List of islands of Ontario facts for kids
Ontario, a huge province in Canada, is home to thousands of islands! These islands are found in many different places, from massive lakes like Lake Huron and Lake Superior to smaller lakes and winding rivers. Some islands are big enough for towns and farms, while others are tiny rocky spots where only birds visit. This list will introduce you to some of the many islands you can find across Ontario's beautiful waters.
Islands in Major Lakes
Ontario has a lot of big lakes, and many of them are dotted with islands. These islands can be popular spots for camping, fishing, or just exploring nature.
Islands in Lake Huron
Lake Huron is one of the Great Lakes and has a huge number of islands, especially in its eastern part called Georgian Bay.
Georgian Bay Islands
Georgian Bay is famous for its "Thirty Thousand Islands," which is a huge group of islands that make up the world's largest freshwater archipelago. An archipelago is a group of islands. Many of these islands are rocky and covered with pine trees.
- Badgeley Island
- Beausoleil Island: This island is part of a national park and is a great place for hiking and camping.
- Christian Island: This island is home to the Beausoleil First Nation community.
- Flowerpot Island: Known for its unique rock formations that look like giant flowerpots. You can visit these by boat!
- Hope Island
- Manitoulin Island: This is the largest freshwater island in the world! It's so big it has towns, roads, and even its own lakes.
- Nottawasaga Island: Home to a historic lighthouse.
- Parry Island
- Shawanaga Island
- White Cloud Island
North Channel Islands
The North Channel is a beautiful waterway between Manitoulin Island and the mainland. It's known for its clear waters and stunning scenery, with many islands to explore.
- Barrie Island
- Beaver Island
- Great La Cloche Island
- Henry Island
- St. Joseph Island: This is a large island with a rich history, including old forts and pioneer settlements.
- Strawberry Island
Islands in Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Its islands are often popular for vineyards and tourism.
- Big Chicken Island
- East Sister Island
- Middle Island: This island is the southernmost point of land in Canada!
- Pelee Island: The largest island in Lake Erie, known for its mild climate and vineyards.
Islands in Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is the last of the Great Lakes before the water flows into the St. Lawrence River. It also has many islands, especially near its eastern end.
- Amherst Island
- False Duck Island
- Main Duck Island
- Simcoe Island
- Toronto Islands: A group of small islands just off the coast of downtown Toronto. They are a popular spot for parks, beaches, and a small community. You can take a ferry to get there.
- Wolfe Island: A large island near Kingston, popular for farming and wind turbines.
Bay of Quinte Islands
The Bay of Quinte is a long, narrow bay on the northern shore of Lake Ontario.
- Big Island
- Salmon Island
Islands in Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Its islands are often rugged and wild.
- Michipicoten Island: A large, remote island known for its wilderness and wildlife.
- Otter Island
- Slate Islands: These islands were formed by a meteorite impact! They are home to a unique population of woodland caribou.
- St. Ignace Island
Islands in Lake Nipissing
Lake Nipissing is a large lake in central Ontario, known for its fishing and many islands.
- Great Manitou Island: One of the larger islands in Lake Nipissing.
- Iron Island: Named for its iron ore deposits.
- Little Manitou Island
- Rankin Island
Islands in Lake Simcoe
Lake Simcoe is a large lake north of Toronto, popular for boating and ice fishing.
- Georgina Island: Home to the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.
- Snake Island
- Strawberry Island
- Thorah Island
Islands in Major Rivers
Ontario's rivers also have many islands, some of which are important for history or recreation.
Islands in the Ottawa River
The Ottawa River forms part of the border between Ontario and Quebec. It has many islands, especially near the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau.
- Bate Island: A small island in the Ottawa River, a popular spot for picnics and views of the city.
- Green Island: Home to several important buildings and monuments.
- Lemieux Island: An island in the middle of the river that helps with Ottawa's water supply.
- Petrie Island: A natural area with beaches and trails, great for birdwatching.
- Victoria Island: A significant island with historical and cultural importance, located near Parliament Hill.
Islands in the Saint Lawrence River
The Saint Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario and is famous for the "Thousand Islands" region. While many of these islands are in New York, USA, a large number are in Ontario, Canada.
- The Admiralty Islands: A group of islands popular for camping and boating.
- Camelot Island
- Grenadier Island: One of the largest Canadian islands in the Thousand Islands.
- Hill Island: Home to the Thousand Islands Tower, offering amazing views.
- Howe Island: A large island that can be reached by ferry.
- The Lake Fleet Islands: Another group of islands in the Thousand Islands.
- Wolfe Island: Also listed under Lake Ontario, as it sits at the mouth of the river.
- Zavikon Island: Famous for having the shortest international bridge in the world, connecting two parts of the same island, one in Canada and one in the USA!
Islands in the Detroit River
The Detroit River connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie and forms part of the border between Canada and the USA.
- Bois Blanc Island: Often called "Boblo Island," it used to be home to a popular amusement park.
- Fighting Island
- Peche Island: A small island near Windsor, Ontario, that is now a park.
Other Notable Islands
Beyond the major lakes and rivers, many smaller lakes and waterways across Ontario also have islands.
Islands in Lake Muskoka
Lake Muskoka is a popular cottage country lake with many islands.
- Acton Island
- Browning Island
- Bigwin Island: A large island with a historic resort.
Islands in Lake Temagami
Lake Temagami is a large, deep lake in northern Ontario, known for its wilderness and canoe routes.
- Bear Island: Home to the Temagami First Nation.
- Temagami Island: The largest island in the lake.
Islands in Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is a massive lake on the border of Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota (USA). It has over 14,500 islands!
- Aulneau Island: A very large, wild island.
- Big Island
- Coney Island: A popular spot near Kenora.
- Sultana Island: Named after a historic gold mine.
See also
- Islands of the Great Lakes
- Thousand Islands
