Canada is famous for its wilderness and natural beauty, and has over two million lakes, 31,752 of which are over 3 square kilometers and 561 over 100 square kilometers in size. These lakes range from glacial-fed alpine lakes to massive freshwater lakes and offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
1. Lake Louise, Alberta
In Banff National Park, Lake Louise is probably Canadaโs most famous lake. The turquoise water is due to glacial silt and is surrounded by Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. Named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the lake offers year-round activities: hiking and canoeing in the summer and ice skating and skiing in the winter.
2. Moraine Lake, Alberta
In the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is another gem of Banff National Park. The blue water against the mountain peaks is so stunning that it was once on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill (1969 and 1979 series). The lake is especially popular at sunrise when the first light hits the peaks and the landscape is bathed in gold.
3. Emerald Lake, British Columbia
In Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake lives up to its name with its green water. Surrounded by the President Range, the lake is a serene spot for canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Itโs open year-round, but the lake is frozen from November to June.
4. Maligne Lake, Alberta
22 kilometers long, Maligne Lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper National Park itโs famous for its deep blue water and Spirit Island. Visitors can take boat tours, kayak, and hike trails that offer views of the surrounding peaks.
5. Lake OโHara, British Columbia
Lake OโHara in Yoho National Park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The area has a network of trails to alpine meadows, waterfalls, and other glacial lakes offering views of the Canadian Rockies.
6. Lake Minnewanka, Alberta
Just outside Banff town, Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake 21 kilometers long. Itโs a popular spot for boating, diving, and picnicking. The name, derived from the Stoney Nakoda word for โWater of the Spirits,โ reflects its cultural significance to Indigenous peoples.
7. Peyto Lake, Alberta
Famous for its wolf-head shape when viewed from above, Peyto Lake is located along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. The lakeโs turquoise colour is due to glacial rock flour and is a favourite among photographers and sightseers.
8. Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
In Garibaldi Provincial Park, this alpine lake is known for its turquoise water and snow-capped peaks. Accessible via an 18km hike, the effort is rewarded with stunning views and camping and mountaineering opportunities.
9. Abraham Lake, Alberta
Man-made Abraham Lake is famous for its winter phenomenon: methane bubbles trapped beneath the frozen surface. This surreal sight attracts photographers and adventurers, making it a must-visit in the winter.
10. Berg Lake, British Columbia
At the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Berg Lake is famous for its blue water and glacier backdrop. The multi-day hike to the lake is one of the most scenic in the country.
11. Spotted Lake, British Columbia
Near Osoyoos, Spotted Lake is a saline endorheic alkali lake that becomes polka-dotted with mineral-rich spots in the summer. Each spot is a different colour depending on the mineral composition, creating a surreal landscape thatโs sacred to the Indigenous Okanagan Nation.
12. Lake Superior, Ontario
The biggest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior has rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and clear water. Its size and natural beauty make it a popular destination for kayaking, hiking, and exploring the many provincial parks along its shores.
Just One More Thing
The lakes are aplenty in Canada, but what about the rest? The national parks, the landmarks, the beaches, gardens, museumsโฆ the list goes on. Thatโs where our Canada Hustle app comes in. From lakes to swimming pools, and beaches to parks, there are lists curated just for you.
Available for both Android and iOS users, from action scenes to historic landmarks to natureโs serene lands, Canada Hustle has it all mapped out.
The Last Trip
Canadaโs diverse landscapes have many beautiful lakes, each with its own character and activities. From the glacial-fed turquoise water of the Rockies to the mineral-rich pools of British Columbia, these lakes offer not only stunning views but also adventure, reflection, and connection with nature. Whether youโre looking for solitude, photography, or outdoor recreation, Canadaโs lakes are destinations that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Last Updated on May 24, 2025 by Joshita
