5 Lakes in Ontario that Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

Lake Simcoe

This lake is located between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario in the southern region of the province at an elevation of 719 feet (219m) above sea level with an area of 287.3 mi² (744 km²) and is 40 miles (65km) north of Toronto. It is the remnant of Lake Algonquin, a prehistoric lake, and is 135 feet deep. Referred to as the ice-fishing capital of North America the lake freezes over completely but not every winter. Indeed, some species caught here include yellow perch, small-mouth bass, whitefish, and lake trout.

Other activities for those who don’t fish include ice skating, snowshoeing, ice hockey, cross-country skiing, and bird-watching. For the birdwatchers, species seen include white-breasted nuthatches, common redpolls, American goldfinches, blue jays, Northern cardinals, house and purple finches, black-capped chickadees, and the common loon their provincial bird. Winter wildlife in the area includes skunks, opossums, raccoons, muskrats, beavers, porcupines, river otters, fishers, martens, mink, and weasels. In addition, there are deer, bears, foxes, and wolves.

Wawa Lake

This Northern Ontario Lake is famous for its Wawa Goose Monument, said to be one of the most photographed landmarks in North America. The lake has a depth of 36 feet (10.9m) and an area of 14.7 miles (23.5 km) on 1,261 acres (510 hectares), the nearest town is Wawa. Gold and iron discoveries were made here in the 19^th century. In fact, from 1900 to 1918 the Helen Mine produced the most ore of any Canadian mine.

Ice fishing is a big sport here when the lake freezes over. Species caught include lake whitefish, Northern pike, and lake trout. Indeed, the residents are serious about their fishing and host an ice fishing derby with cash prizes! Other winter activities include snowmobiling and enjoying their winter carnival. The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful in this remote yet easily accessible region, and it is a popular destination during the winter months. In addition, wildlife in the area includes black bears, moose, and wolves.

Lake Muskoka

Located between Gravenhurst and Port Carling this lake usually freezes over in mid-January with complete freezing in March. It is 220 feet deep (67m) in an area of 34.36 mi² (55.29km²) and an elevation of 738 feet (224.9m) above sea level. Dotted with country clubs and mansions of the rich and famous, it is known as the “Hamptons of the North.” As a result, there is a lot to enjoy in the winter in this beautiful area such as:

• Snowmobiling
• Hanna Park Skating Trail
• Ice skating
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Ice fishing

Fish species here include Northern pike, whitefish, rainbow, and lake trout. Birders can enjoy pileated woodpeckers, common loons, Great blue herons, osprey, blue jays, and black-capped chickadees. In addition, winter animal sightings include black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, North American elk, snowshoe hare, red fox, and white-footed mice.

Lake of the Woods

This lake is known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” where musky, lake trout, smallmouth bass, trout, whitefish, pike, and of course, walleye are caught. Indeed, it is another of the popular ice-fishing lakes in the province! Located on the border of Manitoba and Minnesota in the United States, this shallow long lake is 85 miles (136.7km) in length, 56 miles (90.1km) wide, and has an area of 1,727 mi² (4,472 km²), and is 310 feet (94.4m) deep. Indeed, there are 14,522 islands on the lake and it is one of the largest lakes in North America with 25,000 miles of shoreline and a unique trait, it flows north!

This lake freezes over completely during the winter with an average ice thickness of 25 to 30 inches. As a result, the locals use the frozen lake as ice roads. Another activity enjoyed here is snowmobiling. Wildlife in the area includes woodchucks, snowshoe hares, lynx, wolves, black bears, and moose. Bird species include herring gull, turkey vulture, bald eagle, pileated woodpecker, hooded merganser, and ruffed grouse.

Lac des Mille Lacs

This lake spans 94 mi² with a depth of 20 feet and drains into the Hudson River. Located in northwestern Ontario the lake Lac des Mille Lacs translates to mean “Lake of a Thousand Lakes” from the French. This idyllic place is 72 miles (117 km) northwest of Thunder Bay near the town of Upsala. The landscape is dotted with islands, peninsulas, and bays. Explore archeological sites and ancient indigenous pictographs showing the lake’s heritage. Ice fishing is a popular sport here when the lake freezes over by mid-December, in fact, sometimes it gets to be three feet thick! Fish species here include smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Birdwatchers enjoy seeing such birds as Great blue herons, common loons, ospreys, and bald eagles. Winter activities here include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Wildlife seen in the area includes Northern elk and moose.