Canada is a land of vast wilderness and staggering natural beauty, and much of that beauty is reflected in its lakes. While most people think of the Great Lakes when it comes to Canadian water bodies, there’s another fascinating way to look at them: by length.
From glacier-carved corridors to peaceful paddling paradises, the longest lakes in Canada aren’t just beautiful—they’re steeped in history, culture and adventure. So, grab your kayak or your curiosity and let’s explore the Canadian lakes that stretch across the land like nature’s highways.
1. Lake Superior – Canada’s Giant and the World’s Largest Freshwater Lake by Area
While Lake Superior is technically shared with the United States, it earns its spot here for one reason: size and length. Stretching about 563 km long, it’s not only the longest of the Great Lakes but also the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world.
The Canadian shoreline is rugged and dramatic, especially around Thunder Bay in Ontario. It’s stunningly beautiful, with cliff-lined shores, boreal forests, and some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see.
2. Lake Huron – 332 km of Blue
Also a binational lake, Lake Huron shares waters with the U.S. but offers more than 332 km of Canadian shoreline in Ontario.
Famous for its turquoise waters, Manitoulin Island, and sandy beaches, Huron is the summer cottage capital of Ontario. It also plays a key role in the Great Lakes shipping routes and offers great fishing and boating.
3. Lake Ontario – 311 km of Urban Meets Natural
Though it’s the smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area, Lake Ontario is a long and slender beauty, stretching about 311 km from end to end. On its northwestern edge sits Toronto, Canada’s largest city, while the lake’s eastern shore brushes up against smaller towns like Kingston. This lake is where natural charm meets urban energy, with waterfront trails, marinas, and hidden coves all within sight of city skylines.
4. Lake Athabasca – Canada’s Longest Lake Entirely Within Its Borders
Now we’re moving into Canada’s interior. Lake Athabasca is the longest lake fully within Canadian borders, stretching about 283 km through northern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
It’s wild, remote, and breathtaking. Along its southern edge lie the Athabasca Sand Dunes, the largest dunes in Canada—yes, actual desert-like dunes in the middle of the boreal forest. It’s also a major hub for Indigenous communities like Fort Chipewyan, and the lake supports great fishing, including record-breaking lake trout and pike.
5. Reindeer Lake – Deep in the Wilderness
Located along the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border (with part of it also extending into the Northwest Territories), Reindeer Lake is a massive, long lake that stretches roughly 233 km.
This lake is rugged and remote, perfect for people who want to truly disconnect. It’s hundreds of islands and inlets are ideal for canoeing and wilderness camping, and it’s teeming with fish, especially northern pike and walleye. You won’t find crowds here—just still water, deep silence, and the occasional loon call.
6. Great Slave Lake – Deep and Long
The second-largest lake entirely within Canada and the deepest lake in North America, Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories stretches about 500 km across the Arctic wilderness.
While often noted for its depth (a staggering 614 metres in places), its length is equally impressive. Yellowknife, the territorial capital, lies on its northern shore. The lake is a lifeline for communities, supporting fishing, transportation, and even winter roads. In winter, festivals like the SnowKing Winter Festival pop up right on its frozen surface.
7. Great Bear Lake – The Largest Fully Canadian Lake
While Great Bear Lake may not be the longest in shape (it’s more circular), it’s the largest lake entirely within Canada and ranks fourth in North America by surface area. It still deserves a mention for its massive scale and pristine environment.
Located entirely in the Northwest Territories, it spans about 320 km at its widest stretch. It’s incredibly clean and cold, with very little human activity, making it a favourite for conservationists and serious anglers. Some say the waters are so pure you can drink straight from the lake.
8. Lake Winnipeg – Prairie Powerhouse
Often overlooked, Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba stretches around 425 km north to south. Despite its shallow depth, the lake has a significant impact on the local economy through commercial fishing and tourism.
Towns like Gimli and Grand Beach along its southern shores are popular summer destinations. The lake has faced environmental issues in recent years, but efforts are underway to restore and preserve its unique ecosystem.
Why Lake Length Matters
You might wonder—why talk about lake length at all? While size is often measured in surface area, length gives us a different perspective. Long lakes tend to serve as transport routes, cultural boundaries, or travel corridors for wildlife and people alike.
They also offer a variety of ecosystems and landscapes along their length, from forest to tundra, urban to rural, desert dunes to icy shorelines. A long lake can feel like several different places rolled into one continuous adventure.
One More Thing…
The lakes are aplenty in Canada, but what about the rest? The national parks, the landmarks, the beaches, gardens, museums… the list goes on. That’s 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 nature’s serene lands, Canada Hustle has it all mapped out.
Final Thoughts: Canada’s Lakes Are More Than Just Water
Whether you’re paddling across Lake Huron’s blue bays, fishing on Athabasca’s northern waters, or gazing at the aurora over Great Slave Lake, these long lakes are a reminder of Canada’s deep connection to the natural world.
They’ve shaped Indigenous trade routes, supported communities for generations, and inspired artists and adventurers alike. And while they may not always be easy to get to, the longest lakes in Canada offer something rare: space to breathe, explore, and just be.
Last Updated on September 5, 2025 by Joshita
