10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!
0856379c571c3bb55a9215e2bf1282f5_XL.jpg

Lake of the Woods, a massive body of water located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, has often been called the sixth Great Lake. 

Read on to find out why! 

1. Lake of the Woods crosses two provinces and one international border.

This beautiful body of water is located in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and the U.S. state of Minnesota.

2. Lake of the Woods is 310 feet deep.

The lake's deepest point is at Whitefish Bay.

sunsetcountry sunset 2
Sunset Country is known for its sunsets. Find them on Facebook for more photos like this one. (Photo credit: Ontario's Sunset Country)

3. This lake is 85 miles long and 56 miles wide at its widest point. 

It has an area of 1,727 miles.

4. Lake of the Woods has a longer shoreline than Lake Superior!

The shoreline is 25,000 miles, but if you count the shoreline of its many islands, it's 65,000 miles. Speaking of islands, there are 14,522 islands in Lake of the Woods. It would be the longest coastline of any Canadian lake, except that the lake is not entirely within Canada.

5. The lake was an important fur-trading route between the Great Lakes and western Canada.

Its shores were home to many Indigenous Peoples and Nations throughout history. The lake was first visited by a non-local, French-Canadian explorer named Jacques de Noyon in 1688. 

6. You could dream about a different island on Lake of the Woods every night for 39 years.

lakeofthewoods islands boating
Explore one of the 14,522 islands located in Lake of the Woods for a day at the beach, family picnics, swimming and incredible fishing! (Photo credit: Ontario's Sunset Country)

7. The largest city on Lake of the Woods is Kenora.

lakeofthewoods houseboats
Have you ever houseboated? These "floating cabins" have everything you need to make your stay comfortable and memorable. (Photo credit: Ontario's Sunset Country)

8. Lake of the Woods is the sixth-largest freshwater lake located (at least partially) in the United States, after the five Great Lakes.

Lake Superior, which is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, is the third-largest freshwater lake by volume. It holds 10% of the freshwater in all of the world's rivers and lakes!

9. It's a birding paradise.

The lake's islands provide nesting habitat for the piping plover and large numbers of American white pelicans. There are also several hundred nesting pairs of bald eagles in this area.

10. It's a top fishing destination for anglers from all over the world.

Most important of all, Lake of the Woods is home to walleye, northern pike, perch, sauger, crappie, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, lake sturgeon, whitefish, suckers, and muskellunge.

lakeofthewoods fishing
(Photo credit: Ontario's Sunset Country)
 

Watch Powerboating on Lake of the Woods:

Learn more about fishing in Ontario at www.gofishinontario.com

Recommended Articles

Family Friendly Fishing Vacations

Ridgewood Cottages is the perfect family getaway for angling or a relaxing vacation.

Paradise Cove Resorts

On the hunt for Musky in Ontario's Sunset Country

The Eagle has Landed

If you're looking to make your Ontario fishing dreams come true, this is the place to do it.

Glide to Success

The province of Ontario has more muskie waters than anywhere else on Earth!

Fly Casting In The Wind

Use these tips to help make it easier to when out fly fishing in Ontario.

Veteran Grit vs. High-Tech Odds: The Ultimate Algoma Derby Showdown

Facing off against a powered-up duo and a technological disadvantage in a length-based battle across the pristine waters of Whitefish and Manitouwik Lakes.

Catch, photo, release

Save Your Fishing Memories With These Photo Tips

World Class Walleye Fishing at Vermilion Bay Lodge

Eagle Lake has over 68,000 acres of clear Canadian Shield waters with world-class walleye and muskie.

Birch Bark Lodge

A Slice of Heaven on Wigwascence Lake

Top 5 Tips to Help Improve a Day’s Fly Fishing

If you integrate these tips you’ll find your time on the water is maximized.

Casting and Blasting at Temple Bay Lodge

A grouse hunt & trophy fish paradise.

Spring Walleye

Try These Tips on Your Next Ontario Walleye Fishing Trip

Fishing Big Rideau Lake

This is a bucket list fishing in Ontario at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reflections of Borden Lake

The lake is home to walleye, pike, whitefish and smallmouth bass.

An Angler’s Perspective on Northern Ontario

Find Your Favourite Fishing Adventure in the North.

Piecing Together the Muskie Puzzle

How looking for loons can lead us to the big fish!

Beaverland Bass on Marten River

In search of smallmouth bass at a traditional Northern Ontario fishing camp.

Equipment that's NOT Fly Fishing Related

Here are the (often forgotten) items anglers should have in their kit to ensure maximum success.

Muskies in Paradise

Lake Nipissing has a reputation for holding some of the largest muskies in Canada.

Fall Bass Class

Fall in the North can result in record size smallmouth and largemouth bass.