Our Fresh Water Treasure
Canada is home to many natural wonders, but few are as vast and iconic as the Great Lakes. These five massive bodies of freshwater - Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario - form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area. Four of them (all except Lake Michigan) stretch across the border between Canada and the United States, with their northern shores lying within Ontario. Together, they are a crucial part of Canada’s geography, economy, environment, and identity.
Calling them “great” is not an exaggeration. Lake Superior alone is the largest freshwater lake by surface area on the planet. The Great Lakes hold nearly 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, making them not only vital to the region but also incredibly important globally.
These lakes were carved by glaciers over thousands of years and today are fed by rainfall, rivers, and streams. Their shores boast bustling cities, charming small towns, sandy beaches, steep cliffs, and thick forests.
A vital Transportation Corridor
The Great Lakes are not only a natural wonder - they’re also a vital transportation corridor. Linked by a series of rivers, locks, and canals known as the St. Lawrence Seaway, the lakes form one of the most important shipping routes in North America. Stretching all the way from the heart of the continent to the Atlantic Ocean, this waterway allows cargo ships, or “lakers,” to transport goods like grain, iron ore, coal, and manufactured products between Canada’s interior and international markets. Ports along the Canadian side, such as Hamilton, Thunder Bay, and Windsor, play a key role in both domestic trade and global exports. The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway system supports thousands of jobs and helps drive the economies of Ontario and beyond, all while connecting inland communities to the wider world.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, and coldest of the Great Lake (and as said previously, the biggest freshwater lake in the world.) Its Canadian shoreline is rugged and wild, known for dramatic cliffs, boreal forests, and pristine waters. Thunder Bay is the main city on its northern shore, and the lake is a favourite among paddlers, hikers, and nature lovers who flock to places like Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Lake Huron
Lake Huron is known for its sparkling turquoise waters, countless islands, and sandy beaches. It includes Georgian Bay, sometimes considered a "sixth Great Lake" due to its vast size and beauty (not to mention stunning sunsets!) The eastern shoreline is dotted with charming towns like Tobermory, Kincardine, and Goderich. Lake Huron also holds cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous communities in the region.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and warms up quickly in summer, making it ideal for swimming and boating. It borders Ontario’s southernmost point and supports a rich agricultural region thanks to its fertile soil and mild climate. Towns like Port Dover and Point Pelee draw visitors for birdwatching, beach days, and lakefront relaxation. Erie has also seen its share of environmental challenges, especially with algae blooms, but continues to be a cherished resource.
Lake Ontario
Smallest in size but mighty in importance, Lake Ontario is home to over nine million people along its shores, including those in Toronto, Canada’s largest city. It’s a key waterway in the St. Lawrence River system and a hub for commerce, recreation, and transportation. Despite urban development, Lake Ontario still offers beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and quiet pockets of nature within reach of the city.
Lake Michigan (Honourable Mention)
Though it lies entirely within the United States, Lake Michigan is often mentioned alongside the others due to its connection via Lake Huron. Together, they form one continuous body of water. While it doesn’t touch Canadian soil, its role in the Great Lakes system still affects Canadian waters and ecosystems, making it an important piece of the puzzle.
A Canadian Legacy
For Canadians, the Great Lakes are more than just a geographic feature, they’re a living legacy. They’ve shaped our history, from Indigenous trade routes to fur trading and settlement patterns. They’ve powered our industries, inspired our artists, and drawn us to their shores generation after generation.
Whether you’re standing at the edge of Lake Superior’s rugged cliffs or skipping stones into Lake Ontario, there’s something undeniably powerful about being near these waters. The Great Lakes are not only one of Canada’s greatest natural wonders - they’re a vital part of who we are, and how we came to be.
For me as a Swiss it's surreal to imagine that Lake Superior, Huron, and Michigan are way bigger than my whole country!
ReplyDeleteThe search for a geocache once took us to the Lake Iroquois Shoreline in Toronto.
The photos are beautiful! Thank you for another interesting Canada-themed post :-)
I didn't realize that lake Ontario is the smallest of the great lakes. I grew up in NY State. My family has gone camping a few times near lake Ontario and it is massive! I have also been to Toronto many times and have seen the lake from that side.
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