Impact of Tourism on the Great Lakes Watershed

Author Alexis Love, on June 6th, 2025

The Great Lakes form the largest group of freshwater Lakes on Earth, holding nearly 20% of the world’s surface freshwater. Spanning over 244,000 square kilometres, they shape our geography, economy and culture identity for the people who live in their surrounding regions. Their vast size and natural beauty make them a vital part of life in Southwestern Ontario.

The Great Lakes Basin, map from the Safe Drinking Water Foundation

Here in Southwestern Ontario, the Great Lakes provide safe drinking water, support tourism, enable commerce through shipping channels, and are home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in Canada such as the Carolinian and Boreal forests. Although they have stood the test of time, they are incredibly vulnerable to human activity, including pollution, over-tourism, and climate change. As more people flock to the Great Lakes to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities, it becomes more important to understand how we can enjoy them responsibly, so they remain clean and healthy for future generations to enjoy all they have to offer.

Click below to explore the Great Lakes water basin with an interactive map:

Economic Significance

The Great Lakes are an economic powerhouse to both the Canadian and American economies. Over 33% of Canada’s population live, work, and play within their basin, and over 8% on the American side. The combined economic impact of the Great Lakes in Canada and the United States of America, is projected to be over $6 Trillion annually, through tourism, agriculture, shipping, fishing, and manufacturing.

The region is home to many marinas, beaches, and waterfront accommodations that are attractive to visitors. For example, waterfront destinations along the Lake Huron shoreline, from Sarnia to Tobermory, plays a vital role in sustaining small-town economies and seasonal businesses. In places like Port Dover, Grand Bend, and Port Stanley, tourism revenue helps fund community programs, conservation initiatives, and waterfront infrastructure. When responsibly managed, Great Lakes tourism not only boosts the economy but also reinforces the importance of protecting the natural assets that draw visitors in the first place.

Indigenous Culture

For thousands of years, the Great Lakes have been the heart of life and culture for many First Nations, including the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Ojibwe. These waters and their coastlines have sustained Indigenous communities since the end of the last Ice Age around 13,000 years ago in areas like Huron County through fishing, hunting, wild rice harvesting, maple sugaring, and spiritual practices.

Map by Milwaukee Public Museum depicting regional geography of Indigenous Tribes.

More than a place to gather food or water, the lakes hold deep spiritual meaning as part of Mother Earth. Around 130,000 Indigenous people thrived in the region before European contact, drawing nourishment from and respecting these waters as the source of all life. The lakes also served as vital travel corridors, cultural meeting places, and trade routes significant roles continuing to this day. Beyond history, the Great Lakes remain deeply significant within Indigenous culture today. Indigenous Peoples continue to maintain strong cultural, spiritual, and environmental relationships with the lakes. They are leaders in environmental stewardship and community-based conservation, often blending traditional knowledge with science.

Environmental Challenges

While tourism brings economic benefits, it also poses environmental risks:

• Shoreline Erosion and Habitat Loss: Increased foot traffic and development to accommodate visitors can lead to the degradation of natural habitats and accelerated shoreline erosion.

• Water Pollution: Boat traffic, littering, and runoff can degrade water quality. This not only harms aquatic species but also impacts recreational use for visitors. For example, harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie have led to beach closures, reduced water access, which can severely limit the amount of visitors entering the region.

• Invasive Species: Tourism can inadvertently introduce invasive species, which disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species.

• Climate change: Warmer temperatures and unpredictable precipitation patterns affect water levels and quality, influencing recreational activities. For instance, reduced ice cover on the Great Lakes due to rising temperatures has led to increased evaporation and lower water levels, as well as increased shoreline erosion, affecting both biodiversity and tourism operations.

Why does this matter? The Great Lakes are not just national treasures, they are part of our daily lives here in Southwestern Ontario. Towns like Port Stanley, Port Dover, Long Point, etc., rely heavily on the lakes for tourism, recreation, and local livelihoods. If we fail to manage how we interact with these waters, we risk losing not only their ecological value but also the economic and cultural identity they support in our region.

Managing the Impact of Tourism

To help mitigate the effects of over tourism, several strategies can be implemented:

• Managing Visitor Flow: Spread visits across seasons and promote less trafficked areas to reduce strain on high-traffic locations. Visitor caps may work in some areas (i.e. Conservation Area or Provincial Park), but alternative visitor flow management strategies such as timed entry, shuttle systems, or flexible hours may be more widely accepted and effective.

• Community Engagement: Include residents, Indigenous partners, and local businesses in tourism planning so decisions align with long-term cultural and environmental values.

• Environmental Education: Businesses and destinations can play a key role by providing signage, training staff, and offering eco-tips at check-in or during bookings. Encouraging responsible behaviour through storytelling, QR-code linked videos, or local conservation partnerships can turn visitors into active stewards.

Visitor Best Practices

Before you head out to explore the Great Lakes, take a moment to review these simple visitor best practices. A few small choices can make a big impact in protecting shorelines, wildlife, and water quality. Although these simple actions are just the starting point they will help visitors gain a deeper awareness and long-term commitment to becoming a good environmental steward. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or relaxing on the beach, follow these do’s and don’ts to help keep our lakes clean, safe, and beautiful for all to enjoy.

The Great Lakes have shaped our region for centuries, providing water, wildlife, beauty, and economic opportunity. But their future and health depends on the choices we make not only as visitors but as environmental stewards.

By adopting and maintaining good environmental habits, supporting sustainable businesses, and encouraging eco-thinking, we can ensure that the Great Lakes continue to remain in good health for the people who live in their region, and for everyone that comes to experience all they have to offer.

Author

Alexis Love, BA. (Hons) Environmental Studies