Grand lac des Esclaves Lake

Address: Great Slave Lake (Grand lac des Esclaves), Northwest Territories, Canada - shoreline near Yellowknife

Great Slave Lake (Grand lac des Esclaves) is a large lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada, covering roughly 28,568 square kilometres and stretching several hundred kilometres across the boreal north. It is notable for its exceptional depth and for being one of the largest lakes in North America by surface area.

The lake supports commercial and subsistence fisheries and is used for boating, ice travel and seasonal transport; its long arms and many islands create varied shoreline conditions for navigation. The main population centre on its shores is Yellowknife, which sits on the north shore and serves as the regional hub for services and access.

European arrival and exploration increased in the 18th century, with fur-trade routes and explorers reaching the lake in the late 1700s. The lake’s shores have long been inhabited by Dene and other Indigenous peoples, who used the basin for fishing and travel.

Great Slave Lake occupies a low-lying basin in Canada’s subarctic interior. The lake’s irregular shoreline includes wide bays and deep basins, and it sits within the boreal forest and taiga zone of the Northwest Territories.

• Depth: Holds the title of the deepest lake in North America, with a maximum recorded depth of about 614 metres.

Yellowknife is the primary gateway city on the north shore of Great Slave Lake with scheduled flights from Canada’s major centres; floatplanes and boats operate to lodges and remote communities in the summer. Winter access may use ice roads and snow vehicles-arrange with local operators.

• If visiting Yellowknife, take guided lake excursions for fishing and northern lights viewing on Great Slave Lake's shores.
• For boating or fishing trips, hire experienced local operators familiar with the lake's weather and water conditions.
• Summer is ideal for long daylight trips; winter offers ice-road access and spectacular aurora displays but requires specialized vehicles and guides.