The five, interconnected Great Lakes on the borders of northern U.S. and southern Canada make up 21% of the world’s surface fresh water. Over 5,000 cubic miles of it! The Great Lakes are a historically significant area for trade due to the broad network of rivers, and also today for tourism due to the stunning terrain and abundant wildlife. Some portion of the lakes touch seven of the U.S. states and provide thousands of miles of lakeside holiday entertainment. National parks, beaches, woods and rivers lure travellers in every season of the year, for hiking, skiing, golf, fishing, and, of course, boating and swimming in the 94,000 square miles of fresh, blue water.