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Blue Lake In Canada: Outstanding Crystal Clear Water 

Blue lake in canada

Blue lake in canada

Updated on 12/19/2024
Abigail ScottBy Abigail Scott
Hi, I'm Abigail đź‘‹ Since embarking on my kayaking and boarding adventures in 2010, I've navigated rivers and lakes across North America and beyond. With over a decade of experience and countless waterways explored, I'm here to help enthusiasts like you embark on unforgettable water adventures!
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Although there are over two million lakes in Canada, only 12 of them made it onto our list of the most incredible lakes in Canada such as Blue Lake In Canada. Although there are over two million lakes in Canada, only 12 of them made it onto our list. We've narrowed our list down to include some of the most popular, picturesque, and spectacular lakes in the country, and they range from lakes fed by glaciers to lakes that beg to be paddled by canoe in the summer or skated on in the winter. These lakes can be found all across the United States.

Even on the hottest summer day, the water in some of these lakes is still as frigid as an ice cube, and one of them does not allow swimming at all. However, a few on our list are ideal for swimming. However, as you will see for yourself, a trip there is still very much recommended.

Use this list of Canada's top lakes to help you plan your trip throughout the country.

1. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

In Yoho National Park, located in British Columbia, there are a total of 61 lakes and ponds. It has been determined that Emerald Lake is the largest Lake within the park's limits.
You don't need much an imagination to figure out how this Lake received its name: owing to rock flour (superfine particles of glacial silt), the water in the Lake has a shimmering green color, quite similar to the gem that the Lake is named for.

At any time of the year, you can count on having a good time at Emerald Lake. During the warmer months of the year, you have the option to rent a canoe and go for a paddle on the water. The Lake freezes entirely over during the winter months, turning it into a popular location for people to go cross-country skiing. Early October, before the first snowfall of the season and after most of the summer tourists have left, is one of the best times to visit the Lake since it is less crowded. When there is no snow on the ground, approximately half of the track that goes around the Lake is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The total length of the trail is 5.2 kilometers. Because of the high elevation, snow can still be seen on the trails well into the month of June.

The Emerald Lake Lodge is a beautiful resort that is located right on the water. You can stay the night or just come in for some food and drink.

2. Lake Louise

lake louise

lake louise

Lake Louise, which can be found in Banff National Park, is often regarded as one of the most stunning bodies of water in all of Canada. If you decide to take a swim in this glacier-fed Lake, you'll immediately learn that despite the Lake's enticingly tropical appearance, the water temperature is always a bone-chilling 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if it might not be the ideal Lake for swimming, there are a lot of people that visit this place every year. The Lake is not difficult to get to and boasts outstanding photographic potential thanks to its location at the foot of the towering Rocky Mountains. In the summer, it's a great area to go for a paddle, and in the winter, it's a beautiful place to go for ice skating.

Around the Lake are a number of trails that are suitable for day walks. One that is simple, to begin with, is the Lake Louise Lakeshore route. It is an accessible trail that is level and takes roughly an hour to complete. It will take you all the way around the Lake. Another alternative that is not too difficult to navigate is the Fairview Lookout, which ascends one hundred meters to a vantage point that looks out over Lake Louise. Trails of moderate difficulty will lead you to other lakes in the region, such as Lake Agnes and Lake Annette, while courses of more difficult difficulty will take you further higher into the mountains.

3. Moraine Lake

 Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake

Another breathtaking lake, Moraine Lake, may be seen in close proximity to Lake Louise. Lake Moraine has the same brilliant green color as Lake Louise and is bordered by some similarly stunning mountain peaks, despite the fact that it is approximately half the size of Lake Louise.

The road that leads to Moraine Lake is closed during the winter months, and the Lake itself stays frozen until as late as June, so getting there can be a little bit more complicated than usual. The parking lot next to the Lake isn't considerable, so it usually becomes full relatively soon. The parking lot is managed by Parks Canada officials, and if you do not arrive at the designated time, you may be asked to leave. If you want to avoid dealing with parking altogether, you always have the option of taking a shuttle to the Lake instead.

