Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is a land defined by its vastness and natural beauty, boasting over 31,700 lakes larger than three square kilometers and holding 20% of the world’s freshwater supply. Among these, the country’s largest lakes stand out as icons of ecological richness, cultural significance, and geological wonder.
These lakes not only span enormous surface areas but also support thriving ecosystems, provide livelihoods for local communities, and offer spectacular natural vistas. With their combined area covering thousands of square kilometers, the largest lakes in Canada are a testament to the country’s remarkable geography and its unparalleled abundance of freshwater resources. Let’s dive into these incredible aquatic giants and uncover their unique characteristics.
List of the Largest Lakes in Canada
- Lake Superior – 82,100
- Lake Huron – 59,600
- Great Bear Lake – 31,328
- Great Slave Lake – 28,568
- Lake Erie – 25,700
- Lake Winnipeg – 24,387
- Lake Ontario – 18,960
- Lake Athabasca – 7,935
- Reindeer Lake – 6,650
- Smallwood Reservoir – 6,527
- Nettilling Lake – 5,542
- Lake Winnipegosis – 5,374
- Lake Nipigon – 4,848
1. Lake Superior (82,100 km²)
Spanning an immense 82,100 square kilometers, Lake Superior is not only the largest lake in Canada but also the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Although shared with the United States, its northern shores are situated in Ontario, offering stunning cliffs, forests, and pristine beaches.
The lake holds 12,100 cubic kilometers of water, making it the third-largest lake globally by volume. Its waters are cold year-round due to its depth and location, supporting a unique ecosystem of cold-water fish like lake trout and whitefish. For centuries, the lake has been an essential waterway for trade and travel, particularly for Indigenous peoples and early European settlers. The name “Superior” reflects its position as the uppermost Great Lake and its unmatched size.
2. Lake Huron (59,600 km²)
The second-largest lake in Canada, Lake Huron, covers 59,600 square kilometers, with Ontario on its northern and eastern shores. Its waters are known for their mesmerizing blue-green hue, earning it the nickname “the jewel of the Great Lakes.” Lake Huron also includes Georgian Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater island.
With a shoreline measuring nearly 6,000 kilometers, Lake Huron has the longest coastline of any of the Great Lakes. Its waters are rich in biodiversity, hosting hundreds of species of fish and waterfowl. Indigenous groups, including the Ojibwa and Odawa, have long inhabited the region, relying on the lake for sustenance and transportation. Today, it remains a major hub for recreational boating, fishing, and tourism.
3. Great Bear Lake (31,328 km²)
Located entirely within the Northwest Territories, Great Bear Lake is the largest lake entirely within Canada, covering 31,328 square kilometers. Situated near the Arctic Circle, it is one of the most remote and pristine lakes in the world, with crystal-clear waters that have earned it the title of the “cleanest lake on Earth.”
Great Bear Lake is culturally significant to the Sahtú Dene people, whose name for the lake, “Sahtú,” reflects their deep connection to the land. The lake is frozen for most of the year, making it a stark but beautiful part of the Canadian wilderness. Anglers are drawn to its waters for trophy-sized trout and other fish, while researchers study its undisturbed ecosystems.
4. Great Slave Lake (28,568 km²)
The Great Slave Lake, named after the Slavey First Nations, spans 28,568 square kilometers and plunges to a depth of 614 meters, making it the deepest lake in North America. Situated in the Northwest Territories, its northern shores host Yellowknife, the territorial capital and a vibrant cultural hub.
The lake is a vital part of the region’s transportation and fishing industries. It freezes over during the long winter months, transforming into an ice road that provides access to remote communities and mining operations. For the Indigenous Dene peoples, Great Slave Lake has been a lifeline, offering fish, water, and travel routes for thousands of years.
5. Lake Erie (25,700 km²)
With a surface area of 25,700 square kilometers, Lake Erie is the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes. Its shallowness means it is also the most biologically productive, supporting a thriving fishing industry that harvests millions of kilograms of fish annually.
The lake’s Canadian shoreline is dotted with sandy beaches, wineries, and picturesque towns, making it a popular tourist destination. However, Lake Erie also faces environmental challenges, such as harmful algal blooms caused by agricultural runoff. Efforts to combat these issues have intensified in recent years, ensuring the lake continues to be a vital resource for recreation and industry.
6. Lake Winnipeg (24,387 km²)
Lake Winnipeg, located entirely in Manitoba, spans 24,387 square kilometers, making it one of Canada’s most iconic inland lakes. Its unique elongated shape and diverse ecosystems make it a focal point for commercial fishing, particularly for pickerel and whitefish.
This lake plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, as its waters feed into the Nelson River system. Despite its beauty, Lake Winnipeg faces environmental pressures, including algae blooms linked to phosphorus pollution. Conservation initiatives aim to protect this vital resource for future generations.
