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

About Carol Caputo

I am a staff writer for Algoma Country. My team markets the most beautiful area of Northern Ontario! We represent 28,000 square miles of pure outdoor paradise! Our offerings include urban, nature and outdoor tourism, fishing and hunting as well as fantastic motorcycle touring routes. And yes, I have the best job in the world! For more information on Algoma Country visit our website at www.algomacountry.com

Recommended Articles

Friends in Fishy Times

An ode to fishing buddies new and old.

Rainy Lake Walleye

Fishing at La Belle’s Birch Point Camp

Fall Walleye

Using Chub, Bottom Bouncers and Beads

Balsam Lake Walleye

How to use snap jigging to catch Ontario walleye.

A Walleye Fly-in Outpost

Fly-in to remote Wanzatika Lake with Hearst Air Service.

Fishing With Drift Outfitters

Find an urban fishing oasis in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Fly-in Fishing with Glassy Bay Outfitters

Wilderness and walleye await with this Northern Ontario experience.

Casting for Coasters

Fishing for Brook Trout at Bowman Island Lodge

Lakers of Lower Manitou: Fishing Just North of the U.S. Border

Fantastic Lake Trout Fishing at Manitou Weather Station.

Dive and Rise Muskies

Ontario offers the best muskie fishing anywhere—and fall is the prime time to catch your fish of a lifetime.

Bass Abound

Fishing at Lorimer Lake Resort for Big Bass

Real Fishing at Mattawa River Resort

Mattawa River Resort offers an easy to get to location and unlimited fishing opportunities

Fishing the Marten River

Extreme Angler fishes for BIG walleye in Northeastern Ontario.

Trolling for Walleye

Fishing on Dog Lake, Missanabie, Ontario

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Family Fishing Getaway

Jenna sets her sights on Northern Ontario Smallmouth Bass.

20 Years With Fish TV!

Fish TV discusses their favourite Ontario catches

5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations

Where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

Bear Creek Cottages

Multi-Species Fishing on Lake Nipissing