Geography
The Canadian province that is north of Lake Superior is Ontario. This great lake forms part of the border between the provinces of Ontario and Minnesota. It is the largest of the five Great Lakes with an area of 83,000 square kilometers and is the largest body of fresh water in the world. It measures approximately 160 kilometers wide, 563 kilometers long, and 202 meters deep at its deepest point. Its basin encompasses an area of roughly 95,000 square kilometers in Ontario and the surrounding provinces, and more than one third of Ontario’s population lives near this vast body of water.
Economic Activity
Ontario’s economy is closely tied to that of Lake Superior, with many major cities and industrial centers located along its shoreline. These include the cities of Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Bay, which are all major centers for manufacturing and shipping. The port of Thunder Bay is Canada’s largest on the Great Lakes and it is home to the world’s largest grain elevator. The lake is a major transportation route and also serves as an important source of freshwater, with several hydroelectric plants located along its banks.
Attractions
In addition to its economic significance, Lake Superior is an important recreational area. Major attractions include the Sibley Provincial Park, which features more than twenty waterfalls, and the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, which features large sandstone cliffs and spectacular views of the lake. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating and canoeing. Additionally, there are several aboriginal archaeological sites located near the lake which are popular tourist destinations.
Natural Environment
Lake Superior has extremely cold and clear water which is home to many species of fish, including lake trout and whitefish. The lake is an important stopover point for migrating birds and home to numerous species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The shoreline is home to many unique habitats, including wetlands, coastal dunes and forests. It is also the site of two Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar sites) – Heron Saugeen Sands and Routt.
Environmental Issues
While Lake Superior has long been an important part of Ontario’s economy and culture, it is facing a number of environmental challenges. These include runoff from agricultural fertilizer, industrial waste, and invasive species. High levels of pollution have resulted in the growth of algae blooms, which can impair water quality and can threaten fish and wildlife. In addition, climate change is causing an increase in water temperature, leading to an increase in blue-green algae blooms. Furthermore, overfishing of lake trout and whitefish populations has created a strain on resources in certain areas.
Conservation
The Ontario government is committed to protecting and preserving the lake’s natural environment. In order to strive toward this goal, numerous initiatives have been implemented, including the Great Lakes Vision 2020, the Great Lakes Protection Act, and the Species at Risk Act. These initiatives focus on protecting fish and wildlife habitats, reducing urban and agricultural runoff, and regulating invasive species. Additionally, the government has made a commitment to reduce phosphorus inputs into the lake by 40% by 2025.
Educational Outreach
In addition to conservation efforts, the Ontario government is undertaking numerous educational initiatives to help protect Lake Superior. Programs such as the Great Lakes Guide, the Great Lakes Ecosystem Monitoring Network and the Species at Risk Training Program are designed to educate, engage and empower Ontarians. There are also several organizations and volunteer groups which are dedicated to protecting the lake and its environs, such as the Lake Superior Watershed Conservation Plan and the Lake Superior Tribal Council.
Cultural Significance
The lake is of great cultural significance to the indigenous peoples who have traditional and contemporary use of the lake and the lands that surround it. The lake is the source of numerous cultural practices, ceremonies and festivals, including the annual Traditional Nishkaamigw Native Arts & Culture Festival held in Sault Ste. Marie. Additionally, there are numerous cultural sites located around the lake and its shoreline, which have been identified as being of significance to the Anishinaabe and other Indigenous peoples.
Tourism Opportunities
Lake Superior is an important source of tourism for Ontario, providing visitors with opportunities to explore its natural beauty and experience its cultural attractions. Popular tourist activities in the area include camping, fishing, boating and visiting the area’s numerous nature parks and trails. Additionally, many communities are developing local attractions such as lighthouses and museums, with the goal of encouraging sustainable tourism. There are also several popular festivals and events held throughout the summer in cities and towns along the lake.
Recreational Opportunities
Lake Superior’s recreational opportunities are expansive and diverse, giving visitors the chance to explore the lake by canoe, kayak, sailboat and motorboat. There are numerous marinas, launch ramps and private piers located along the shoreline, allowing visitors to conveniently access the lake. Popular activities on the lake include fishing, birdwatching, boating and swimming. There are also numerous parks and trails in the area which provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Historical Attractions
The Lake Superior region is home to numerous historical attractions, including several lighthouses and forts. These include the Drydock Lighthouse, the Fort Mckenzie Lighthouse and the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Historic Site. Additionally, there are several historical sites related to the area’s indigenous peoples and the fur trade era, including the Anishinabe Historical Site and the La Verendrye Trail. These attractions provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the history and culture of the area.
Benefits of Living Near Lake Superior
Living near a body of water as large and significant as Lake Superior has many advantages and benefits. These include the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also numerous employment opportunities in sectors such as tourism, shipping, and manufacturing. Additionally, there are numerous mental and physical health benefits associated with living near a body of water, including improved mood, increased energy and overall better health.
