Lake of the Woods

Area: 4860 sq. km (1876 sq. mi.)

Setting

On the borders of the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, Lake of the Woods (Lac des Bois) is half in Canada and half in the U.S. State of Minnesota. In a very scenic setting, its waters, fed by the Rainy River and draining into Lake Winnipeg through the Winnipeg River, are between 25 and 27 m (82 and 87 ft) deep, and full of fish. Islands and islets fringe the heavily indented Canadian north shore, while the south shore is flat, sandy and very marshy in places.

Lake of the Woods was discovered in 1688, providing trappers and "voyageurs" with a passage westwards. Nowadays it is a popular holiday hideaway.

The lake has numerous resorts and lodges and is a popular area with cottagers.