As The Canada Wildfires Continue To Rage, More Canadians Likely To Vacation In Florida
The wildfires in Canada continue to rage, disrupting life not only in Canada, but across much of the United States Northeast. As a Floridian, I’ve seen my share of wildfires,…
People wear face masks as they arrive to Newark Liberty International Airport amid hazy conditions due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires on June 8, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
The wildfires in Canada continue to rage, disrupting life not only in Canada, but across much of the United States Northeast. As a Floridian, I've seen my share of wildfires, but with aggressive forest management things have been much better over the last few years. Brush clearing and controlled burn efforts have really paid off. Our fire danger in Florida is actually quite low right now. Southwest Florida especially.
So if you're looking to escape the Canada Wildfires and smoke, Florida is a good choice.
Canadians have been heading to Florida since before the fires began. Visit Florida reported that Florida attracted an estimated 1.44 million Canadians during the first quarter of 2023. With COVID restrictions removed, that number is back up to pre-pandemic levels. People from all over are coming here as Visit Florida estimates we had a record 37.9 million visitors during the first quarter of 2023. Expect that number to rise even more as Canadians and East Coast residents look to escape the smoke. I saw an estimate of 140 fires burning, with several of them not contained.
The National Weather Service explains what is going on with the smoke.
It's very possible that these Canada Wildfires continue well into the summer. Weather patterns will decide where the smoke goes. I remember a week or so ago my friend in Iowa was talking about the smoke. Right now it's the New York area that's suffering. Vox summed it up best "East Coasters finally understand what it’s like to live in California."
I get it. You can't escape that smoke.
It's in your house, in your clothes, in your lungs. Running an air purifier only helps a little. I do remember one time sitting in my car with the air up and the 'recirculate' button pushed. That did help. But I'd expect more people to take a 'summer vacation' from the smoke and head down to Florida.
Florida Lake Named One of the Most Beautiful in the U.S.
America is known for many good things, from fast food to NFL football to land as far as the eye can see. It's also known for having lots and lots of beautiful lakes, including one Florida lake.
With so many lakes across the United States, you're probably within driving distance of a fantastic lake of some sort. So, which lakes are the absolutely best in America? It's a tough question. I mean, everyone looks for something different in a lake. Some people love large lakes that look almost like the ocean, while other thrive at small, inland lakes where you can always see the shore. But, there are some lakes that stand above the rest when it comes to beauty and popularity.
I've put together a list of the "11 Most Beautiful Lakes in America," offering a little bit of something for everyone. These lakes are found all across America, so wherever you live, one of these probably is relatively close to you. We're heading into the perfect season to visit a lake, too. For those who aren't lucky enough to live near the ocean, going to a lake is the next best thing. One famous Florida lake is included in here. So, get your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and bikini or trunks and check out 11 beautiful lakes in America to visit.
11 Most Beautiful Lakes in America
I've put together a list of the 11 most beautiful lakes to visit in America. This tally includes lakes from coast to coast. Some fun activities, depending on the currents, include swimming, wind surfing, going on a boat on the lake, having a picnic at the shoreline and more.
Lake Tahoe
Seneca Lake, New York
Seneca Lake is the biggest of the 11 glacial Finger Lakes. It's 38 miles long and more than 618 feet deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in America. What's extra cool is that the U.S. Navy even does some testing for submarines in this lake, because of its depth.
Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming
If you've ever been to Yellowstone Park, you've probably visited Yellowstone Lake. The massive lake is a part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It's actually the biggest lake in the park and one of the biggest highly elevated freshwater lakes in North America.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
The famous Lake Tahoe is located right on the state line between California and Nevada. It's stunning, as it is surrounded by the glorious Sierra Nevada Mountains. This is the largest alpine lake in North America, making it a must-see lake.
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
Here's a special lake located within the Nantahala National Forest and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. This is also a very pure lake, as its shoreline is mostly protected from development. It's a beautiful destination for fishing, jumping in a canoe or kayak or a picnic.
Hanging Lake, Colorado
Hanging Lake is so glorious. It's located in the middle of Glenwood Canyon in the White River National Forest, and it's actually part of the Southern Rocky Mountains. This lake "was formed by a geologic fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above," according to the USDA Forest Service, and is a designated National Natural Landmark.
Lake Superior, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan
The Great Lakes are, of course, some of the most famous lakes in the world. One that's often left of best-of lists is Lake Superior. It's the largest freshwater lake in the world and has a whopping 10% of the world's surface freshwater. Drink up.
Lake Michigan, Wisconsin/Michigan/Illinois
Lake Michigan is simply a landmark. It's actually the most deadly lake in America, due to the high volume of drownings. But, aside from the scary, it's a beautiful and large lake. The lake is spread over more than 307 miles, and there are many beach towns across those miles.
Lake Lanier, Georgia
Located in the northern part of Georgia, Lake Lanier runs nearly 40,000 acres. It stems from the construction of the Buford Dam. This lake is known for its super clear water. The water is actually crystal blue. How beautiful, right?
Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Lake Jocassee is in the Appalachian Mountains, and it's actually a man-made reservoir. Its water flows from the mountains. This is another lake known for its very clear water, so you get to see all the fish and underwater creatures when you look down into the water flow.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Lake Okeechobee is the biggest freshwater lake in Florida. It's a very popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Those who visit the lake get to learn the history and today's experience of the Seminole community at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which is a bonus.
Lake Erie, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York
The Lake Erie shoreline touches Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. The body of water offers some of the warmest waters you'll find in the Great Lakes. Lake Erie also offers some fantastic areas to swim, making it a popular vacation lake.
