Great Slave Lake
Northwest Territory, Canada

Great Slave Lake

The Great Slave Lake is the centre of recreation for many travelers who visit the Northwest Territory. And for many of the locals who live in the communities on the shores of Great Slave Lake - the lake is the transportation and recreation centre of activity year round.

The Great Slave Lake is the second largest lake located within the borders of Canada. It is the deepest lake in North America reaching depths of 616 metres (2,027 feet). The lake occupies a large section of the southeast portion of the territory.

Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territory, is situated on the north end of Great Slave Lake along with the First Nation villages of Edzo, Rae and Dettah. Fort Resolution and Hay River are located on the southern end of Great Slave Lake.

To the west of the lake is the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary and the world's largest free roaming herd of wood bison. In the south Great Slave River pours into the lake. The community of Fort Smith, N.W.T is on the banks of the Great Slave River.

Great Slave Lake is the headwaters of the Mackenzie River. The Mackenzie River travels thousands of miles from Great Slave Lake to the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic ocean.

The East Arm of Great Slave Lake is where most go for adventure like fishing, canoeing, boating, sailing, kayaking and sightseeing. Most fish the east arm for lake trout, northern pike and arctic grayling. The East Arm is decorated with towering cliffs, small islands, historical artifacts and wildlife sightings.

One might notice, while exploring on Great Slave Lake, stone ovens and fireplaces. These stone structures, once belonging to cabins, are evidence left behind from the early explorers of the East Arm like George Black and John Franklin.

There are tours and guides, both water and air, which provide adventures on the lake. There are remote resorts on the shores of Great Slave Lake. Floatplanes, fishing charters and sightseeing tours operate from many of the bigger communities which reside on the shores of Great Slave Lake.

If on a self guided adventure make sure to pack allot of gas as refueling opportunities are few and limited when exploring on the lake.