Top 10 Largest Lakes In Ontario (2024)

Ontario is blessed with a myriad of natural beauty, including a number of large, impressive lakes. Spanning hundreds of miles and comprising a large portion of the province’s landscape, these lakes are a source of pride for Ontario and its citizens. Some of these lakes are useful for various purposes, some are like recreation center for people to visit, and some serves as a habitat for water creature where people go fishing for their daily living.

The top 10 largest lakes in Ontario include Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Nipigon, Lake Simcoe, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Scugog, Lake of the Woods, Lake Nipissing, and Rainy Lake. We will be discussing their size, location, and some of the activities and attractions that surround them in the next paragraphs.

Top 10 Largest Lakes In Ontario (2023)

1. Lake Superior

On top of this list of the largest lakes in Ontario is lake Superior. Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of Canada and the United States, located along the border of the two countries in Ontario. Fed by over 200 rivers and streams and surrounded by rugged cliffs and forests, the lake holds 10% of the world’s freshwater supply.

It is the deepest, coldest, and most pristine of the Great Lakes and is home to numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. The lake’s shoreline is also home to many unique attractions and activities, including lighthouses, shipwrecks, and various beaches. Visitors can explore the shoreline on foot, by boat, or even by kayak or canoe. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating.

2. Lake Huron

Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes located on the Canada–U.S. border. It is the second largest Great Lake by surface area and the third-largest by volume. Located in Ontario, Lake Huron is bordered by the province of Ontario to the north and east and the U.S. states of Michigan and Wisconsin to the south and west. The lake is known for its crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife. The lake has a total surface area of 23,000 square miles, making it the fifth largest of the Great Lakes.

The shoreline of Lake Huron measures 3,827 miles and is characterized by picturesque bluffs, sand dunes, hidden coves, and small islands. The lake is home to several species of fish, including walleye, muskellunge, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and perch. There are also populations of endangered species, such as lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, and lake herring.

Lake Huron is popular among anglers, boaters, and sailors, as well as hikers, campers, and birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and camping in the region‘s many parks and conservation areas. There are also many historical sites to explore, including lighthouses, shipwrecks, and archaeological sites.

3. Lake Nipigon

Lake Nipigon is located in Ontario, Canada and is the largest lake entirely within the province. It is part of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence drainage basin and is approximately 70 kilometres long and 25 kilometres wide. It is fed by several rivers and creeks, including the Nipigon River, which empties into the lake from the east. The lake is home to numerous species of fish, including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and lake trout, as well as some species of aquatic birds, such as ospreys, herons, and bald eagles.

Lake Nipigon is a popular destination for recreational activities, such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. It also attracts visitors to explore its many islands, including the largest, Flat Island, which is home to a large population of nesting birds. The waters of the lake are also used for commercial shipping, with the Nipigon River providing a link to the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including the nearby Nipigon River Provincial Park. The area is also home to many unique geological formations, such as the Nipigon Strip, an ancient lava flow that stretches for 70 kilometres along the lake‘s northern shore.

4. Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe is a large lake located in south–central Ontario, Canada. The lake is the fourth largest in the province and is part of the Great Lakes Basin. The lake is fed by the Black River and the Holland River, and empties into Lake Couchiching via the Talbot River. Lake Simcoe has a surface area of 722 km2 (279 sq mi) and a maximum depth of 59 m (194 ft).

It is surrounded by numerous towns and cities, including the City of Barrie, the Town of Orillia, and the communities of Beaverton, Brechin, and Ramara. The lake is a popular recreational destination, with a variety of activities available for visitors. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.

The lake is also home to a number of species of fish, including walleye, lake trout, lake whitefish, and yellow perch. In addition to its recreational value, Lake Simcoe is also an important source of drinking water for the surrounding area. It is also home to a number of important wetland ecosystems and provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and amphibians.

5. Lake Erie

Lake Erie in Ontario is the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes and one of the largest lakes in Ontario. It is located on the border between the United States and Canada, and it is the southernmost of the Great Lakes. The lake is divided into four distinct parts, the Western, Central, Eastern and Southern basins. Lake Erie is an important part of the Great Lakes ecosystem. It is home to an abundance of wildlife, including many species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The lake is also an important source of drinking water for cities and towns on both sides of the border.

