Ontario: A Tapestry of Lakes

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Destination Ontario acknowledges Ontario as a province that encompasses the world within its borders, serving as the ancestral homeland of numerous First Peoples. From the Cree Nation in the North to the Haudenosaunee in the South and the Anishinabek Nation surrounding the Great Lakes, Destination Ontario proudly recognizes and supports the First Peoples, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis as we welcome visitors to this remarkable land.

While tropical beaches often steal the spotlight when it comes to water-based getaways, there exists an astonishingly diverse aquatic environment far from the Equator. This remarkable destination is nestled within southeastern Canada’s economic hub, where more than a quarter-million lakes are cradled by towering pines and sweet maples, replacing the palm trees of tropical shores. Ontario, named after the magnificent Lake Ontario and derived from the Haudenosaunee Indigenous Peoples’ word for “sparkling water,” boasts nearly one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. It comes as no surprise, considering that four of the five Great Lakes serve as the province’s natural borders.

Yet, Ontario is not merely defined by its remarkable lakes. It is a land of contrasts, blending industry with conservation, society with solitude. The same can be said for its lakes, which offer a plethora of opportunities to experience their beauty. Along any shoreline, one can hardly cast a stone without encountering a provincial park, a UNESCO biosphere, or a marine reserve exuding dramatic allure. Ontario’s waterways offer endless possibilities for exploration, and here’s how you can discover your perfect match among the many options.

Georgian Bay: An Adventurer’s Paradise

Gazing upon photos of Georgian Bay might transport you to the cliffs overlooking Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, were it not for the characteristic white spruce, white pine, white cedar, and red oak trees that adorn Ontario’s shores. A mere two-hour drive from Toronto lies the serene beauty of Bruce Peninsula National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and the most tranquil part of Georgian Bay. While its popularity requires summer visitors to reserve parking in advance, it remains a dream destination for everyday adventurers. Spend your days traversing wetland hikes, scaling boulders, and refreshing yourself in the crystalline waters of subterranean swimming holes or Fathom Five National Marine Park, where curiosity is piqued by two dozen shipwrecks, captivating both SCUBA enthusiasts and glass-bottomed boat tours that cruise past Flowerpot Island. By night, gather around a campfire at one of the park’s well-equipped, park-managed yurts, ensuring a comfortable rest before tomorrow’s adventures. Limited availability makes early booking essential.

Wabakimi Provincial Park: Nature’s Untamed Wilderness

Nestled in the remote northern part of the province, Wabakimi Provincial Park is a vast expanse of untouched wilderness accessible only by canoe, floatplane, or train. The journey to this remarkable destination is as enticing as the park itself, as travelers come here to reconnect with nature, seeking solace from the everyday noise that engulfs urban dwellers. In the world’s largest paddling area, purity reigns supreme, offering a rare opportunity to simply exist in harmony with the surroundings. Whether camping or opting for the comforts of a wilderness resort, immerse yourself in the company of endangered wolverines and woodland caribou, savor the bounty of walleye and speckled trout in the pristine waters, and marvel at the spectacle of the Northern Lights.

Ottawa River: A Thrill Seeker’s Playground

The Ottawa River, Canada’s original superhighway and a vital ecosystem, boasts a thriving population of two dozen endangered species within its valley. Its energy draws thrill seekers to the exhilarating Class III–V rapids of the Rocher Fendu section. For those who prefer to admire from a distance, a unique interprovincial zipline connects Ontario and Quebec, allowing you to soar 120 feet (37 meters) above the river at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 kph). Alternatively, bike along the picturesque 19-mile-long (30-kilometer) riverside trail and relish the scenic beauty that unfolds before you.

Algonquin Provincial Park: A Haven for the Curious Introvert

As Canada’s first provincial park, Algonquin in central Ontario offers an immersive experience with nature. With nearly 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) of paddling routes, over 1,500 lakes, and a scarcity of interior roads, the park is a haven for human-powered adventures, including dog sledding in winter. Connecting with the tranquility of life reveals its true vitality here, and solitude-seekers find solace under the open sky, accompanied by white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and wolves. The intrepid solo explorer may embark on a multi-day expedition, supported by outfitters and shuttle services, to Nadine Lake, home to one of Canada’s rare green headwaters. Immerse yourself in the stillness of this spring-fed basin, where the rippling waters are inhabited by native brook trout. For those seeking human company, nearby Muskoka, a popular district known as cottage country, offers a charming escape, with its natural beauty adorned in captivating colors throughout the year, especially during the fall season.

Greater Lake Ontario: The Weekend Warrior’s Delight

Lake Ontario, one of North America’s Great Lakes and cradling the vibrant city of Toronto, never sleeps, even when its surface lies still as glass. Along its shores, you’ll find some of Ontario’s most beloved communities, including Port Hope, Cobourg, and Kingston. Serving as a vital tradeway and a pathway for migrating fish to reach the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Ontario holds a rich diversity that reflects the region’s population, a quarter of which calls its watershed home. Explorers are enticed by the allure of The 1000 Islands, an archipelago of nearly 2,000 islands situated at the eastern international border of the lake. Once a haven for pirates and Prohibition-era contraband, it now attracts avid boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers seeking respite from urban life.

Sandbanks Provincial Park: A Haven for Beach Lovers

For those enamored with sandy shores and azure waters, Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County is the ideal destination for tranquility. Nestled on the shores of shallow, family-friendly waters, this park boasts a stunning backdrop of sand dunes, formed by glaciers 12,500 years ago, that stretch for seven and a half miles (12 kilometers). The undulating dunes create a visually captivating landscape, lulling visitors into relaxation like a gentle lullaby. Endless beaches invite you to unwind, while the skies dance with bright orange monarch butterflies from May to October. Those with a penchant for beachcombing will discover a treasure trove of beautiful shells and rocks at West Point, nestled between Outlet and Lakeshore beaches, where a mile-long bike trail is adorned with limestone holding 450-million-year-old fossils.

The allure of freshwater may no longer be a primal survival instinct, but regardless of the waterway that calls to you—untamed or serene, remote or urban—it serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity. It is a simple yet precious resource upon which all living creatures, both flora and fauna, depend. In Ontario, where a vast abundance of the world’s freshwater awaits exploration, we have merely scratched the surface of its wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ontario lakes

More about Ontario lakes

• Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Wabakimi Provincial Park
• Ottawa River
• Algonquin Provincial Park
• 1000 Islands Tourism
• Sandbanks Provincial Park