Lac La Martre
Lake Large Northwest Territories lake important for nesting waterfowl
A large Northwest Territories lake known among anglers and birdwatchers; Lac La Martre offers fishing, remote lodges and spring migration concentrations of waterfowl.
Lac La Martre is a large lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada and is one of the territory’s major inland water bodies. It is recognized regionally for its wetland habitat and wildlife value.
The lake and its shores provide significant habitat for migratory birds and other wetland species, making it important for wildlife observation and seasonal hunting and fishing activities. Recreation is generally dispersed and relies on boats or aircraft because of the lake’s remote setting.
The basin around Lac La Martre has long been used by Indigenous peoples of the region for fishing, trapping and seasonal use. Over the 20th century the area continued to be used for subsistence and commercial fishing along with traditional land uses.
Lac La Martre sits in the western part of the Northwest Territories in a broad boreal-wetland landscape. The area is remote from large centres and is accessed from regional settlements and airstrips.
- Wildlife importance: Ranked among the larger lakes in the Northwest Territories, it is noted for its importance to migratory waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.
- Access: Remote access; visits are usually by floatplane or long overland travel from regional communities and seasonal roads.
How to Get to Lac La Martre #
The lake is remote; many visitors arrive by floatplane from Hay River or Yellowknife in summer. There is limited road access via gravel routes in some seasons, but most visitors use air charters arranged through outfitters and lodges.
Tips for Visiting Lac La Martre #
- Plan itineraries around floatplane schedules - many lodges rely on air access in summer months.
- Bring warm layers even in summer: nights can be chilly near the water.
- Keep a respectful distance from nesting colonies; shorelines host sensitive bird habitat.
Best Time to Visit Lac La Martre #
Best in mid-summer when floatplanes and lodge access are most reliable; expect short windows of good weather.
Weather & Climate near Lac La Martre #
Lac La Martre's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -29°C to 21°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -20°C and lows of -29°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -24°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -13°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 42 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall.
_Canada_locator_01.jpg?width=600)