Product tested by Board and Kayak
Our Overall Review
4.4

Things we like:

  • Exceptional Durability: Made from high-quality vinyl, this kayak is built to withstand the test of time.
  • Convenient Inflation: Includes a pump for effortless inflating and deflating, ensuring quick and easy setup.
  • Lightweight Aluminum Oars: Crafted from quality aluminum, these folding oars are incredibly lightweight, providing ease of use and maneuverability.
  • Designed for Rapids: Developed specifically for use in rapid rivers and paddling under challenging conditions, this kayak offers optimal performance in adventurous environments.
  • Portable and Easy to Transport: With its lightweight design, this kayak is perfect for vacationing and allows for hassle-free transportation to your desired water destinations.

Things we don't like:

  • Construction using a single layer of skin: This design choice may not offer the same durability and longevity as products with multiple layers of material. Over time, the single layer may be more susceptible to tears or punctures. For a reliable and long-lasting option, consider products that feature reinforced construction or multiple layers.
  • Challenging to repack into the carrying bag when sandy or damp: If you plan to use this product in beach or damp outdoor environments, you may encounter difficulties when it comes to repacking it into the carrying bag. This inconvenience can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to quickly pack up and move on. Consider alternative options that offer easier and more convenient packing features, ensuring hassle-free transportation and storage.
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You may take a canoe out for a spin (canoe rentals are available right at the Lake), stroll along the beaches of the water or trek one of the more demanding paths in the region, or simply relax by the Lake and soak in its beauty. Canoe rentals are available right at the Lake. In the event that you really can't get enough, there is a lodge that provides overnight accommodations and is available at certain times of the year.

4. Lake Superior

Lake Superior

Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the only one of the Great Lakes to make it onto our list; the other four each have their own unique set of noteworthy characteristics and destinations to visit.

So, what precisely is it about this Lake that makes it so much better than others? Its vastness is undoubtedly something to take note of: with a surface area of 128,000 square kilometers, it is the largest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the whole globe by surface area.

But Lake Superior is more than simply a pretty enormous lake; its beauty is harsh and humbling in the best possible way. But in the blink of an eye, a creeping fog may take over and leave wanderers entirely lost. When the weather is clear, its bays glitter blue, and the sandy beaches might nearly be mistaken for those in the tropics. When there is bad weather, the Lake becomes quite turbulent with waves.

You can get up close and personal with Lake Superior in a number of different ways: you could go swimming in the Lake at one of its beaches; you could go fishing on the water; you could explore the shore by kayak; or you could go on a wilderness hike in one of the parks along the way, such as Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ruby Lake Provincial Park, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, or Pukaskwa National Park.

5. Spotted Lake

Spotted Lake

Spotted Lake

Spotted Lake is located close to Osoyoos in British Columbia, and it is often considered to be the most beautiful Lake in all of Canada.

Large polka dots, some of which appear green and others blue, can be seen dotting the surface of the Lake, giving it an enchantingly whimsical appearance. In spite of the fact that the Lake appears to be enchanted, there is a rational explanation for the spots, and it has to do with the minerals. There are significant accumulations of several minerals all throughout the Lake, some of which include magnesium sulfate, calcium sulphate, and sodium sulfate, amongst others. The patches become visible in the summertime as a result of the evaporation of a part of the water. The various hues of the dots can be attributed to the different types of minerals present.

Taking in the view of the Lake's tranquil beauty is about all there is to do in this location. Due to the fact that Spotted Lake is both an environmentally delicate region and a holy place for the Okanagan Nation, access to the Lake by the general public is severely limited. Visit the location during the summer months, when the spots will be more noticeable.

