Canada's Great Lakes region

The Great Lakes region is in North America. It is shared by the United States and Canada. The 5 lakes represent the largest freshwater reserve on the planet, with more than 22,735 km of cubic metres of water. Each of these immense glacial lakes has its own specific characteristics.

The northernmost lake, Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the most northerly. It is shared between the United States, in the state of Michigan, and Canada, in the province of Ontario. It is the largest of the Great Lakes, covering 83,000 square kilometres. In some places, it is up to 400 metres deep.

The famous Lake Michigan

Half of Lake Michigan lies in Michigan and half in Wisconsin, both in the United States, and it is the only lake that does not belong to both countries. It is 58,000 square kilometres in size.

Lake Huron, straddling both countries

Lake Huron is the second largest lake in the region. It covers just under 60,000 square kilometres in both the United States and Canada.

The smallest lake of all, Lake Erie

Lake Erie is well known for Niagara Falls, as it is the lake where the latter falls. It is one of the smallest of the Great Lakes, even though it is home to the cities of Cleveland in Ohio and Detroit in Michigan.

Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls

Lake Ontario, in the region of the same name, is one of the best-known of the Great Lakes. In fact, this is where most people go to admire the breathtaking Niagara Falls. In addition, Toronto, a trendy and dynamic Canadian city, nestles on the shores of Lake Ontario. The Toronto Islands archipelago on Lake Ontario is the largest pedestrian zone in North America.

In addition to the 5 Great Lakes, there are thousands of smaller lakes in this part of the world. Even if they're not officially counted, like little Lake St-Clair between Lakes Huron and Erie for example, they contribute to the magic of this landscape.

To soak up the beauty of the Great Lakes, you have a number of options, the most accessible of which are :

• A flight to Toronto, where you literally arrive on the Toronto Islands archipelago, where the city's airport is located.
• A flight to Detroit or Cleveland, in the United States. From there, you're on the shores of Lake Erie.
• A flight to Chicago lands you south of Lake Michigan.

Whichever airport you land at, you'll probably need to hire a car to explore the Great Lakes freely.

The Great Lakes region is immense. If you were to drive through it in one go, the journey would take between 16 and 20 hours, so we strongly recommend a minimum of 3 days to really explore this magnificent region of North America. Of course, if you have a whole week to devote to the Great Lakes region, don't deprive yourself.

Giant trees, canoeing and hiking in Lake Superior

The incredible Pukaskwa National Park nestles on the shores of Lake Superior. This park transports you to colourful sandstone cliffs, breathtaking hiking trails and, of course, water sports on the lake.

Put on your wetsuit and jump aboard a kayak or paddle.

The park offers numerous camping sites, panoramic viewpoints and beautiful lakeside beaches. In winter, the park is covered in a blanket of white, while in spring, carpets of flowers herald the warm, sunny days of summer. Find all the information you need to visit Pukaskwasur National Park on the official Canadian tourism website.

Dozens of lakes near Lake Huron

Discover some fifty turquoise lakes amid pine forests and pink granite rock. North of Lake Huron, Killarney Provincial Park is one of Canada's little gems. You can fish, camp, hike in summer, cross-country ski in winter or canoe on the clear waters of the lake.

Book your activities and campsites on the Killarney Park website

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a complex of 3 different waterfalls, the highest of which is 57 metres high. Thousands of cubic metres of water plunge from Lake Ontario into Lake Erie at an impressive speed. These falls are certainly the most famous in the world. They can be admired from both the American and Canadian sides, although the Canadian side is reputed to offer a much better view of Niagara Falls. From Toronto, you're just 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from the Falls.

There are many ways to experience Niagara Falls: solo, on foot, by boat, as part of a group or even on a day trip from Toronto.

Cycling in the Great Lakes

Mountain bikers and Sunday bikers will find plenty to do around North America's Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Circle Tours website lists the best cycling itineraries around the 5 Great Lakes.

Off you go!