Lakes are large, fresh-water bodies of water, often associated with rivers or streams which feed or drain them. Mankind has created a huge variety of activities which can be enjoyed at lakes, including swimming, canoeing, fishing, etc. As such, lakes are popular vacation areas and draw millions of tourists annually. There are thousands of lakes around the world. A list of the Lakes of Canada includes many of the most well-known lakes on Earth.

Moraine Lake, Banff, Alberta — This incredibly scenic lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, in Banff National Park.

Moraine Lake

Lake Louise, Banff, Alberta — The most famous lake in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is bordered by Chateau Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most magnificent hotels.

Lake Louise

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park — One of the most picturesque overlooks along the Icefields Parkway is the view of Peyto Lake.

Peyto Lake

Lake Ontario, Ontario — One of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario forms the shoreline of Toronto, one of Canada’s largest and most modern cities.

View of Lake Ontario from CN Tower

Waterton Lake, Alberta — This is the centerpiece of Waterton Lakes National Park which, together with Glacier National Park in Montana, forms the first international park, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a ground-breaking example of cooperation between nations.

Waterton Lake

Bow Lake, Banff, Alberta — Another lovely lake in the Canadian Rockies, Bow Lake anchors the scenic Bow Valley Drive.

Bow Lake