Whether you’re going for a dip in your favourite lake or spending the day kayaking or fishing under the warm summer sun, there’s no better place to do it than right here in Canada. With more lakes than any other nation in the world, you don’t have to travel far to find clear water, sandy shores, and glacier-fed mountain lakes in every province and territory. 

Canada is home to four of the five Great Lakes and has the highest concentration of lakes in the world in the northern and eastern regions. Many of Canada’s lakes can be enjoyed any time of year, whether you’re ice fishing in the winter or hiking to a turquoise glacial lake on a summer road trip. From the most famous lakes to some you may not even know about, here’s a glimpse of the best lakes in Canada from coast to coast.

Most beautiful lakes in Canada for swimming

Brohm Lake

You won’t want to miss the breathtaking views in Squamish, BC. Located along the infamous Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler, Brohm Lake is perfect for a freshwater swim. 

The water is shallow here, and there’s limited parking nearby, so come early to claim a spot by the water. Make sure to bring your hiking boots too, so you can explore all the trails that loop around the lake, including the Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest trails.

Cultus Lake

Located in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Cultus Lake is a go-to summer escape for locals and visitors alike. This freshwater lake doubles as a provincial park and is just over 100km from the city of Vancouver, making for an easy weekend getaway during the hot summer months.

Check out the trail at nearby Teapot Hill for photo-worthy views of the lake and surrounding forest. While you’re in the Fraser Valley, consider treating yourself to a wellness getaway in nearby Harrison Hot Springs. 

Lac Meech

The “belle province” of Quebec is home to countless lakes stretching from south to north. One worth adding to your summer list is Meech Lake (Lac Meech in French) in the town of Chelsea. 

Located in Gatineau Park, it’s a favourite spot for a refreshing swim or a summer day with friends and family. Choose between O’Brien Beach and Blanchet Beach, where you can enjoy the lake’s shoreline and a picnic on the sand or at one of the nearby tables. Before heading out, check the swim guide for the latest updates and safety guidelines for your next visit. 

Most beautiful lakes in Canada to enjoy with the family

Lake Louise

No list of the most beautiful lakes in Canada is complete without mentioning the most iconic of all, Lake Louise. Beloved by Canadians and revered around the world, the stunning Lake Louise in Banff is your picture-perfect family escape any time of year. 

There are plenty of explorations and activities here. Travellers can enjoy an epic day of skating on the frozen lake in the winter, take the kids on a canoe ride during the summer months, and stay at a nearby hotel for a few days in the Rockies. Be sure to check out the nearby Moraine Lake, another glacier-fed favourite known for its bright blue water.

Ever wondered why Lake Louise is so blue? The lakes in Banff are all glacier-fed, with rock flour carried into the water by glacial melt. These particles reflect sunlight, creating those vivid blue and turquoise shades the lakes are known for.

Lake Winnipeg

Known as the 10th largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Winnipeg provides hydropower, numerous resources, and a long stretch of shoreline to the province of Manitoba. This beautiful prairie province is actually filled with lakes, with over 100,000 lakes in Manitoba alone. The shores along the lake are also home to several First Nations and Métis communities, who’ve been on the land for centuries. 

Lake Winnipeg has also faced algae blooms over the years, making conservation efforts increasingly important. You can learn more about the work to protect the lake here. 

Charleston Lake

Named one of the best lakes in Ontario for summer outdoor activities, Charleston Lake is a long-running local favourite. Spend your summer vacation camping at Charleston Lake Provincial Park, where you'll find hiking trails, rocky shoreline, beautiful bay views, and kid-friendly activities to keep everyone active and inspired. 

Most beautiful lakes in Canada for water sports

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is a glacial lake tucked beneath the mountains of Jasper National Park. With canoeing, paddle boating, and kayaking in the summer and skating in the winter, there’s so much to do in any season. 

Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Pyramid Lake, and rentals are readily available. In the winter, visitors swap water activities for skating, shinny hockey, and can even cross-country ski along nearby trails.

Lake Superior

The largest of all five Great Lakes, Lake Superior stretches along the shores of northern Ontario. Here, you’ll find rocky coastlines, thick forests, and endless water that make it one of the country’s most beloved lakes. 

This Canadian lake offers many opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, and wildlife spotting. Trout fishing is also one of Lake Superior’s main highlights. If you’re visiting during the summer season (May to September), be sure to check out the unique Agawa Rock pictographs.

Insider tip: Some of the best views of Lake Superior can be found at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, where you’ll discover hiking trails that climb above the lake for breathtaking views of the water. 

Most beautiful lakes for fishing

Reindeer Lake

Did you know that Saskatchewan has thousands of lakes scattered across the province? If you’re looking for a remote lake getaway with some world-class fishing, Reindeer Lake, which borders northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, might just be for you. 

Located just south of the Northwest Territories, Reindeer Lake has been named one of the best spots for trophy fishing, where you can catch (and release) some of the biggest northern pike, walleye, and trout imaginable. 

Accessible only by boat or floatplane, book your stay at a nearby lodge where you can fish all day and experience the wonder of the northern lights at night. 

Great Slave Lake

Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories is one of Canada’s largest lakes and offers so much to see and do. Depending on when you visit, you can experience winter festivals, sailing, wildlife watching, and fishing opportunities, just to name a few. 

The fishing season here might be short, but remember, the days up north during the summer months are almost 24 hours long. You can enjoy entire days (literally) fishing and kayaking on one of Canada’s most impressive lakes and still have hours of sunlight left when you return.

A visit up here is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be sure not to miss the adorable houseboats that line some of the lake’s shores on Yellowknife Bay.

Most remote lake in Canada

Great Bear Lake

Even further north in the heart of Canada’s boreal forest is Great Bear Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. This huge, pristine lake (roughly the size of Belgium) is sacred territory for the Dene First Nation and local Metis people. 

The lake was returned to them in 2016 when Great Bear Lake and the surrounding area were named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it’s now governed by the local native communities. 

Plan your Canadian lake adventure today

Whether you’re looking to take a dip in glacial waters, find a remote fishing escape, or plan a family-friendly getaway, Canada’s lakes have something for every traveller. Skyscanner can help you plan your escape today, with the best deals on lakeside retreats, flights across the country, and car rentals that can take you all the way to the shoreline.