Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is a large freshwater lake on the Canada–United States border, shared by Ontario and Manitoba in Canada and Minnesota in the United States.
Lake of the Woods is a large freshwater lake straddling the Canada–United States border, shared by Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota. It is known for its more than 14,500 islands, extensive shoreline, and role as a key fishery and tourism destination.
What it is
Lake of the Woods covers about 4,472 km² and extends over 110 km in length. It is a remnant of glacial Lake Agassiz, with an irregular shape and over 100,000 km of shoreline. Most of the lake lies in Ontario, with smaller portions in Manitoba and Minnesota.
Why it matters
The lake supports fishing, tourism, and recreation, and serves as a drinking water source for nearby communities. It has cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples and was a historic fur-trade route. Economically, it is important for northwestern Ontario and is part of a shared Canada–U.S. water system.
Key details
The Rainy River is the largest tributary feeding the lake. It drains northwest through the Winnipeg River into Lake Winnipeg, placing it in the Lake Winnipeg drainage basin and the broader Arctic watershed. French explorer Jacques de Noyon visited in 1688, and the lake later became a key fur-trade route.
In short
- Shared by Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota.
- More than 14,500 islands and over 100,000 km of shoreline.
- Drains via the Winnipeg River into Lake Winnipeg.
- Important for fishing, tourism, and Indigenous cultural heritage.
Lake of the Woods is a major Canadian freshwater resource, with most of its area in Ontario and a smaller portion in Manitoba. It is economically important for northwestern Ontario and is part of a shared Canada–U.S. water system.
Quick questions
Where is Lake of the Woods located?
How many islands does it have?
What river drains Lake of the Woods?
Sources
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/lake-of-the-woodsSupports: Area, Canadian share, elevation, hydrology, and origin as a remnant of glacial Lake Agassiz.
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/canada-water-agency/freshwater-ecosystem-initiatives/lake-of-the-woods/lake-of-the-woods-overview.htmlSupports: Border location, ecological and economic importance, and cultural significance.
- Government of Ontario — https://www.ontario.ca/page/lake-woodsSupports: Shared international freshwater system, shoreline, inflow, drainage, Ontario share, and resource importance.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-of-the-WoodsSupports: Boundary location, dimensions, islands, shoreline, drainage, and historical context.