Clearwater Lakes
Lake Paired meteorite-impact lakes in northern Quebec
A pair of near-circular lakes in Quebec formed by meteor impacts, Clearwater Lakes draw geologists and outdoor visitors for their unusual geology, canoeing, fishing and remote boreal scenery.
Clearwater Lakes are a pair of nearly circular lakes in central-northern Quebec notable for their striking round shapes. The two basins lie adjacent to one another and are commonly treated together in geological studies.
The twin form and concentric rims make the lakes a point of interest for geologists and satellite observers; they are often interpreted as a pair of related impact structures rather than typical glacial lakes. The lakes and their rims are most clearly appreciated from the air or on satellite imagery.
Geological work has identified the basins as structures of interest in studies of large-scale impacts and regional geology. Field access is limited and the area is remote, so most visits are by air or guided expedition.
The lakes are located in a sparsely populated part of Quebec amid boreal forest and muskeg. The setting is remote from major centres and the nearest settlements are small; access typically requires extended travel by road or air.
- Twin lakes: Composed of two distinct, nearly circular basins commonly referred to as East and West Clearwater Lakes.
How to Get to Clearwater Lakes #
The Clearwater Lakes are deep in northern Quebec and are usually reached by small charter aircraft from regional centres or by extended overland travel on logging roads; local outfitters can arrange guided access.
Tips for Visiting Clearwater Lakes #
- The lakes are in a very remote area of northern Quebec; plan logistics carefully, including charter flights or extended road travel.
- Bring binoculars and a good topographic map - the twin structure is best appreciated from altitude or the nearest high vantage points.
Best Time to Visit Clearwater Lakes #
Summer gives the most reliable access and milder weather; the site is remote so plan accordingly.
Weather & Climate near Clearwater Lakes #
Clearwater Lakes's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -26°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (587 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -20°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -18°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 85 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 85 mm of rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
