We Asked Visitors What Surprised Them Most About Canada—This Kept Coming Up
What’s the one thing about Canada that blows visitors’ minds every single time?
It’s not the politeness (though that comes up a lot). It’s not the wildlife or the Tim Hortons on every corner. It’s something way bigger. Literally.
Lakes. Millions of them.
When we asked travelers what surprised them most about visiting Canada, the same answer kept popping up: the sheer number of absolutely stunning lakes everywhere they looked. Turquoise glacial waters. Mirror-like surfaces reflecting mountains. Lakes so massive they feel like oceans. And colors so vivid they look fake in photos.
Canada has over 2 million lakes. That’s more than the rest of the world combined. And honestly, until you see them in person, it’s hard to understand just how incredible they really are.
Related: This One Canadian Street Was Once Called the Longest in the World
The Mind-Blowing Numbers
Let’s start with some facts that sound made up but aren’t.
Canada possesses over 2 million lakes, which makes up roughly 14% of all the lakes in the entire world. These water bodies cover nearly 9% of Canada’s total surface area. In fact, there are so many lakes that China and the United States are actually larger than Canada by land surface area alone. Canada only holds the title of second-largest country in the world when you include water surfaces.
To put this in perspective: you could visit a different Canadian lake every single day for over 5,000 years and still not see them all.
Manitoba alone has over 14% of its province covered in water. That’s just one province.
These aren’t just small ponds either. Canada is home to some of the largest lakes on the planet, including the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) shared with the United States, plus Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake. These massive bodies of water are vital for biodiversity, recreation, and hydropower.
But what really gets visitors isn’t the statistics. It’s standing at the edge of a glacial lake and seeing colors they didn’t know water could actually be.
Why Canadian Lakes Look Unreal
The thing that shocks people most is the color.
Many of Canada’s most famous lakes are glacial-fed, which creates those jaw-dropping turquoise and emerald hues. The secret is something called “glacial flour” or rock flour. As glaciers move, they grind rocks into an incredibly fine powder. When this powder suspends in the water, it reflects sunlight in a way that produces those intense blue and green colors.
The effect is so striking that first-time visitors often think photos have been edited. They haven’t. The lakes really look like that.
Even better? The intensity of the color changes throughout the summer as more glacier melt flows into the lakes. Visit in early summer and the lake might be one shade. Come back in August and it could be completely different.
Some lakes even glow neon pink under certain conditions thanks to algae. Yes, really.
The Most Famous Lakes You Need to See
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, these lakes should be at the top of your list.
Moraine Lake
This is probably the most photographed lake in Canada, and for good reason. Located in Banff National Park and framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is so beautiful it used to be featured on the Canadian $20 bill.
The vibrant blue color changes throughout the day and across the summer as glacial melt flows in. Get there early to watch the lake transform as the sun rises over the mountains. You can hike around the area or rent a kayak to get up close.
Fair warning: Moraine Lake limits vehicle access, so arrive by 7am or use the park shuttle. By mid-morning, the road closes until crowds die down in the afternoon.
Lake Louise
One of the most famous lakes in the entire world, Lake Louise combines turquoise water with snow-capped mountains and Victoria Glacier in the background. The scene is absolutely breathtaking.
The best way to experience it? Rent a canoe and paddle away from the crowds. You can also hike the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail for incredible views back to the world-famous Fairmont Chateau.
Yes, it’s a major tourist hotspot. But it’s not to be missed. Just arrive early morning or late afternoon when the tour buses aren’t there.
Peyto Lake
You might not recognize the name, but you’ve definitely seen photos of Peyto Lake. It’s the most photographed lake in the Canadian Rockies.
The vibrant blue comes from glacial silt fed from Peyto Glacier. What makes this lake perfect for visitors is how easy it is to reach. It’s a stop on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise, and the viewpoint is only a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
Stunning views with minimal effort? Sign us up.
Garibaldi Lake
This one requires more work but delivers completely unspoiled scenery. Located in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler, Garibaldi Lake requires an 18-kilometer round-trip hike.
Nestled between snow-capped mountains with Sphinx Glacier as a backdrop, this is one of the most spectacular scenes in British Columbia. The turquoise water and dramatic alpine setting make the effort absolutely worth it.
If you have camping gear and time, spend a night by the lake and explore other hikes in the area like Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.
Maligne Lake
Located in Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake is the second-largest glacial-fed lake in the world. Its azure waters and jagged mountain peaks topped with glaciers create an almost magical setting.
The highlight? Spirit Island, sitting peacefully in the middle of the lake. It’s one of the most photographed scenes in the entire world.
Take a boat cruise to fully appreciate the lake’s grandeur and keep your eyes open for wildlife including bighorn sheep, bears, elk, and mountain goats.
Joffre Lakes
Actually a series of three lakes known for their striking blue color, Joffre Lakes is one of the most popular hikes in British Columbia.
The turquoise color comes from glacial silt suspended in the water. Lower Joffre Lake is just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. Middle Joffre Lake is about 45 minutes further, and Upper Joffre Lake is another 15 minutes beyond that.
Camping at Upper Joffre Lake is highly recommended. You can also hike to Matier Glacier for views of all three lakes lined up.
Lake Minnewanka
Just a short drive from Banff, this 21-kilometer glacial lake was named “Minn-Waki” (Lake of the Spirits) by the First Nations Stoney people who believed spirits lived in the water.
What makes this lake unique? You can actually scuba dive here to explore an old dam, bridge, and resort that have been completely submerged. It’s an incredible underwater experience unlike anything else.
You can also hike, bike, kayak, or simply relax by the water at one of the many picnic spots.
Why This Keeps Coming Up?
When visitors talk about what surprised them most about Canada, lakes dominate the conversation because they’re everywhere and they’re spectacular.
You don’t have to go searching for them. They’re along highways, tucked into national parks, surrounding cities, and dotting the landscape in every direction.
And they’re not just pretty to look at. These lakes support incredible biodiversity, provide drinking water, generate hydropower, and offer endless recreational opportunities from kayaking to fishing to simply sitting on a shore and taking in the view.
For many travelers, seeing a glacial lake for the first time is a genuinely emotional experience. The colors seem impossible. The scale is overwhelming. The beauty is almost too much to process.
Final Words
Canada has over 2 million lakes. More than the rest of the world combined. And while the statistics are impressive, what really matters is standing at the edge of one and experiencing it yourself.
The turquoise water of Moraine Lake. The mirror-like surface of Lake Louise. The dramatic alpine setting of Garibaldi Lake. These aren’t just scenic spots. They’re the kind of places that stay with you long after you’ve left.
So when visitors say the lakes surprised them most about Canada, they’re not exaggerating. These bodies of water are jaw-dropping, unforgettable, and unlike anything else on Earth.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada, make time for the lakes. Rent a kayak. Go for a hike. Watch the sunrise reflect off glacial waters. You could visit a different lake every day for 5,000 years and still not see them all.
But start with just one. That’s all it takes to understand why this keeps coming up.
