Top 10 lakes in Quebec and Ontario to spend your summer near the water

When it’s hot outside, we all want to jump in the water to cool off. With tens of thousands of lakes and beaches in the country, there’s never one that’s too far away. For summer fun, we have selected the most beautiful bodies of water for swimming and water sports in Quebec and Ontario.

Read our Paddleboarding Guide to discover a ton of tips and tricks about this relaxing and fun activity that will allow you to enjoy the summer sun.

To enjoy the beaches and soft waves of some of the most beautiful lakes in the country, SAIL has everything you need. From paddles to kayaks to floatation devices (PFD), paddle boards, fishing gear or swimsuits, you’ll find it all at SAIL.

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The most beautiful lakes in Quebec

1. Lake Témiscouata, in the province of Quebec

© SEPAQ Photo credit: Marc Loiselle | Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata

The length of majestic Lake Témiscouata spans the borders of Quebec, between Gaspé and Acadia, and is the second largest lake south of the St. Lawrence River. It’s so big that you hardly have time to get around it in a single day, but be sure to fish there! Opt for canoe, paddleboard, pedal boat or boat, as you can best soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. If you prefer to stay dry, go around the lake, you can pedal the beautiful bike path of Petit Témis.

Check the website for more information.

2. Lake Saint-Jean, in the province of Quebec

This lake is so expansive, it reminds you of the sea. Lake Saint-Jean has 1,100 square kilometers of warm water so clean you can drink it. It offers 54 km of sandy beaches and many attractions for boat lovers. Go camping at Camping Plage Robertson in Mashteuiatsh, kayaking with Equinox Aventure in Alma, or boat fishing to catch walleye and ouananiche with Aventure Lac Saint-Jean. Every end of July, the Traversée du Lac Saint-Jean, an event that has swimmers swim across the lake, attracts participants from around the world.

Check the website for more information.

3. Lake Saint-Pierre, in the province of Quebec

Expanding from Sorel to Nicolet, via the north shore of the lake near Yamachiche and Louiseville, Lake Saint-Pierre is dotted with small islands rich in biodiversity. Its lush vegetation makes it a paradise for birds, but also for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. You will find several boat ramps all around, some closer to Sorel, others closer to Nicolet or on the north shore. Also remember to book a trip at the Domaine du lac Saint-Pierre outfitter, in Louiseville, to cast your line into the water and take a ride in the “bayou”. You must stop at the Au Bord du Lac sea shack for a lobster roll.

Check the Tourisme Mauricie, Innovation and Economic Development Trois-Rivières and Tourisme Sorel-Tracy websites for more information.

4. Cabonga Reservoir, in the province of Quebec

© SEPAQ Photo credit: Beside | Réserve faunique La Vérendrye

In the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, bordering the Laurentians and Abitibi, the Cabonga Reservoir is a huge lake. Well known to fishermen, the reservoir is full of outfitters where you can catch walleye and lake trout. It’s also a great exploration ground for water adventurers and camping enthusiasts.

Check the website for more information.

5. Lake Kipawa, in the province of Quebec

Photo credit: Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue | France Lemire

South of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Lake Kipawa is an aquatic labyrinth that spans 300 square kilometers. Fun to discover by boat, kayak or paddleboard, it offers many bays, hundreds of islands and welcoming beaches. Full of fish, cast your line there and you will be sure not to return empty-handed; walleye, perch, northern pike, smallmouth bass and lake trout await you. Sépaq Parks also offers activities at Lake Kipawa through the Parc national d’Opémican.

Check the website for more information (French only).

6. Lake Témiscamingue, in the province of Quebec

Photo credit: Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue | France Lemire

Also bordering the Opémican National Park, Lake Timiskaming is part of the Ottawa River and is located on the border of Quebec and Ontario. Stretching over 108 km, the lake is surrounded by impressive cliffs that plunge into the water, up to 120 meters deep in some places. It’s not for nothing that it bears the name of Témiscamingue, or Timiskaming, which means “where the water is deep”. Go out on a rabaska, paddleboard or kayak and glide on the water to admire the vastness of this magnificent body of water.

Check the website for more information (French only).

The most beautiful lakes of Ontario

7. Sandbanks on Lake Ontario, in the province of Ontario

To enjoy Lake Ontario as if you were at the ocean, there’s nothing better than Sandbanks Provincial Park. With its three white sand beaches and camping in the dunes, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere far away without ever leaving the country. Spend the day swimming in the turquoise water when the sun is high or pull out your paddle board and relax on the calm waters.

Check the website for more information.

8. Wasaga Beach on Lake Huron, in the province of Ontario

With its 14 kilometres of sandy shorelines stretching along Lake Huron, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. Located in the Georgian Bay, less than two hours from Toronto, it offers swimmers the most breathtaking sunsets and anglers great catches of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Wasaga Beach is also a prime destination for nautical sports enthusiasts. Rental watercraft are available in the Town of Wasaga Beach or through Ontario Parks. Take your pick between stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, and head out on the water to discover the local wildlife.

Divided into six different areas, Wasaga Beach has something for every visitor. To enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and look at beautiful views, head to area 4. And if you want a break from the water, explore the scenic trails in area 2, which features hikes for all levels. 

Check the website for more information.

9. Pancake Bay on Lake Superior, in the province of Ontario

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world making Pancake Bay Beach the perfect place to enjoy swimming and your favourite water sports. Note that Pancake Bay Park does not have a boat ramp. If you want to access Lake Superior, you will need to carry your boat in the water or by car to the ramp near the mouth of the Batchawana River. Canoe trips are worth the effort, but make sure you are experienced enough as weather conditions can change quickly.

Check the website for more information.

10. Katherine Cove on Lake Superior, in the province of Ontario

Photo credit: Timothy Neesam

Lake Superior has to be among the most beautiful bodies of water in Ontario. Its clear blue waters are no second to those of the Caribbean, and the fine sand beach on the shoreline of Katherine Cove is one of the province’s best-kept secrets. The area is part of Lake Superior Provincial Park and features spectacular scenery of beaches, cliffs, little rivers and secluded waterbodies. Many surprises await as you make your way through the diverse, pristine landscapes of Katherine Cove.

When you leave the trails to venture out on the water, there are fabulous courses you can follow aboard a canoe or kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. If you like to bring your fishing gear, there’s no doubt you will also appreciate this renowned trout-fishing spot.

Katherine Cove is the perfect place for family days, too. If swimming, sunbathing and having fun on the beach sound like a great plan, you know where to go!

Check the website for more information.