Canada’s vast wilderness holds countless hidden lakes, each with a remarkable story. From ancient Indigenous settlements to lost gold mines and mysterious legends, these secluded bodies of water have witnessed centuries of fascinating history.
Let’s explore 20 of Canada’s most intriguing hidden lakes and the captivating tales they hold.
Lake Memphremagog, Quebec
This 27-mile-long glacial lake stretches between Quebec and Vermont, harboring tales of its legendary lake monster, Memphre. Local Indigenous peoples have passed down stories of strange creatures in these waters for generations, with the first documented sighting dating back to 1816.
The lake’s secluded coves and forested shores continue to attract curious visitors and monster hunters.
Garibaldi Lake, British Columbia
This turquoise wonder sits amidst 12 volcanic peaks in the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park at 4,898 feet. The lake was formed over 9,000 years ago when a lava flow created a natural dam, and Indigenous peoples used the area as a hunting ground for thousands of years.
Today, its pristine waters reflect the surrounding glaciers and peaks.
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Consolation Lakes, Alberta
Hidden behind Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, these twin lakes were named by early explorers who found solace here after failing to reach their intended destination. The lakes sit in a rocky amphitheater formed by ancient glaciers, and their cold, crystal-clear waters are home to rare species of alpine trout.
Grizzly bears frequently visit these remote shores during the summer months.
Ghost Lake, Northwest Territories
This remote lake earned its name from the ethereal mists that often shroud its surface, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Local Dene people tell stories of mysterious lights that dance across the water at night, which some attribute to mineral deposits in the surrounding rocks.
The lake’s depths hold artifacts from ancient fishing camps dating back thousands of years.
Lake of the Hanging Glacier, British Columbia
Accessible only by a challenging 6-mile hike, this alpine lake sits beneath a massive hanging glacier that regularly calves ice into the pristine waters. Early miners discovered gold in the surrounding mountains in the 1890s, establishing several short-lived mining camps.
The lake’s turquoise waters are dotted with mini icebergs throughout summer.
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Cypress Lake, Saskatchewan
This hidden prairie gem was once a crucial water source for Indigenous peoples and early settlers crossing the Great Plains. Ancient petroglyphs along its shores depict hunting scenes and spiritual ceremonies from centuries ago.
The lake’s unique position in a natural depression creates a microclimate that supports rare plant species.
Clearwater Lakes, Quebec
A dual meteorite formed these perfectly circular twin lakes approximately 290 million years ago. Indigenous Cree peoples called this area ‘Wiyasakami,’ meaning ‘clear water,’ and archaeological evidence suggests continuous human habitation for over 8,000 years.
The lakes’ remarkable clarity allows visibility to depths of up to 39 feet.
Kicking Horse Lake, British Columbia
Named after a legendary incident involving a stubborn pack horse and an early explorer, this alpine lake sits along an ancient Indigenous trade route. The surrounding valley contains numerous pictographs depicting trading activities and spiritual ceremonies.
Mountain goats still frequent the mineral licks along the lake’s eastern shore.
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Lake Lillian, Alberta
Hidden in the Crowsnest Pass, this small but beautiful lake was named after a pioneer woman who saved several miners during a devastating avalanche in 1903. The lake’s waters reflect the dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding it, and old mining equipment can still be found along its shores.
Local legends speak of lost gold caches hidden in nearby caves.
Little Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan
Known as Canada’s Dead Sea, this mineral-rich lake contains salinity levels that keep swimmers afloat. Indigenous peoples considered these waters sacred and healing, using them for medicinal purposes for centuries.
The lake’s unique chemical composition supports rare microorganisms found nowhere else in North America.
Eva Lake, British Columbia
Tucked away in Mount Revelstoke National Park, this emerald lake was named after the daughter of a local pioneering family. Early mountaineers built a rustic shelter on its shores in 1928, which still stands today.
The lake’s waters support a unique strain of cutthroat trout that has been isolated from other populations for thousands of years
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Murtle Lake, British Columbia
As North America’s largest canoe-only lake, this pristine body of water has never seen motorized boats on its surface. Indigenous peoples harvested medicinal plants along its shores, and early fur traders used it as a remote cache location.
The lake’s numerous islands harbor old-growth forests untouched by logging.
Crypt Lake, Alberta
Reaching this hidden lake requires passing through a natural tunnel in the mountain and traversing cliffs using fixed cables. Early surveyors discovered Indigenous artifacts in the tunnel dating back over 2,000 years.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters are home to threatened bull trout that have existed here since the last ice age.
Ghost Lake, Ontario
This mysterious lake appears and disappears seasonally due to underground karst formations. Local Ojibwe stories tell of spirits that guard ancient burial grounds near its shores.
The lake’s fluctuating water levels have preserved traces of ancient forests in its depths.
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Paint Lake, Manitoba
It is named after the ochre deposits along its shores that Indigenous peoples have used for centuries in ceremonies and rock paintings. The lake contains dozens of small islands that once served as temporary camps for fur traders.
Ancient stone tools found here suggest human activity dating back over 6,000 years.
Kathleen Lake, Yukon
This lake, surrounded by the peaks of Kluane National Park, was named after the daughter of an early gold prospector. Its waters hold massive lake trout that have adapted to survive in its cold depths.
Indigenous peoples have harvested soap berries along its shores for thousands of years.
Lake O’Hara, British Columbia
Access to this alpine jewel is strictly limited to preserve its pristine nature, with only 42 visitors allowed daily. Early European explorers were guided here by Indigenous peoples who used the area for spiritual ceremonies.
The lake’s waters change color throughout the day as the light shifts across surrounding peaks.
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Maligne Lake, Alberta
Spirit Island, located in this glacier-fed lake, is one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. Indigenous peoples believed the island was a sacred place where the spirits of their ancestors gathered.
The lake’s unusual blue color comes from rock flour from glacial meltwater.
Lac William, Quebec
This hidden lake witnessed fierce battles between British and French forces during the Seven Years’ War. Residents have found musket balls and military buttons along its shores dating back to the 1750s.
The lake’s deep waters hold the remains of several 18th-century canoes.
Cedar Lake, Manitoba
Before being enlarged by hydroelectric development, this lake contained numerous Indigenous archaeological sites now submerged beneath its waters. Early fur traders established several posts along its shores in the 1700s.
The lake’s flooded forests create an eerie underwater landscape beloved by scuba divers.
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Exploring Canada’s Hidden Waters
These hidden lakes represent just a fraction of Canada’s countless pristine waterways, each with its unique story. From ancient geological events to Indigenous heritage and pioneer history, these remote bodies of water continue to captivate visitors with their beauty and mystery.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, these hidden lakes offer glimpses into Canada’s rich past and untamed wilderness.
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