The ocean doesn’t have the monopoly on islands. Some of the world’s loveliest and most culturally significant islands are actually surrounded by freshwater. Formed by sedimentation, erosion, or volcanic activity, these islands can be huge (Manitoulin Island in Canada’s Lake Huron is over 1000 square miles) or teeny (Phantom Ship, a craggy rock column in Crater Lake that’s a mere 500 feet across and resembles a ghostly schooner in the fog).
From fairy tale-esque formations to old-world waterfront wonders, each lake island comes with its own unique culture, spectacular wildlife, and water-based adventures. So ditch your notions of tropical slices of sand floating in the ocean and explore these nine intriguing lake islands instead.
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
This barbell-shaped island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua is home to two enormous volcanoes (one dead and one very alive), luscious hillside coffee plantations, and small native villages. Both volcanoes are hikeable; on the southeast side there’s dormant Maderas, which last erupted in the Pleistocene epoch, its gentle slope shrouded in cloud forest; and to the northwest is Concepción, which still regularly belches out smoke and ash. Although seemingly not the most enticing, it makes for the more exciting hike: a full-day climb through dry tropical forest, alive with the screeches of howler monkeys, leading to a barren summit cloaked in hot, sulphurous steam.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA
Mackinac Island, located in Michigan’s Lake Huron, has been a vacation destination since Victorian times, maintaining a charming 19th-century allure with grand hotels, a pedestrian main street lined with fudge shops, and summer sailing regattas. Hop the ferry and spend a few days cycling around – no cars are allowed! Refuel with flapjacks at one of the local diners, then ride the eight-mile loop of Lake Shore Road. Explore historic sites like the 1780-built Fort Mackinac and the iconic red and white Round Island Lighthouse. The classic stay is the aptly-named Grand Hotel – a striking white structure with a 660ft porch (purportedly the longest in the world!) overlooking manicured English gardens that has hosted numerous US presidents.
Toronto Islands, Toronto, Canada
A 10-minute ferry from downtown Toronto lies this utterly charming chain of little islands, separating Toronto Harbour from the rest of Lake Ontario. A summer afternoon getaway might involve a chilly dip at one of the grey sand beaches, a spin in a rented canoe, and a stroll up to the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the Great Lakes. Children will delight in a ride on the swan boats or the turn-of-the-century carousel at the Centreville children’s amusement park. The main islands are connected by boardwalks and bridges, making it a favored spot for biking. Bring along a picnic to enjoy the serene scenery.
Isla Orquídea, Chiapas, Mexico
In the cool piney highlands on the border of Mexico and Guatemala lies Lagos de Montebello National Park, home to 59 lakes with striking and varied shades of blue and green. One, Laguna Pojoj, is home to a small island sometimes called Isla Orquídea (Orchid Island) for the bright flowers cultivated there. Hire a rustic wooden raft and paddle out to the island for an hour or two of admiring the blooms, then enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake – the water is some of the clearest in the country.
Antelope Island, Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Bison, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and bobcats roam Antelope Island, the largest of 10 islands in the Great Salt Lake. This island is a mecca for nature photographers, with a syrupy golden light warming its sandy hills and grasslands. At certain times of day, it’s hard to tell where the surrounding water ends and the sky begins. Hike, cycle, or ride horses around the island, or visit its preserved 19th-century ranch (allegedly haunted!). Alternatively, cool down with a swim; the lake’s high salt content means you’ll bob around like a cork and be left with a white film of salt on your skin. At night, set up camp beneath a canopy of stars – the island is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
Samosir Island, Sumatra, Indonesia
Samosir Island takes the prize for being the largest island in a lake on an island (still following?). This dreamy locale features rice paddies and palms surrounded by commanding volcanic mountains, dotted with the dramatic peaked roofs of traditional Batak houses. Swim in the deep cool waters of Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake on earth, or hitch a ride on a bamboo raft. Hike Pusuk Buhit Mountain for panoramic views of the island and the waters beyond, followed by a soothing soak in a local hot spring before indulging in Batak culinary delights like spicy freshwater carp.
Islands of Lake Maggiore, Italy and Switzerland
Visitors have been drawn to this northern Italian and southern Swiss lake region since the 19th century when a new mountain pass simplified traversing the Alps. The lake, along with its many islands, retains the splendor of bygone days. Spend your time hopping between islands, visiting Renaissance palaces, exploring early Christian ruins, and wandering through grand botanical gardens. Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) is, appropriately, the perfect spot for a fresh fish lunch.
Mokoia Island, New Zealand
Cross Lake Rotorua on a jetboat to visit this fertile volcanic island, sacred to the Maori for generations. In Maori legend, highborn maiden Hinemoa swam across the lake to join her lover Tutanekai on the island after her father forbade her to marry him. Today, Mokoia is owned by local tribes and can only be accessed through guided tours. For bird-watchers, this island is a true bucket list destination, home to rare birds such as kiwi, weka, kokako, and saddlebacks that can be spotted hopping through the steam rising from the geothermal pools in the cool morning air.
Herreninsel and Fraueninsel, Germany
This chilly blue glacier-carved lake in Bavaria’s Alpine Foreland boasts two inhabited islands – Herreninsel (Gentlemen’s Island) and Fraueninsel (Ladies’ Island), both filled with rich and unique histories. Gentlemen’s Island hosts Herrenchiemsee, a palace complex built in the late 1800s by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Inspired by Versailles, it was never completed. Visitors can explore the palace and its romantic gardens, as well as the older Benedictine monastery. Ladies’ Island is renowned for its numerous ceramic artisans and for housing a 1300-year-old Benedictine convent. Stop by the convent’s Klosterladen (cloister shop) to buy the nuns’ handmade herbal liqueurs and marzipan shaped like fish.
