With over 30000 lakes within her borders, Canada is undoubtedly one of those places that every boater, old or young, has on their bucket list. Not only that, but it’s also the promised land for skiers and trekkers.

While the country’s climate may not be the best, the natural beauty and vast freshwater bodies are a good enough reason to endure the cold. The lakes, in particular, are always stunning, huge or both. So, nothing can possibly beat the feeling of a warm breeze hugging your skin, on a hot summer day. Or anchoring on a spot that is so amazing, it begs you to stay longer.

But, with so many options to choose from, making a decision can be hilariously hard work. So, here’s a list of the best boating destinations in Canada, to help you get started.

Shuswap Lake, British Columbia

Gifted with vast beaches and pristine mountain scenery, Shuswap Lake deserves the top spot on this list. It is deemed as Canada’s houseboat headquarters, but it is also a perfect spot for sailing expeditions and water sports.

Muskoka, Ontario

Dubbed as the “Hamptons of the North,” the Muskoka lakes are known to offer excitement for the thrill-seeking boater, and a little something for the laid-back folk as well. The National Geographic Traveler magazine crowned Muskoka as the world’s best travel destination in the summer. So that explains why it’s the perfect place to go celebrity spotting, and dockside partying.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Located just a few meters off the Trans Canada Highway in Alberta, Lake Louise’s blue and calm waters make it the ideal boating destination for tourists, and locals as well. But that’s not all, it is also part of the Banff National Park, so there is plenty of other things to do, apart from boating.

Algonquin Provincial Park (Lakes)

If you’re looking for a location with a mix of lakes, rivers, and creeks, this is it. Most of the lakes in the Algonquin park have forested shores, and they look stunning in the autumn. They are also excellent fishing destinations in the summer, so don’t forget to bring a pole and bait!

Lake Newell, Alberta

Located between Calgary and Medicine Hat, this man-made lake is enormous, beautiful, and one of the warmest lakes in Canada. It hosts abundant fish life and is also home to a variety of water sports in the summer.

The Rideau Canal & Waterway, Ontario

Being the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ontario, the Rideau Canal extends from the Canadian Shield to the Parliament Hill in urban Ottawa. That is some 45 locks and a little over 202 km of pure boating adventure. Although this canal is not the best fishing spot, there’s no better place to celebrate Canada Day.