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 on the Canada–United States border, shared by Ontario and Manitoba in Canada and Minnesota in the United States. It is a major Canadian freshwater resource, with most of its area in Ontario and a smaller portion in Manitoba. The lake is known for its many islands, long shoreline, and importance as a fishery, tourism area, and part of the Lake Winnipeg drainage basin.
Geography
Lake of the Woods is a shallow, irregularly shaped lake occupying parts of Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota. It is a remnant of glacial Lake Agassiz and is notable for its many islands and extensive shoreline. The lake has more than 14,500 islands and an exceptionally irregular shoreline, with a total shoreline length over 100,000 km.
Hydrology
The lake is fed mainly by the Rainy River, its largest tributary, and drains northwest through the Winnipeg River into Lake Winnipeg. This makes it part of the larger Lake Winnipeg drainage basin and the broader Arctic watershed.
Uses and significance
Lake of the Woods is an important natural and economic resource, supporting fishing, tourism, and recreation. It also has cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples in the basin and serves as a drinking water source for nearby communities. The lake is economically important for northwestern Ontario and is part of a shared Canada–U.S. water system.
History
The lake was visited by French explorer Jacques de Noyon in 1688 and later became an important fur-trading route between the Great Lakes and western Canada. Its strategic and economic role continued into the modern period.
Key facts
- Lake of the Woods straddles the Canada–U.S. border, with most of its area in Ontario.
- It has more than 14,500 islands and an extensive shoreline over 100,000 km.
- The lake is part of the Lake Winnipeg drainage basin and the Arctic watershed.
- It is economically important for fishing, tourism, and recreation in northwestern Ontario.
- The lake has historical significance as a fur-trading route and cultural importance for Indigenous Peoples.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Lake of the Woods located?
How big is Lake of the Woods?
How many islands does it have?
What river drains Lake of the Woods?
Why is Lake of the Woods important?
References
- 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.