6. Garibaldi Lake In British Columbia 

Garibaldi Lake

Garibaldi Lake

This list includes a number of lakes that are not difficult to get to at all. However, despite the fact that getting to the Lake may involve a long trip or a fight for a parking place in some areas, in general, getting there does not need a lot of effort. The situation is different at Garibaldi Lake.

Garibaldi Lake is an exceptionally gorgeous alpine lake that can be found in Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia, close to Whistler. However, if you want to see it in person, you're going to have to break a sweat in order to get there. The hike to Garibaldi Lake is a massive nine kilometers length in each direction, and it will take you 820 meters higher in elevation by the time you reach the Lake. The hike begins with a steep ascent through a series of switchbacks that are located in the forest, and it finally leads to alpine meadows that are covered with vibrant wildflowers throughout the summer months. You may climb to the Lake as a day excursion, or you can secure a tent place directly along the Lake. However, going up with a backpack full of camping gear will slow you down a little bit more than average. There are even more routes to explore outside the Lake itself, such as the ascent of Black Tusk or the Panorama Ridge trail, all of which will lead you to fantastic vantage points that look out over Garibaldi Lake.

There is one way to experience the beauty of Garibaldi Lake that does not require hiking boots: taking a scenic flight tour in a small plane will grant you a bird's-eye view of the Lake. If you are interested in experiencing the beauty of Garibaldi Lake, there is one way to do so that does not require hiking boots. You'll have to pay for it, unlike when you go trekking, but it won't be nearly as strenuous, and you'll get there a lot more quickly!

7. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake

We are aware, and we are aware, that this is another glacier-fed blue lake in Banff National Park.

You could be excused for assuming that if you've seen one magnificent glacier lake, you've seen them all, but you'd be gravely incorrect if you held that belief. There are many glacial lakes that are stunningly beautiful. Even if you have had the opportunity to view Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in person, it is still highly recommended that you take a drive down the Columbia Icefields Parkway to see Peyto Lake in person since it is even bluer than Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

During the summer months, Peyto Lake, along with the majority of the other lakes in the Banff area that are easily accessible, may get rather crowded. There are a lot of individuals who make an effort to avoid the crowds by arriving early in the morning, but we'll let you in on a little secret: the late afternoon and early evening are also typically periods when there are fewer people around to visit.

Please take note that the viewpoint, viewing platform, and upper parking lot are now closed for renovations in preparation for the 2020 season and are expected to reopen in the winter of the same year.

8. Lake Of Bays

Lake Of Bays

Lake Of Bays

Cottage country in Ontario is located in the Muskoka region, and it is here that people flock to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for some peace and quiet by the water. The region is home to a large number of beautiful lakes, but the Lake of Bays is often considered to be among the very best.

The characteristics of the lake shift depending on where you are in relation to it. There are developed areas that include golf courses, public beaches, and resorts located on the water's edge. In several of the secluded coves, there are hidden houses, and large stretches of the coastline have not been developed. In addition, the Lake contains a number of islands spread out over its surface.

Boating, swimming, paddle boarding, and water skiing are just a few of the sports that can be enjoyed at this enormous Lake, which has a total area of 671.5 square kilometers. The Lake's name gives away the fact that it has a multitude of bays, which combine to form pockets of calm water.

In the winter, when the water freezes over in the Lake, it transforms into a popular location for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and spontaneous games of pond hockey.

9. Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake

Kathleen Lake, which can be found in Kluane National Park in the Yukon, is a picture-perfect lake with a silvery blue expanse of water that is tucked away in the shadow of snow-capped mountains.

There are several activities that may be enjoyed both within and outside of the Lake. After finishing the challenging King's Throne walk that is located nearby, this is an excellent place to cool off with a swim in the Lake. Alternatively, you might go for a more relaxed stroll around the Lake's perimeter.

You may even make a lakeside campground your home base while you tour the rest of the park by setting up a tent there and making it your temporary residence. The campground is open from the middle of May through the middle of September; however, making reservations is highly suggested during the summer months.

