Discover Canada’s Natural Wonders: The Top 10 Most Beautiful Lakes

With volcanoes, mountains, and forests, Canada’s not short on natural landmarks, but there’s something particularly special about its serene lakes. They stretch on for miles and miles and offer a fantastic spot for adventure.

Canada boasts an incredible two million lakes and the highest number of freshwater lakes in the world. So, I understand if you’re having a hard time deciding which of the lakes of Canada to visit.

That’s why my super informative guide is here. With my insights, you’ll soon be on your way to one of these stunning lakes Canada has on offer in no time.

Photo byKarthik SreenivasonUnsplash

1. Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise is a highlight of many tourists’ Canadian holidays and one of the Canadian landmarks. This famous lake in Canada is an unforgettable sight: tall alpine trees line the slopes of snow-capped Mount Victoria, framing the sparkling topaz water.

The glacial lake is part of Banff National Park, one of Canada’s top landmarks. The park offers a host of activities, including skiing, hiking, ice climbing, and boating.

Banff National Park is so vast that you can even take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour from the town of Banff in the reserve. This is a convenient way to take in all the natural attractions in the reserve.

2. Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia

Lake Garibaldi oozes mystery and adventure, with many fallen tree trunks just beneath the surface of the teal water. The lake extends for 990 hectares, so there’s plenty to admire. This beautiful lake in Canada is a fantastic destination for photographers and winter sports enthusiasts.

You’ll find Lake Garibaldi within the Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia. The lake is only accessible by taking the five and a half-mile long Garibaldi Lake Trail, so make sure to pack your hiking boots.

3. Emerald Lake, British Columbia

The picturesque Emerald Lake is the standout attraction in Yoho National Park. Appropriately, ‘Yoho’ means ‘awe’ in Cree, a local language. The President mountain range surrounds the lake, which has an elevation of 3937 feet.

You can experience this superb landscape by following the almost three-kilometre-long hiking trail on the lake’s edge. Alternatively, go canoeing on the lake’s surface. Just be aware that the lake is frozen from November until June.

4. Moraine Lake, Alberta

There are plenty of lakes in Banff National Park, but Moraine is likely the most enchanting. It’s one of the most photographed lakes around, appearing in video games, adverts, and log-in screens. Visit the real thing for an unbelievable experience.

Moraine Lake covers about 120 acres and reaches a depth of 15 meters. Hiking in the encircling forest is a great way to return to nature. One trail, the Perren Route’s starting point, involves an eight- to ten-hour mountain climb.

5. Peyto Lake, Alberta

Peyto Lake makes this list because it’s incredibly photogenic from a high angle, which is easy to get to (read: no hiking needed). The lake is small, only five kilometres square, but beautiful.

You can drive up to Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), Bow Summit, where there is a viewing platform over the body of water. It can get busy in the summer months, but the vista offered is worth braving the crowds for.

6. Spotted Lake, British Columbia

Spotted Lake is relatively tiny: just under one kilometer long and 400 meters wide. So, why should you go to Spotted Lake? It’s all in the name: when the water evaporates, crystalized ponds appear, making the water surface resemble a gigantic polka-dot pattern.

This is also a sacred place for local indigenous groups who have used the waters as a healing center for centuries. The lake certainly looks other-worldly, thanks to the spots and the colors that change through the seasons.

Make sure to visit in the summer months to see the spotted pattern on the lake's surface. The rest of the year, it’s a regular lake. You’ll get good views of this natural attraction by driving along Highway 3.

7. Lake Superior, Ontario

At 128 000 square kilometers, this is the largest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake globally. Lake Superior also boasts sublime beauty: the azure waters spill onto sandy shores, surrounded by lush forestry and low-lying mountains.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to activities at this famous lake in Canada. It’s one of the few lakes where you can swim, as well as chill out on the shore, fish, kayak, and hike. If you’re interested in history, learn about the 550 shipwrecks concealed beneath the water — there’s even a museum on the American side.

8. Waterton Lake, Alberta

Waterton Lake borders Canada and the US. The deep lake, which twists itself around the green mountains, is a spectacular sight.

The rich flora and fauna of the landscape make Waterton Lake a top destination in Canada. In fact, it’s a part of the Waterton Lakes National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada.

Look out for deer, elk, moose, and black bears when traversing the park. Apart from spotting wildlife, watersports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailboating are all available in the park.

9. Lake Ontario, Ontario

Lake Ontario stands out as it is right in the capital of Toronto. It’s one of the Great Lakes, stretching out for miles in both Canada and the US. This is a fantastic landscape to explore if you don’t want to leave the city.

Since it’s not as remote as other lakes, Lake Ontario feels safe enough to visit as a solo traveler. It’s picturesque and offers plenty of activities like paddle boarding and canoeing. Of course, no holiday in Toronto would be complete without a boat trip on Lake Ontario.

10. Maligne Lake, Alberta

Maligne Lake is the starting point for the popular Skyline hiking trail in the stunning Jasper National Park. Maligne Lake is also home to little Spirit Island, which is easily visited and ridiculously photogenic. Plus it has three glaciers - what a lake!

Unlike some of the other lakes in this post, it is very easy to access Maligne Lake by car or on a shuttle bus from the town of Jasper. If you're super keen, hike the 44-kilometre Skyline Trail from Jasper to this beautiful lake in Canada.