Whether you’re planning on road-tripping across the border or glamping across Canada, here are a few more ideas on how to spend your summer embracing Canada’s beauty. With some of the best lakes in the world, it’s no surprise that people travel near and far to visit some of these incredible lakes, right in our backyard. If you’re envisioning a beautiful lake day in your future, read on to discover the five best lakes to visit in Canada.
1. Lake Louise, Alberta
It wouldn’t be a best lakes list without Lake Louise, now would it? Although it’s not an ideal lake for swimming, due to its frigid glacial temperatures, it still is one of the most beautiful lakes and areas to visit in Canada. Enjoy the lake by exploring the many hiking trails surrounding picturesque landscape, or rent some canoes to get a closer look at the breathtaking turquoise glacier water.
2. Lake Superior, Ontario
Sometimes, this lake is mistaken for the tropics because of its sandy beaches and clear waters; but believe it or not, it’s in Canada! As one of Canada’s “Great Lakes”, Lake Superior is one of the biggest. Whether you’re looking to swim at one of its beaches, kayak, hike in the area, or catch some fish, this lake meets everyone’s needs.
3. Katherine Lake, BC
Located in the heart of Pender Harbour, BC, on the Sunshine Coast, Katherine Lake is a family-friendly freshwater lake, and one of the many beautiful lakes in the area. With an average of 24 feet depth, the lake features a campground, RV sites, restrooms and showers. Its small sandy beach area is ideal for sandcastles, picnics and suntanning – but make sure to get there early to grab a spot! PS – floaties, canoes or kayaks are a great idea!
4. Lake Minnewanka, Alberta
Originally home to many indigenous people, including the Stoney Nakoda First Nations people who fished the deep waters of “Minn-waki”, Lake Minnewanka is a popular destination to visit – especially in the summer months when the lake isn’t frozen over. Known as the largest lake in Banff National Park, locals and tourists love to swim, fish, boat and kayak as soon as the weather warms up. If swimming isn’t quite your thing, you can also explore the lake on a one-hour Lake Minnewanka Cruise – an interpretive cruise with a knowledgeable guide to introduce you to the history and geology of the lake and its surrounding area.
5. Kalamalka Lake, BC
Located in the North Okanagan, near Vernon, Kalamalka Lake, or ‘Kal Lake’, is home to a whopping 10 pristine beaches, 44km of shoreline, and is best known for its tropical green waters that change throughout the seasons. The lake is also home to its own provincial park, with hiking trails featuring an ample amount of wildlife, unique birds, and native plants to the area. Although Kal Lake is actually a glacial lake, the summer water temperatures reach upwards of 27 degrees, so locals and tourists take to the beach to enjoy swimming, boating (with numerous boat launches available), waterskiing, and more!
Whether you live on the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between, chances are, one of these lakes could be on your list to visit this summer! Before you leave your home province, remember that your provincial healthcare plan may not cover all unexpected emergency medical costs – so be sure to purchase Emergency Medical Insurance before you set out for the sun!
Looking for more destinations to add to your bucket list? Check out our post on 5 Instagram-worthy destinations for fall.
Safe travels this summer!
Linnea
