Lake Superior during winters, Thunder Bay, Ontario

© Susan Dykstra/plainpictur

Freeze the day. Lake Superior, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Lake Superior in Ontario isn't just a massive freshwater lake—it's a natural wonder with a backstory. Spanning 82,100 square kilometres, this is the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area. Its shoreline extends across Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, making it a part of both Canadian and American landscapes. Historically, the lake has been an essential waterway for the fur trade, used by Indigenous peoples and later, European settlers. Its hydrography is equally impressive. It holds about 10% of the world's freshwater and reaches depths of 406 metres, fed by over 200 rivers. While the waters might seem endless, this lake takes on an entirely different personality during the winter months, as seen in today's image.

Situated along the shoreline is Lake Superior Provincial Park. A protected area since 1944, it encompasses the site of an Ojibwe fishing village known as Nanabozhung. The park is also home to ancient pictographs at Agawa Rocks, estimated to be between 150 and 400 years old, which offer insights into Indigenous history. These century-old Ojibwe artworks, painted with ochre, provide a glimpse into the beliefs and the connection between the people and the lake.