7. Lake Ontario (18,960 km²)
Lake Ontario, the smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area, covers 18,960 square kilometers. Despite its size, it is among the most important, serving as the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River. Its Canadian shores are home to major cities like Toronto and Kingston, making it a key economic and cultural hub.
The lake’s waters support a variety of aquatic species and provide drinking water to millions of residents. Lake Ontario also holds historical significance, having been a central route for trade and migration for centuries. Today, it continues to play a vital role in commerce, recreation, and urban development.
8. Lake Athabasca (7,935 km²)
Straddling the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan, Lake Athabasca is a northern gem spanning 7,935 square kilometers. Its remote location and pristine environment make it a haven for wildlife, including migratory birds and fish species like northern pike and lake trout.
The lake’s name, derived from the Cree word “athapaskaw,” meaning “grass or reeds here and there,” reflects its marshy shoreline. Historically, it served as an essential trading route for Indigenous peoples and European fur traders. Today, it remains an untouched natural wonder, attracting adventurers and ecologists alike.
9. Reindeer Lake (6,650 km²)
Reindeer Lake, straddling the border of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, spans 6,650 square kilometers. Its rugged shoreline and countless islands make it a breathtaking sight. The lake is famous for its remote fishing lodges, attracting anglers from around the world seeking trophy-sized fish like northern pike and lake trout.
Reindeer Lake is also steeped in folklore, with Indigenous legends surrounding its mysterious waters. It remains a pristine wilderness, offering solitude and stunning natural beauty to those willing to venture into its remote embrace.
10. Smallwood Reservoir (6,527 km²)
Unlike the other natural lakes on this list, the Smallwood Reservoir in Newfoundland and Labrador is a man-made wonder, covering 6,527 square kilometers. Created in the 1960s as part of the Churchill Falls hydroelectric project, it is one of the largest reservoirs in the world.
The reservoir’s primary function is to supply water to the Churchill Falls Generating Station, one of the largest underground hydroelectric plants globally. While not as scenic as natural lakes, its scale and engineering significance are awe-inspiring.
11. Nettilling Lake (5,542 km²)
Located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Nettilling Lake is the largest lake in the Canadian Arctic, covering 5,542 square kilometers. Its remote location and icy waters make it one of Canada’s least-visited lakes, preserving its untouched beauty.
The lake is fed by glaciers and surrounded by tundra, providing a habitat for unique Arctic wildlife, including migratory birds and aquatic species adapted to the frigid environment. For Inuit communities, it holds cultural and historical significance.
12. Lake Winnipegosis (5,374 km²)
Often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Lake Winnipegosis in Manitoba spans 5,374 square kilometers. It is part of a trio of interconnected lakes, including Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, forming an important watershed in the region.
Lake Superior is infamous for its unpredictable weather, which has caused numerous shipwrecks, the most notable being the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. Today, it is a popular destination for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the Lake Superior Provincial Park trails. Its grandeur and ecological significance make it a symbol of Canada’s freshwater heritage.
13. Lake Nipigon (4,848 km²)
Lake Nipigon, located in northern Ontario, spans 4,848 square kilometers and feeds into Lake Superior via the Nipigon River. Often called the “sixth Great Lake,” Nipigon is renowned for its clear waters and abundant fish populations.
The lake is surrounded by boreal forests and rugged terrain, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. Its isolation and pristine beauty make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure.
| Rank | Lake | Area (km²) | Location |
| 1 | Lake Superior | 82,100 | Ontario, borders Michigan and Minnesota, USA |
| 2 | Lake Huron | 59,600 | Ontario, borders Michigan, USA |
| 3 | Great Bear Lake | 31,328 | Northwest Territories |
| 4 | Great Slave Lake | 28,568 | Northwest Territories |
| 5 | Lake Erie | 25,700 | Ontario, borders Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, USA |
| 6 | Lake Winnipeg | 24,387 | Manitoba |
| 7 | Lake Ontario | 18,960 | Ontario, borders New York, USA |
| 8 | Lake Athabasca | 7,935 | Alberta, Saskatchewan |
| 9 | Reindeer Lake | 6,650 | Saskatchewan, Manitoba |
| 10 | Smallwood Reservoir | 6,527 | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| 11 | Nettilling Lake | 5,542 | Baffin Island, Nunavut |
| 12 | Lake Winnipegosis | 5,374 | Manitoba |
| 13 | Lake Nipigon | 4,848 | Ontario |
Conclusion
Canada’s largest lakes are more than just vast bodies of water—they are lifelines for the environment, history, and culture of the nation. From the icy expanse of Nettilling Lake to the bustling shores of Lake Ontario, these lakes tell stories of ancient glaciers, Indigenous traditions, and modern environmental challenges. Exploring them is to dive into the heart of Canada’s natural splendor, where every lake is a masterpiece of nature’s artistry.
