There’s no better way to cool down on a warm summer day than hanging out at your local body of water. Fortunately, the US and Canada are packed with incredible, pristine lakes that offer plenty of opportunities to watch the sunset over alpine peaks, paddle along calm, glassy waters, or kick off your flip flops and go for a dip.
So, if you’re looking to kick-start your summer adventure, look no further. We’ve put together a list of six stunning lakes worthy of at least a weekend away.
Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona
Lake Powell, set dramatically against a backdrop of eroded red rock canyons and mesas, is the largest man-made lake in North America and is widely recognized by boating enthusiasts as one of the premier water-based recreation destinations in the world.
Lake Powell, formed by the impounded waters of the Colorado River above the Glen Canyon Dam, is the best known and most visited feature at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The vast landscape of Glen Canyon contains rugged water- and wind-carved canyons, buttes, mesas, rivers, seeps, springs, and hanging gardens.
Saguaro Lake, Arizona
Saguaro Lake is located about 40 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix. The lake is named for its surrounding stands of Saguaro cactus. It has more than 22 miles of shoreline and is 118 feet deep at its deepest point when full and is about 10 miles long.
The lake is perfect for power boating, sailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is divided into two sections connected by narrows between canyon walls. The lower main portion has the greater water surface, while the more narrow east end has boat access camping.
Okanagan Lake, British Columbia
Okanagan Lake, home of the legendary lake monster Ogopogo, is the largest lake in the region and located close to the center of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Highway 97 takes you along the shoreline from Penticton to Kelowna, traveling through many communities.
Along the way there are numerous access spots leading to beautiful sandy beaches, resorts, and campsites. Penticton, Naramata, Summerland, Peachland, and Kelowna are all located on the shores of Okanagan Lake hosting thousands of visitors to the area.
Lackawanna Lake, Pennsylvania
The 1,445-acre Lackawanna State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton. The centerpiece of the park, the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake, is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through forest.
Boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming are popular recreation activities. The campground is within walking distance of the lake and swimming pool, and features forested sites with electric hook-ups.
Lake George, New York
Lake George, nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes”, is a long, narrow lake located at the southeast base of the Adirondack Mountains, in the northeastern portion of New York State. It lies within the upper region of the Great Appalachian Valley and drains northward into Lake Champlain.
Get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Lake George and the Southern Adirondacks. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you are hiking with your family, playing a round of golf with friends, or heading out for an extreme adventure.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and most popular lake in New Hampshire and certainly one of the most scenic. Located at the foothills of the White Mountains and surrounded by mountain ranges, Lake Winnipesaukee contains more than 300 islands and covers 44,000 acres of crystal clear water.
The M/S Mount Washington visits five different ports on alternating days throughout the week. Weirs Beach is the Mount Washington’s home port and offers cruises every day. All cruises are 2½ hours roundtrip.
Ready to Go?
The time has come for you to get your boat on, swim on, hike on, or float on. Whether you love to hike, bike, camp, backpack, paddle, surf, houseboat, or sail—one of these beautiful bodies of water will certainly fit the bill.
Worth Pondering…
Once in a lifetime, if one is lucky, one so emerges with sunshine and air and running water that whole eons might pass in a single afternoon without notice.
—Loren Eisley