There are two notable Dog Lakes in Ontario that paddlers may encounter, and they are distinct water bodies in different regions of the province.

The Dog Lake near Wawa is part of a well-established multi-day canoe route with historical significance. The route runs from Dog Lake through Manitowik and Whitefish Lakes, then continues along the Michipicoten River to Lake Superior, covering a journey typically completed in three to five days. This corridor formed part of the historical trade and transportation route connecting Lake Superior to James Bay.

Paddlers on this route can find pictographs on Dog Lake itself, and the abandoned Hudson Bay Post located adjacent to Buck's Marina on the Michipicoten River is accessible along the way. The area offers good wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the route.

The Dog Lake located approximately 30 miles northwest of Thunder Bay is a substantially larger lake, covering roughly 13,000 acres with 120 miles of shoreline not counting islands. It reaches a maximum depth of 245 feet and has a mean depth of 41.3 feet.

Silver Falls Provincial Park provides the primary access point, with a boat ramp available there. To reach the park, take Highway 102 west to Silver Falls Road, then north to Dog Lake. The park includes a 54-site campground, parking, toilets, swimming areas, and hiking trails.

The lake and surrounding park are noted for glacial features formed over the past 10,000 years, including the Dog Lake moraine, kettle terraces, spillways, and outwash deposits. Five resorts on the lake offer additional services including cabins and boats. The lake's considerable size and depth should be factored into trip planning, as large open water can generate significant wave action in wind.