Canada’s largest inland lakes offer breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural experiences. From the Arctic wilderness of Nettilling Lake to the fishing paradise of Great Bear Lake, each destination invites adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers to experience pristine waters, remote beauty, and unforgettable outdoor activities across the provinces and territories.
Here’s a list of the largest lakes located entirely within Canada, ranked by surface area
Canada’s largest lakes: Area, Province, Notable features
| Lake Name | Area (km²) | Province/Territory | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bear Lake | 31,328 | Northwest Territories | Largest lake wholly in Canada; pristine and remote |
| Great Slave Lake | 28,568 | Northwest Territories | Deepest lake in North America |
| Lake Winnipeg | 24,387 | Manitoba | Vital for fishing and hydroelectric power |
| Lake Nipigon | 4,848 | Ontario | Sometimes called the sixth Great Lake |
| Lake Manitoba | 4,624 | Manitoba | Shallow and marshy; important for wildlife |
| Lake Athabasca | 3,064 | Alberta / Saskatchewan | Rich in uranium deposits |
| Reindeer Lake | 2,566 | Saskatchewan / Manitoba | Famous for deep waters and fishing |
| Nettilling Lake | 5,542 | Nunavut (Baffin Island) | Largest lake on an island in the world |
Great Bear Lake in Map
About the largest lakes of Canada
Great Bear Lake
Canada’s largest lake entirely within its borders, Great Bear Lake is a pristine Arctic treasure. Surrounded by boreal forest and tundra, it offers unmatched solitude, trophy fishing, and glimpses of Indigenous culture. Its remote beauty and untouched waters make it a haven for adventurers and nature lovers seeking raw wilderness.
- Area: 31,153 km²
- Location: Northwest Territories
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Fishing lodges, Northern Lights, cultural tours, canoeing, wildlife viewing
Great Slave Lake
The deepest lake in North America, Great Slave Lake is a dramatic expanse of cold, clear water. It’s a hub for boating, ice fishing, and aurora viewing. Yellowknife, its southern shore city, blends modern amenities with Indigenous heritage, making it a gateway to northern adventure and cultural immersion.
- Area: 28,568 km²
- Location: Northwest Territories
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Ice fishing, aurora borealis, boating, Indigenous art, snowmobiling
Lake Winnipeg
Lake Winnipeg is a vast inland sea in Manitoba, known for its sandy beaches and ecological diversity. It supports thriving birdlife and fishing communities. The lake’s shores host festivals, sailing events, and cultural attractions, making it a popular summer destination with both natural beauty and recreational charm.
- Area: 24,387 km²
- Location: Manitoba
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Beaches, sailing, birdwatching, Icelandic heritage, camping
Lake Nipigon
Lake Nipigon is Ontario’s largest lake entirely within the province. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and boreal forest, it’s a quiet retreat for anglers and paddlers. Its geological features and remote setting offer a peaceful escape, ideal for those seeking solitude, scenic beauty, and pristine freshwater experiences.
- Area: 4,848 km²
- Location: Ontario
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Fishing, kayaking, hiking, geological formations, remote camping
Lake Manitoba
Lake Manitoba is a shallow, warm lake with rich folklore and recreational appeal. Known for the legend of Manipogo, it draws campers and anglers to its shores. The lake’s wetlands support diverse wildlife, and its beaches and parks offer family-friendly fun and nature exploration in central Manitoba.
- Area: 4,624 km²
- Location: Manitoba
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Camping, fishing, folklore (Manipogo), birdwatching, beach activities
Lake Athabasca
Straddling Alberta and Saskatchewan, Lake Athabasca is famed for its sand dunes and historical significance. Once a fur trade route, it now attracts eco-tourists and anglers. Its northern location offers dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife, and a sense of timelessness that appeals to explorers and history buffs alike.
- Area: 7,936 km²
- Location: Alberta / Saskatchewan
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Sand dunes, fishing, historical forts, remote lodges, birding
Reindeer Lake
Reindeer Lake is a sprawling, island-dotted lake on the Saskatchewan–Manitoba border. Known for Deep Bay, a suspected meteor crater, it’s a hotspot for trophy fishing and wilderness retreats. Its remote lodges and natural wonders make it a magnet for anglers and geology enthusiasts seeking off-grid adventure.
- Area: 6,650 km²
- Location: Saskatchewan / Manitoba
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Fishing, Deep Bay crater, island lodges, canoeing, geology tours
Nettilling Lake
Located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Nettilling Lake is the world’s largest lake on an island. Its Arctic setting is home to caribou herds and migratory birds. Remote and rarely visited, it offers a glimpse into tundra ecosystems and the stark beauty of Canada’s far north.
- Area: 5,542 km²
- Location: Nunavut (Baffin Island)
- Map: View on Google Maps
- Tourist Interest: Arctic wildlife, caribou calving grounds, tundra exploration, birdwatching
