking. That doesn’t mean their eastern sisters are unattractive; on the contrary, everyone has her unique beauty. The western lakes, nevertheless, are particularly picturesque, what with their azure water and towering mountain peaks. In eastern Canada, you can find lakes that are ideal for swimming and motorboating. But listen to Horace Greeley: “Go west.” If you desire to paddle across placid lakes in a natural environment.
11 Most Stunning Lakes in Canada
1. Spotted Lake
Spotted Lake, in the south-central region of British Columbia, close to Osoyoos, is most picturesque in the summer. That’s because the colours of this lake aren’t like any other. Sure, it has some colour, but it’s not water-based. Minerals of all kinds are present in the lake. Lake bottoms can be seen in a variety of vibrant mineral hues as a result of summertime water evaporation. As the lake becomes hotter in the summer, the mineral “spots” it has created will solidify. The lake is off-limits to pedestrians; instead, you must stand behind a fence in order to see it.
2. Garibaldi Lake
Situated in the eponymous provincial park, Garibaldi Lake is a picture-perfect scene, what with its backdrop of towering mountains and verdant woods. Unfortunately, couch potatoes might never get to see the lake, which is located 90 minutes away from Vancouver, British Columbia. This is due to the fact that the walk into the lake is a somewhat difficult 18 km (11 miles) roundtrip. In order to fully appreciate the breathtaking splendour of the lake, many hikers plan ahead and camp here for the night, as the entire trip takes around five or six hours.
3. Lake Ontario
Despite being the smallest of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario—which is named for the Canadian province it borders on—is vast enough to rank as the fourteenth biggest lake in the world. The Great Lakes eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean from this lake, which is situated below Niagara Falls and flows into the St. Lawrence River.
The lake is dotted with several islands, and lighthouses proudly line its borders. Toronto is the biggest city in Canada. Although many swimmers attempt the feat, only around 50 have managed to swim the full 51 km (32 miles) across the lake.
4. Emerald Lake
Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies is home to Emerald Lake, the biggest of the lakes, and July is a great time to come. The water’s verdant hues are most striking at that time. The powdered limestone that dissolves in the water gives the lake its colour. Since the lake is usually frozen over until June, the best time to visit is in July when the colours will be most vibrant. But if you go there in the winter, you may do cross-country skiing.
5. Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is a great example of the kind of picturesque Canadian lake you might be searching for. Nestled in the snow-capped Canadian Rockies of Alberta’s Jasper National Park is this elongated lake, its waters a glacial blue.
There is one big lake in the park, and its name is Maligne Lake (meLEEN). Being 21 kilometres (13 miles) long, it surpasses all other Canadian Rockies lakes in length. Spirit Island is a small island dotted with trees that may be reached by boat or by hiking around the lake.
6. Moraine Lake
Make sure you have enough of film or memory cards on hand when you visit Moraine Lake. As soon as you lay eyes on it, you’ll see why this Canadian lake is a popular subject for photographers. You might recognise it from its appearance on Canadian money, Windows login screens, and National Geographic daily photo features. Located in Banff National Park’s Valley of the Ten Peaks, this glacially fed lake is arguably the most picturesque body of water you will ever lay eyes on.
7. Lake Louise
An all-season resort isn’t complete without the picturesque Lake Louise as its focal point. Princess Louise Caroline, daughter of Queen Victoria, is the name of this picturesque lake in Canada, which may explain why it is considered a royal lake.
Lake Louise, which receives its azure hue from the distant Victoria Glacier, is most aptly described as breathtakingly gorgeous. Take a plunge into the chilly water and swim if you dare, or go for a summertime walk around the lake. During the winter, you may enjoy excellent skiing.
8. Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake’s deep turquoise blue waters contrast sharply with the surrounding mountains, yet the two elements create a picturesque mix. The vibrant hues of this lake in Banff National Park are a photographer’s dream. Located in western Alberta, Bow Point on the Icefields Parkway offers the finest vantage point from which to admire this extended expanse of water. Those interested in photography have the option to trek up from that spot or perhaps descend to the lake for a different perspective.
9. Abraham Lake
There is a more recent lake in Alberta, Abraham Lake, on the North Saskatchewan River. The glacial blue waters belie the fact that it was formed by damming the river in 1972, not by glacial activity. Winter in the Canadian Rockies might be chilly, but that’s when you should go to witness the lake’s world-famous bubble phenomenon. The water bubbles up when it freezes because decomposing plants release methane. If you smoke, avoid lighting up near the ice since methane is combustible.
10. Lake Superior
The formation of Lake Superior occurred hundreds of millions of years ago as a result of volcanic activity. This freshwater lake is among the world’s biggest and is the largest of the Great Lakes. Shipwrecks abound in the southern part of the Great Lakes, which separates Canada and the US, earning it the nickname “the graveyard of the Great Lakes.” The majority of these disasters have occurred at Whitefish Point. Among the most well-known ships to go down in 1975 was the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. An underwater preserve presently occupies this land.
11. Lake Huron
Lake Huron, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, separates the United States of America from Canada. Manitoulin, the biggest freshwater island in the world, is located there as well.
In addition, the two largest Great Lake bays, Saginaw and Georgian, are sometimes confused for lakes because to their size. Along the lake, which has witnessed several shipwrecks throughout the years, there are more trees than humans. Preserves house the most significant crash sites. Huron Indians are the inspiration for the lake’s name.
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