Great Lakes Photo Showcase 

The International Joint Commission (IJC) works to engage and educate people on the issues that shape Great Lakes water quality. To support this work, the IJC is seeking photos from around the Great Lakes showing the countless ways that people interact with the Great Lakes.

Submitting photos: Entries are accepted on an ongoing basis (up to six (6) photos per person). Public voting begins in early 2026. Winners will be contacted via email.

Cast Your Vote: Great Lakes Water in Action

How voting works: Browse the gallery and tap the Like button to cast your vote. You may vote for as many photos as you wish, but only once per photo.

View the galleries for the other categories:

What’s next: Winning photos will be featured in a post card series, on the IJC’s homepage and on our social media platforms. Photos will also be incorporated into the IJC’s upcoming assessment report on Great Lakes water quality.

Duck riding on a Map Turtle in the Bay of Quinte. Belleville, Ontario. Great Lakes Water in Action. Lindsay Rogers.
Working port of Duluth: rocky shore, floating ice chunks and the Lift Bridge. Duluth, Minnesota. Great Lakes Water in Action. Lisa Fitzpatrick.
A rare Trumpeter swan at Humber Bay West Park September 2025. There were 5 juveniles with their 2 parents. I believe this male was protecting his family by his spread of wings. We were swimming in the same area but not close. Quite magical to be with them. Toronto, Ontario. Great Lakes Water in Action. Sharon Purdy
Sunrise in January. The water is filled with ‘ice balls’ The water temperature was close to 0c. The air was -20c. Hence the mist rising above the water. Jack Darling Park, Mississauga, Ontario. Great Lakes Water in Action. Sharon Purdy
First snow fall of the season - a serenity that descends upon the lake that only Winter can provide. All seasons are beautiful on the lake. But Winter is especially magical and joyful. Humber Bay Toronto, Ontario. Great Lakes Water in Action. Sharon Purdy
See that freighter across the water? Mackinaw, Michigan. Great Lakes Water in Action. Margaret McGrady.
Beautiful Lake Michigan. Mackinaw, Michigan. Great Lakes Water in Action. Margaret McGrady.
Just one of many beautiful sunsets! Mackinaw, Michigan. Great Lakes Water in Action. Margaret McGrady.
Looking out from lower Michigan to the mackinaw Bridge on a beautiful day! Mackinaw, Michigan. Great Lakes Water in Action. Margaret McGrady.
Peace over the Mackinaw Bridge. Mackinaw, Michigan. Great Lakes Water in Action. Margaret McGrady.