Lake Superior

Ontario, Canada

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Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It stretches along the border between the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and east and the U.S. states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan to the west and south. The lake covers about 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometers) and holds more water than any other Great Lake, containing nearly 2,900 cubic miles (12,100 cubic kilometers) of water. This massive lake holds around 10% of the world’s surface fresh water.

The lake is about 350 miles (563 kilometers) long from east to west and up to 160 miles (258 kilometers) wide north to south. Its average surface elevation is about 600 feet (183 meters) above sea level, and the deepest point reaches 1,332 feet (406 meters). The shoreline of Lake Superior in Ontario features rugged cliffs, rocky beaches, and stunning natural scenery created by ancient volcanic rocks and glacial activity.

Lake Superior was formed thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age, when glaciers carved out its basin, which was later filled with meltwater. The exposed bedrock along many parts of the Ontario shoreline is among the oldest on earth, with dramatic cliffs and granite headlands. The lake’s water flows out through the St. Marys River into Lake Huron and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean.

The lake supports a rich ecosystem with more than 80 species of fish and diverse plant and animal life. Its cold, deep waters and relatively undeveloped shores in Ontario create unique habitats for both wildlife and people who come for outdoor activities. Indigenous communities have lived near the lake for thousands of years, and today, the region attracts visitors for fishing, boating, hiking, and exploring places like Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park.

Lake Superior also plays an important role in the region's climate, often causing unique weather patterns like heavy snowfall, known as “lake effect snow,” in the surrounding areas. The water in the lake moves very slowly, if all water stopped coming into the lake, it would take about 191 years for it to empty out at its current outflow rate.