Cruise along the wooded shores of Lake Superior, taking in the views of rocky cliffs and thundering waterfalls. Paddle a kayak across crystalline Lake Louise, encircled by the imposing Canadian Rockies. Spot moose grazing near the reeds of Great Slave Lake at dusk. On a motorhome holiday, you'll experience Canada's lakes to the fullest.

The allure of Canada's lakes

Canada is home to some of the world's most stunning lakes, each with unique charm. The diversity is astounding, from the turquoise waters of Lake Louise to the mysterious Spotted Lake in British Columbia. But what makes these lakes even more appealing is their accessibility for motorhome travellers.

How many lakes are there in Canada

Remarkably, Canada holds the title for the country with the most lakes globally, boasting an astounding 879,800 lakes. This figure eclipses the combined total of lakes in all other countries and accounts for approximately 62% of the world's 1.42 million lakes. Canada's abundance of lakes is not entirely surprising as the world's second-largest country, trailing only behind Russia.

However, what sets Canada apart is its geological history; a massive ice sheet once covered most of the country. The immense pressure from this ice sheet, along with glacial erosion, led to the formation of numerous lakes that now make up nearly 9% of Canada's total land area.

Peyto Lake, Alberta

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta

Facts: Nestled in Banff National Park, Peyto Lake is famous for its unique wolf-head shape and mesmerising turquoise hue. The lake spans 2.1 square miles and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Canadian Rockies.

How to get there: Accessible via Icefields Parkway, with designated motorhome parking areas.

Spotted Lake, British Columbia

Location: Osoyoos, British Columbia

Facts: Located in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Spotted Lake is a geological marvel known for its mineral-rich "spots." The lake covers a modest area of 0.2 square miles and offers a unique visual spectacle, especially in the summer.

How to get there: A drive along Highway 3 will take you to this natural wonder.

Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia

Location: Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia

Facts: Set in Garibaldi Provincial Park in British Columbia, Garibaldi Lake is a glacial lake celebrated for its deep blue waters. The lake has a surface area of 4 square miles and is a popular destination for hikers and campers.

Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories

Location: Near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Facts: Situated near Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Great Slave Lake is one of North America's deepest lakes. It boasts an impressive surface area of 10,502 square miles and offers a range of water-based activities, from fishing to boating.

How to get there: Accessible via Highway 3, with motorhome-friendly facilities.

Talk to our team to add this lake as an extension to any of our Canadian motorhome holidays.

Lake Superior, Ontario

Location: Borders Ontario and the United States

Facts: Straddling the border between Ontario and the United States, Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes. With a staggering surface area of 31,700 square miles, this lake is a hub for various water sports and recreational activities.

How to get there: Accessible via TransCanada Highway, with multiple motorhome parking options.

Talk to our team to add this lake as an extension to any of our Canadian motorhome holidays.

Lake Memphremagog, Quebec

Location: Near Magog, Quebec

Facts: Located near Magog in Quebec, Lake Memphremagog is known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. The lake has a surface area of 44 square miles and is a popular destination for sailing and other water activities.

How to get there: Accessible via Autoroute 10, with motorhome parking available.

Talk to our team to add this lake as an extension to our Maritimes - Canada's Hidden Gem holiday.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta

Facts: This stunning lake, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, is a turquoise gem in the heart of Banff National Park. Covering an area of 0.8 square miles, Lake Louise is a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

How to get there: Easily reached via the TransCanada Highway, with motorhome-friendly parking.

Moraine Lake, Alberta

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta

Facts: Situated in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is a natural wonder that has graced the Canadian twenty-dollar bill. With a surface area of 0.5 square miles, this iconic lake is renowned for its stunning waters and the surrounding Valley of the Ten Peaks.

How to get there: A brief drive from Lake Louise, but arrive early for motorhome parking.

Practical tips

Seasons: The best time to visit depends on your activity of choice. Summer is perfect for water-based activities, while autumn offers a kaleidoscope of colours. Winter is a great time to see Canada arguably at its most photogenic.

Park Passes: A Parks Canada Discovery Pass can be a cost-effective way to explore multiple parks.

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In summary

Canada's lakes offer a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure, making them an ideal destination for UK motorhome holidaymakers. With our curated holiday packages, planning your Canadian lake adventure has never been easier. Find more information on Canada in our motorhome blog and speak to our experts to build a bespoke itinerary.

Hero image: Peyto Lake with Caldron Peak by Bernd Thaller

Peter Stannett

Content Writer

Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.

His content covers all four corners of the globe, across topics like activities, advice, food, culture and history.

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