The Great Lakes comprise the largest collective body of fresh water on the planet, containing roughly 18 percent of Earth's supply. Only the polar ice caps contain more fresh water.

The rest (approximately 1.7%) is stored in polar ice caps, glaciers, and permanent snow, and another 1.7% in groundwater, lakes, rivers, streams, and soil.

Canadians enjoy the traditional polar bear swim. People of all ages put on their swim suits and jump into frozen lakes.