Top 17 Lakes around Little Canada
Best lakes around Little Canada, Minnesota, offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities. The region features several lakes, some within the city limits and others in the broader vicinity, providing options for various outdoor activities. These bodies of water are integral to the local landscape, supporting wildlife and serving as community gathering spots. Efforts have been made to maintain and improve the water quality of these lakes, enhancing their appeal for visitors.
Best lakes around Little Canada
- The most popular lakes…
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Lake Phalen
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Como Lake
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Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden
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East & West Vadnais Lakes
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White Bear Lake County Beach
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Tips from the Community
Saint Paul–Changsha China Friendship Garden is a beautiful scape with it's Chinese-style pavilions, koi pond, and lush plantings provide a calm, meditative backdrop. A perfect spot to pause, stretch, and take in the carefully designed landscape before continuing your journey.
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Take your swimwear with you and enjoy cooling off after the hike. 😉
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek, and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which takes place each July.
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White Bear Lake is known as Bde Maṭo Ská by the Native Dakota people, and they were known for using the lake's island as a source for making Maple syrup. In his book "Life on the Mississippi" (1883) Mark Twain described the lake as such: "The White-bear Lake is less known. It is a lovely sheet of water, and is being utilized as a summer resort by the wealth and fashion of the State. It has its club-house, and its hotel, with the modern improvements and conveniences; its fine summer residences; and plenty of fishing, hunting, and pleasant drives. There are a dozen minor summer resorts around about St. Paul and Minneapolis, but the White-bear Lake is the resort."
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These two lakes make up part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. No watercrafts are allowed on these lakes and shoreline fishing is from permitted areas only.
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This lake was originally a wetland that was expanded when the surrounding park was developed. It is fed by storm sewer water run off, which for years resulted in algae blooms in the summer which produced a not-so-pleasant smell. However, recent efforts to improve the water quality, such as replacing invasive species with native plants and other filtration systems have greatly reduced the amount of algae blooms.
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which take place each July.
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This beach with its ample parking lot make a great place to start the Mark Sather Trail which you can take to Bellaire Beach on the south side of White Bear Lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for water sports and recreation near Little Canada?
For water sports, Lake Phalen is a popular choice, known for its annual Dragon Boat Festival in July. Gervais Lake, with its public beach, is also excellent for swimming and picnicking.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Little Canada area?
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Como Lake, Lake Phalen, and East & West Vadnais Lakes are all noted as family-friendly. Gervais Lake also features a public swimming beach, playground, and picnic areas.
Which lakes are good for fishing around Little Canada?
Kohlman Lake, Keller Lake, and Willow Lake are recognized fishing spots, hosting a variety of species including bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch. East & West Vadnais Lakes also permit shoreline fishing in designated areas.
What kind of trails can I find around the lakes near Little Canada?
You can find various trails for cycling and walking. For cycling, consider routes like the Vadnais Lakes loop or the Saint Paul Grand Round. You can explore these and other routes in the Cycling around Little Canada guide.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks near the lakes?
Near Lake Phalen, you can visit the Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden, a man-made monument with Chinese-style pavilions, a koi pond, and lush plantings. White Bear Lake also has historical significance, known as Bde Maṭo Ská by the Native Dakota people and described as a lovely summer resort by Mark Twain.
What efforts have been made to improve water quality in the lakes?
Significant efforts have been made, particularly at Como Lake. This includes replacing invasive species with native plants and implementing filtration systems, which have greatly reduced algae blooms and improved the lake's overall quality.
Can I go canoeing or picnicking at any of the lakes?
Yes, Round Lake (also known as Veterans Memorial Park) is primarily used for canoeing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, offering a quiet neighborhood resource. Gervais Lake also provides picnic areas alongside its swimming beach.
Are there any lakes where motorboats are restricted?
Yes, on East & West Vadnais Lakes, part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, no watercrafts are allowed. This helps maintain the tranquility and water quality of these lakes.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Little Canada?
The summer months are particularly popular, especially for activities like swimming at Gervais Beach or enjoying water sports and the Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Phalen in July. However, the lakes offer scenic beauty and recreational opportunities year-round.
Where can I find a public beach for swimming?
Gervais Lake is home to Gervais Beach, a popular spot operated by Ramsey County for public swimming and picnicking during the summer months. White Bear Lake County Beach also offers a place to cool off.
Are there any lakes suitable for wildlife viewing?
Round Lake, a small 12-acre lake within Little Canada, is a good spot for wildlife viewing, alongside canoeing and picnicking.
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