Kandice VincentOne of my favorite things about living in Toronto is being so close to lakes, which are the perfect destination for outdoor activities.
Over the years, I’ve explored many of the lakes near the city. Some are within an hour’s drive away, great for day trips, while others are a bit farther but are definitely worth the drive.
Whether you want to go swimming, wreck diving, kayaking, or boating, I know an ideal spot for you. I rounded up the best lakes near Toronto, so you, too, can have great fun.
1. Lake Ontario
Media credit: gabriellemgreig
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing
Admission: Free
You don’t need to drive too far to enjoy lakeside activities because Lake Ontario is right in our backyard.
The water quality varies throughout the lake, but you can swim on some of the beaches. My favorite is Cherry Beach, a popular spot for a variety of water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing.
Although the Toronto Islands can get pretty crowded at times, it’s worth visiting, especially if you’re looking to spend a fun-filled day by the lake. The islands are a quick ferry ride away from downtown.
Pro Tip:
If you want a quick escape from the hustle and bustle, you can head to Polson Pier or Humber Bay, which has some of the best views in Toronto.
2. Lake Simcoe
Media credit: lakesimcoeconservation
Website: https://lsrca.on.ca/
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Swimming, ice fishing, boating, canoeing, and birding
Admission: Free
Lake Simcoe is a year-round outdoor destination. During the warmer months, it’s a popular spot for swimming and boating, and in the winter, everyone comes here to fish for perch, herring, or whitefish.
Sibbald Point Provincial Park, located on the lake’s southern shore, is a go-to spot for camping. It’s highly accessible and well-equipped with modern facilities and amenities, making your stay more convenient.
If you’re staying the night, you might as well sign yourself up for a moonlit cruise. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner under the moonlight or a fun, family-friendly boat ride, they can set up everything to meet your needs.
Pro Tip:
Ice thickness can change quickly in the winter, so always check conditions before heading out to the lake.
3. Kawartha Lakes
Media credit: explore_kl
Website: https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/index.aspx
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Houseboating, fishing, swimming,
Admission: Free
About a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from downtown Toronto, you’ll find the city of Kawartha Lakes, which is home to 250+ interconnected lakes. The most authentic way to experience the region’s beautiful waterways is to cruise on a houseboat.
There are a wide variety of rentals available to fit every budget. Some are fully equipped with grills, slides, and swim platforms so you can enjoy your time on the water.
Others even have fish cleaning stations, perfect for anglers. Right from your houseboat, you can cast a line, prep your catch, and cook it.
Pro Tip:
Check local regulations prior to your trip as some lakes and waterways may have motorized boat restrictions to protect the environment.
4. Lake Erie
Media credit: surfthegreats
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Surfing, swimming, sunbathing, biking, birding, and fishing
Admission: Free
Lake Erie, the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes, is known for its soft, sandy beaches and warm water. Since it has gentle waves and steady winds, it’s an ideal place to surf, windsurf, and kitesurf.
The most popular beaches to sunbathe, picnic, and build sand castles are Point Peele, Port Burwell, and Port Dover. But if you want to stay away from the summer crowds, you can go to Long Point or Turkey Point instead.
While entrance to the public beaches at Lake Erie is generally free, admission will apply to certain areas like Selkirk. This provincial park sits along the lake’s shores, and it’s a great place to camp and go birding.
Pro Tip:
Generally, the lake is coldest from February through August. Follow the temperature forecast to determine the best thing to wear when you’re taking a dip.
5. Lake Huron
Media credit: paditv
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Boating, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, and diving
Admission: Free
Lake Huron is known for its turquoise waters and sandy beaches where you can swim and sunbathe all summer long. It’s a 3+ hour drive from Toronto but what makes it worth the trip is the variety of activities you can do on land and water.
There are thousands of shipwrecks scattered throughout the lake, which you can see up close by freediving or scuba diving. Some wrecks are in shallower areas, so you’ll see them from a kayak or a paddleboard.
You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour in Tobermory. A guide will lead you to the shipwrecks so you can make the most of your time at the lake.
Pro Tip:
Drive to Fathom Five National Marine Park at Tobermory where you’ll find diving and boating tours that will take you to the wrecks. The water in this area generally has good visibility, increasing your likelihood of seeing the ships.
6. Island Lake Conservation Area
Media credit: mario.desousa
Website: https://cvc.ca/discover-our-parks/island-lake/
Operating hours: Daily, 8 AM to 6 PM
Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
Admission: Senior (65+) $6.50, Adult (15-64) $8, Youth (6-14) $3.50, Children (5 and under) FREE
Island Lake Conservation Area is a popular destination year-round. Unlike other spots on our list, they open at specific hours of the day, particularly from 8 AM to 6 PM every day.
It’s a great place to go on a hike as it has a few trails with easy to moderate terrain. The shortest is the Island Lake Family Trail, a 15-minute hike that will provide access to the lake from the Hockley Road parking lot.
With 820 acres of lakes, wetlands, and forests, there’s much to see and do in this conservation area. Although swimming isn’t recommended due to the shallow water, paddleboarding and kayaking are excellent alternatives.
You can cast a line and catch fish all year round. When the water freezes over, you’ll be able to ice skate.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget the binoculars because there are a ton of geese, birds, and other wildlife in the area.
7. Lake Scugog
Media credit: claytonne100
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Boating, fishing, wildlife viewing
Admission: Free
Another incredible lake you should visit for fishing is Lake Scugog, which is about an hour’s drive away from Toronto. Public access to the lake is available at various sites, including Palmer Park, Joe Fowler Park, and Scugog Memorial Public Library.
It’s one of the best fishing lakes near the city with abundant bass, walleye, and crappie. Although the lake is shallow and not the best for swimming, it’s a great spot for boating and wildlife watching.
If you don’t own a boat, you can rent one from a nearby marina. You’ll also find other rental services for kayaks and paddleboards along the lake.
Admission to the lake is free, but using the marinas might cost around $16 on weekdays and $19 on weekends and holidays.
Pro Tip:
While you’re here, you might as well visit the town of Port Perry, located along the shore. It has charming restaurants and shops, which you can explore after a day on the water.
8. Lake Couchiching
Media credit: kleopatra.azar
Location: Simcoe County
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Boating, kayaking, fishing, and ice fishing
Admission: Free
Located about 90 minutes away, Lake Couchiching isn’t as expansive as the neighboring Lake Simcoe, but it’s still vast enough for boating.
Public access to the lake is available at Couchiching Beach Park, which is open every season. If the water conditions are favorable, you should be able to swim in the designated area.
Like Simcoe, it’s a well-known fishing spot all year round. Even in the winter, ice fishing is a popular pastime here at the lake, where you can catch pike, walleye, and perch during the winter months.
Pro Tip:
Always check the swim advisories before planning an entire trip to the lake.
9. Rice Lake
Media credit: val.s.pam
Website: https://ricelakecanada.com/
Operating hours: 24/7
Activities: Swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching
Admission: Free
Rice Lake is a prime destination for some outdoor fun, especially fishing. You’ll find walleye, bluegill, bass, and pan fish in abundance here, which is why this lake draws in a lot of anglers—novices and pros alike.
There aren’t a lot of sandy beaches and the shore might have a lot of weeds, so it’s not for those who just want to lounge lakeside. On the bright side, you can go swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating in its waters.
If you want to spend the night, you’ll find rentals along the North and South shores of the lake.
Pro Tip:
The lake hosts a variety of fishing tournaments throughout the year for anglers of all skill levels. You can view their website for any announcements.