The lake‘s shoreline is a popular destination for visitors. It is home to several provincial parks and conservation areas, as well as numerous beaches, marinas, and fishing spots. The lake is also a popular destination for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, as well as a great spot for swimming, sailing, and kayaking. The lake is also home to many historical sites and artifacts, including several shipwrecks, an underwater museum, and a number of lighthouses. The lake is an important part of Ontario‘s history and culture, and it is an important source of tourism revenue for the province.

6. Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes located on the border between Canada and the United States. It is the smallest of the Great Lakes and the fourteenth largest lake in the world. It is bordered by the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. Lake Ontario is the most urbanized of the Great Lakes. It has an average depth of 183 meters (600 feet) and is home to a diverse array of aquatic life.

The lake is fed by both the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River, and it serves as a major source of hydropower for the region. It is also a major recreational destination, with numerous beaches, marinas, and parks along its shores. The lake is known for its cold, deep waters and strong winds, which make it a popular destination for boaters and sailors. The lake‘s shoreline is also home to several popular fishing spots.

Lake Ontario is a major source of drinking water for the region and is home to many species of fish, including bass, walleye, trout, and salmon. The lake is a source of hydroelectric power for the region, and its waters are used for transportation and recreation. In addition, it is an important source of drinking water for the local population. The lake is also home to several species of birds, including the common loon, the double–crested cormorant, and the Canada goose. It is also an important stopover for migrating birds.

7. Lake Scugog

Lake Scugog is a lake located in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, Canada. The lake is approximately 16 kilometres long and 9 kilometres wide, with a maximum depth of 42 metres. It is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, walleye, and panfish. The lake is popular for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and watersports. There are several resorts and marinas located on the lake, as well as a variety of parks and beaches.

The lake is also home to two provincial parks, Scugog Lake Park and Greenbank Park. The lake is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the Scugog River, which flows into the Trent–Severn Waterway. This has made it an important spawning ground for fish species such as walleye, northern pike, and muskie. Lake Scugog is also home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, otters, muskrats, and a variety of waterfowl. It is also a popular stopover for migrating birds, and is home to a variety of rare and endangered species.

8. Lake of the Woods

Located in Northwestern Ontario, Lake of the Woods is a large body of water that is known for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities. With more than 14,000 islands, bays, and waterways, Lake of the Woods offers plenty of fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The lake is home to some of the best fishing opportunities in the province, with a variety of species including walleye, lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and more. This makes it an ideal spot for avid anglers.

The lake also features many popular beaches and resorts, making it a great destination for summertime fun. Lake of the Woods also boasts some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Ontario. The lake is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including bald eagles, osprey, loons, deer, beavers, muskrats, and more. The lake is also home to a number of unique plants and habitats, including boreal forests and wetlands.

9. Lake Nipissing:

Lake Nipissing is a large lake located in the Canadian province of Ontario. Situated between the cities of North Bay and Sudbury, Lake Nipissing is the third–largest lake in Ontario and the tenth–largest lake in Canada. The lake is approximately 400 square kilometres in size and is noted for its deep, clear waters. It is home to a variety of fish species and is popular among anglers and boaters.

There are several small islands in the lake, the largest of which is Mink Island. Lake Nipissing is part of the Ottawa River system, and is connected to the French River by the Old Channel of the French River. There are several waterfalls and rapids along the Old Channel, making it an ideal location for canoeing and kayaking.

The lake has many recreational activities available such as fishing, boating, camping, swimming and hiking. There are several Provincial Parks located on the shores of Lake Nipissing, as well as numerous resorts and lodges for visitors to stay at. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, moose, and black bear.

10. Rainy Lake

This lake is located in northwestern Ontario and is the tenth-largest lake in Ontario. It is the eighteenth-largest lake in Canada by surface area. From the majestic Lake Superior to the stunning Rainy Lake, Ontario is home to some of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the world. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the views or a place to explore and enjoy outdoor activities, one of these lakes is sure to have something for you.

Related:

• 5 Types Of Woodpeckers In Ontario
• 5 Types Of Turtles In Ontario
• 5 Types Of Ticks In Ontario

Conclusion

The largest lake in Ontario is Lake Superior and it is followed by Lake Huron which is the second-largest lake in the province. Lake Nipigon, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Scugog, Lake Simcoe, Lake of the woods, Lake Nipising, and Rainy Lake round up the Top 10 largest lakes in Ontario.

Each of these lakes offer a unique experience, from fishing and boating to swimming, canoeing and camping. With their pristine natural beauty, these lakes are an essential part of the Ontario landscape and provide a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors and residents alike.