This is a lovely location to visit during any of the four seasons, whether you want to take in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves in the fall or watch the ice break up on the Lake in the spring. When the water in the Lake is calm and reflective, it's the perfect time to get out on the water in your kayak and go for a paddle. Get sure to keep an eye on the forecast since this region has a reputation for having high wind speeds, and you don't want to be caught out on the sea when the wind is blowing strongly.

10. Berg Lake

Berg Lake

Berg Lake

Berg Lake, located in British Columbia, is a glacier lake that is absolutely stunning to look at, with water that is so blue that it nearly seems false. You will need to walk 23 kilometers (one way) down the Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park to get to the Lake in order to reach this piece of heaven, so make sure you are in the right frame of mind before you set out on your journey. The journey to Berg Lake is a gorgeous one; on the way, you'll first go by Kinney Lake, which is a lovely lake that's definitely worth stopping at for a picnic, and then you'll go by Emperor Falls, which is a flowing waterfall. The next several kilometers will take you to Berg Lake after you reach this point. It is impossible to miss since it stretches out below Mount Robson, which, with an elevation of 3,954 meters, is the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

Camping is permitted at the Lake; however, reservations are required and should be made plenty of time in advance, mainly if your trip will take place during the more popular summertime months.

11. The Athabascan Lake System

 Athabascan Lake System

Athabascan Lake System

This Lake, which covers a total area of 7,850 square kilometers and is located in both Saskatchewan and Alberta, is the eighth-most enormous Lake in Canada and the largest Lake in either Saskatchewan or Alberta. Approximately 70 percent of the Lake can be found inside the borders of Saskatchewan.

Visiting Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park is one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the sights and sounds of Lake Athabasca and the surrounding area. The dunes that encircle a stretch of the shoreline in Saskatchewan are unlike any other environment you will see in Canada; yet, in order to access them, you will either need to use a boat or a plane to get there.

Be prepared for a genuine wilderness adventure, and be sure to thoroughly plan and pack for your trip, as there are not many conveniences once you reach the dunes.

12. Lake Of The Woods 

Lake Of The Woods

Lake Of The Woods

Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water that spans almost 4,500 square kilometers and is shared by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, as well as the U.S. state of Minnesota. The Lake is dotted with more than 14,550 islands. It is also considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ontario.

Consider this: if you spent one-night camping on each of the islands that are spread out throughout the Lake, it would take you close to four decades to complete the task.

The personality of the lake shifts depending on where you are in relation to it. Cottages dotting the lakefront and a steady stream of speeding motorboats may be seen in the area immediately around Kenora. The further away you get, the more isolated the atmosphere becomes. You may go exploring in your own boat, or you could even bring a small group with you and hire a houseboat. Both options are available to you.

Anglers, this is a lake that you will definitely want to put on your list: the fishing is superb, and your catch of the day might include a variety of species such as walleye, northern pike, or lake trout, amongst other possibilities. Relax at one of the high-end fishing lodges and take a tour of the surrounding area with a local expert. Although traveling to Lake of the Woods from a big city such as Toronto may be a bit of a hassle, the fact that it is somewhat remote also contributes to the destination's allure.

Although Canada has over two million lakes, just 12 of them made our list of the most magnificent lakes in Canada, including Blue Lake In Canada. Despite the fact that Canada has over two million lakes, only 12 made our list. We've chosen some of the most popular, scenic, and magnificent lakes in the nation, ranging from glacier-fed lakes to lakes that demand to be paddled by canoe in the summer or skated on in the winter. These lakes may be found all around the country.

Blue lake in canada

Blue lake in canada

Even on the warmest summer day, the water in several of these lakes is as cold as an ice cube, and one of them prohibits swimming entirely. However, a couple of the items on our list are great for swimming. However, as you shall see, a visit there is still highly recommended.

Use this list of the top lakes in Canada to help you plan your vacation throughout the nation.