Lac de Gras
Lake Large subarctic lake in Northwest Territories
Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories lies amid tundra and is notable for nearby diamond mines; outfitters run fishing trips and scenic flights over its clear, cold waters.
Lac de Gras is a large subarctic lake in Canada’s Northwest Territories known for its clear waters and for hosting several diamond mines at or near its shores. The lake and nearby islands are the site of major kimberlite discoveries that led to commercial diamond mining in the region.
Industrial infrastructure associated with the Diavik and Ekati diamond mines is visible in the Lac de Gras area; the mines have shaped local access routes and logistics while much of the lake remains remote tundra and freshwater habitat. The surrounding landscape is typical boreal and tundra terrain with seasonal ice cover.
The lake lies in the central Northwest Territories and is part of the greater Mackenzie River basin region. Access to the lake and its mines is by air, and winter ice roads are used seasonally to support operations.
- Access: The lake region is remote and accessed by seasonal roads, air and winter ice roads; tourism infrastructure is minimal and visits are typically arranged through outfitting companies.
What to See #
- Diavik Diamond Mine: The Diavik Diamond Mine is sited on islands within the lake and began production in the early 2000s, making the area internationally significant for diamond extraction.
- Ekati Diamond Mine: The Ekati Diamond Mine lies on the lake's southern margins and was the first operational diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories, starting production in the late 1990s.
How to Get to Lac de Gras #
Lac de Gras is remote in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Access is usually arranged from Yellowknife by air (charter flights) or via logistics operated by mining companies; independent visits require careful planning and permits.
Tips for Visiting Lac de Gras #
- Arrange logistics in Yellowknife or from diamond-mine operators if planning access to specific lake sectors - much of the region is fly-in or requires permission.
- Bring polar protection for sun and insects in summer; the tundra around the lake is fragile - follow Leave No Trace rules.
- If interested in the diamond industry, coordinate with authorized operators for guided tours of the nearby Diavik or Ekati areas (permissions required).
Best Time to Visit Lac de Gras #
For access to the lake itself and nearby diamond sites, summer is most practical; winter travel requires specialized equipment and experience.
Weather & Climate near Lac de Gras #
Lac de Gras's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -30°C to 14°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -24°C and lows of -30°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -23°C and lows of -29°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 46 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall.
