Canada Hosts the World’s Largest Number of Lakes, Totaling Nearly 880,000

Canada is home to the largest number of lakes in the world, with an estimated 879,800 lakes, representing over 60% of all lakes larger than 0.1 square kilometers globally. The majority of these lakes are concentrated in the country’s northern regions, where glacial activity during the last Ice Age shaped the landscape and created countless freshwater bodies.

These lakes play a vital role in local ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, regulating regional climate, and contributing to the global water cycle. They serve as habitats for numerous species of fish, birds, and aquatic plants, while also providing water resources for communities and industries.

Scientists stress the importance of monitoring Canada’s lakes due to the potential effects of climate change. Rising temperatures and melting glaciers can lead to the formation of new lakes, alterations in water levels, and the drying of older lakes. These changes may impact ecosystems, water availability, and local communities, making research and conservation efforts critical to preserving these freshwater resources.