There is no doubt that North America is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. From the sparkling waters of Crater Lake in Oregon to the rugged beauty of Windermere in Canada, these lakes offer something for everyone. In this travel blog post, we will explore some of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring lakes in North America.
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Crater Lake, Oregon
One of the most beautiful lakes in North America is Crater Lake in Oregon. This lake is formed in the caldera of a now-extinct volcano and is renowned for its deep blue waters.
Experiences
The best way to experience Crater Lake is to take a boat tour around the island of Wizard Island, which is located in the center of the lake.
Here, you will be able to see the stunning cliffs that surround the lake as well as take in the fresh mountain air.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can even hike down to the water’s edge and take a dip in the refreshing waters.
Where to Stay?
There are a number of accommodations available near Crater Lake, including the historic Crater Lake Lodge.
This lodge was built in 1915 and offers stunning views of the lake. If you are looking for something a bit more rustic, there are also a number of camping options available in the area.
Moraine Lake, Alberta
Moraine Lake is located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. This lake is known for its breathtaking turquoise waters, which are a result of the glacial silt that is suspended in the water.
Experiences
A popular activity at Moraine Lake is canoeing. You can rent a canoe from the Moraine Lake Lodge and paddle your way around the lake, taking in the stunning scenery.
The best time to visit is from May to October. It’s often closed during the winter due to the risk of avalanches.
Where to Stay?
There are a number of accommodations available near Moraine Lake, including hotels, motels, and camping sites.
Lake Windermere, British Columbia
Lake Windermere is located in the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia. This lake is the one of the largest and warmest bodies of water in the region and is known for its dramatic scenery.
Experiences
There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed at Lake Windermere, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
If you are planning on a visit to Lake Windermere, consider making time to visit one of the most popular attractions in the area, the Columbia Icefield.
Located three hours north of the lake, it makes for a long day trip but it’s so worth it! Here, you can take a glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier or go for a ride on an ice explorer.
Where to Stay?
There are a number of hotels and resorts located near Lake Windermere, including the Copper Point Resort. This resort offers stunning views of the lake as well as a variety of amenities such as an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. This lake is known for its gorgeous scenery and is a popular destination for both summer and winter activities.
Experiences
In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and canoeing around Lake Louise. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the icy waters.
In the winter, the lake transforms into a playground for activities such as ice skating, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing.
Where to Stay?
There are a number of accommodations available near Lake Louise, including hotels, motels, and camping sites. There’s a wide range of lodging options, from the 5 star Fairmont Château Lake Louise to the more rustic Mountaineer Lodge.
Lake Superior, Ontario
Lake Superior is located in the Canadian province of Ontario and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the United States. It is the largest of the Great Lakes.
This lake is incredibly deep and cold, with an average depth of about 500 feet.
Experiences
In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and canoeing around Lake Superior. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the icy waters.
Where to Stay?
There are a number of accommodations available near Lake Superior, including hotels, motels, and camping sites, including the Mystic Isle Motel or the Grand Superior Resort and Lutsen Lodge in Minnesota.
Baccarac Lake, Mexico
Baccarac Lake is located in the Mexican state of Nayarit. This lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for both swimming and fishing.
Experiences
A popular activity at Baccarac Lake is swimming. The lake has a number of sandy beaches where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Another popular activity is fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
Where to Stay?
There are many accommodations available near Baccarac Lake, including hotels, motels, and camping sites.
One of the most popular lodging options is the Lake Baccaraca lodge, which was built with anglers in mind.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the US state of California. This lake is known for its beaches and ski resorts, making it a popular destination for both summer and winter activities.
Experiences
In the summer, you can enjoy swimming, hiking, and canoeing around Lake Tahoe. In the winter, the lake transforms into a playground for activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Where to Stay?
There are many wonderful accommodations available near Lake Tahoe, including ski lodges and resorts, such as the Northstar California Resort.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack mountains in the US state of New York. This lake is known for being a great place to enjoy winter sports. The Winter Olympics were even held here twice!
Experiences
Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are popular activities at Lake Placid. You can also enjoy a number of other winter activities, such as ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Where to Stay?
Lake Placid Lodge is the only lakeside resort on Lake Placid and is a popular choice for lodging. Other nearby options include the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa and the Whiteface Lodge.
Great Bear Lake, Canada
Great Bear Lake is located in the Canadian Arctic. It’s enormous – in fact, it’s the largest lake in Canada. It’s extremely remote, making it a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Experiences
Great Bear Lake is a popular destination for fishing, as it’s home to a variety of fish, including trout, pike, and whitefish.
You can also enjoy canoeing and hiking in the summer months. In the winter, the lake is a popular destination for ice fishing.
Where to Stay?
There are a number of accommodations available near Great Bear Lake, including hotels, motels, and camping sites. One popular option is the Great Bear Lodge, which is located on the shores of the lake.
Lake Superior, Baccarac Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Placid are some of the most beautiful lakes in North America.
These lakes offer stunning scenery and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers something for everyone, be sure to consider one of these amazing lakes.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to spend time at the lake this summer (or anytime), there are definitely some amazing locations in North America to consider. My recommendation, make a list and knock out your favorites one by one as you build fantastic memories.
