Lake islands don’t always get the same spotlight as oceanic islands, but some of the world’s largest and most fascinating islands actually lie within freshwater lakes. If you’re into offbeat travel and the kind of places that feel like secret worlds, lake islands are where it’s at.
Here’s a countdown of the 10 biggest lake islands, with some interesting facts and sizes to get you dreaming of your next island adventure.
10. Ometepe Island, Nicaragua — 276 km²
Starting off our list, Ometepe Island is a volcanic double-island in Lake Nicaragua. It’s famous for its twin volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, and its rich indigenous history. Ometepe’s 276 square kilometers make it a giant among lake islands, and it’s also one of the most ecologically diverse, with rainforest, waterfalls, and archaeological sites to explore.
9. Idjwi, Democratic Republic of Congo — 340 km²
Idjwi is a massive lake island sitting in Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Its 340 square kilometers are mostly rural, with farming and fishing the main activities. It’s also an island shaped by the region’s troubled history but remains stunningly beautiful, fringed by the towering Rwandan and Congolese mountains.
8. Drummond Island, USA — 347 km²
Located in Lake Huron, Drummond Island is part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Covering 347 square kilometers, it’s largely wild and sparsely populated, making it a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts who want to fish, hike, and kayak away from the crowds.
7. St. Joseph Island, Canada — 365 km²
Also in Lake Huron but on the Canadian side, St. Joseph Island is slightly larger than Drummond Island. Its 365 square kilometers feature a mix of forest, farmland, and charming small towns. It’s also known for the historic “Discovery Shipwreck” and its important role in Great Lakes shipping.
6. Ukerewe Island, Tanzania — 530 km²
Ukerewe Island dominates Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. It’s the biggest lake island in Africa and covers 530 square kilometers. Its communities are vibrant, with fishing and farming shaping life here, and it’s known for its cultural traditions and unique island wildlife.
5. Isle Royale, USA — 535 km²
Isle Royale sits in Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area. This rugged island, at 535 square kilometers, is a national park famed for its wolf and moose populations and pristine wilderness. It’s a haven for hikers and backpackers seeking solitude and raw nature.
4. Samosir Island, Indonesia — 630 km²
Unique in this list, Samosir Island sits inside Lake Toba, a massive volcanic crater lake in Sumatra. At 630 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest lake islands in the world, with a distinct Batak culture, dramatic volcanic scenery, and a warm tropical climate.
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3. Olkhon Island, Russia — 730 km²
Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal, the deepest lake on Earth. Its 730 square kilometers are rugged and sparsely inhabited, home to the indigenous Buryat people and rich in shamanistic traditions. Baikal’s pristine waters and Olkhon’s cliffs make it a mystical destination for travelers.
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2. René-Levasseur Island, Canada — 2,020 km²
Nestled in Quebec’s Manicouagan Reservoir, René-Levasseur Island is truly massive. Its 2,020 square kilometers make it a giant crater island formed by a meteor impact. It’s a remote wilderness area with dense boreal forest and unique geology that attracts adventurous explorers.
1. Manitoulin Island, Canada — 2,766 km²
Taking the top spot, Manitoulin Island is not just the biggest lake island in the world, but a cultural and natural treasure. Sitting in Lake Huron, it spans a huge 2,766 square kilometers. It’s home to Indigenous communities, freshwater beaches, forests, and dozens of small lakes within the island itself — a true island within an island scenario.
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