Selwyn Lake
Lake Remote subarctic lake within Northwest Territories wilderness
A remote northern lake in the Northwest Territories, Selwyn Lake is a destination for canoeing, fishing and access to subarctic wilderness for experienced paddlers and anglers.
How to Get to Selwyn Lake #
There are no public roads to Selwyn Lake. Access is usually by floatplane or ski-equipped aircraft from regional hubs such as Yellowknife or Hay River (charter required). Some expeditions approach via winter ice roads and overland sled routes. Local outfitters in Yellowknife and Hay River can arrange charters and provide route advice.
Tips for Visiting Selwyn Lake #
- Fly or charter to Yellowknife or Hay River then arrange floatplane or fixed-wing charter - there are no roads directly to Selwyn Lake.
- Plan for weather and short daylight windows in shoulder seasons; insect repellent and waterproof gear are essential in summer.
- Bring a detailed topographic map (NWT maps) and GPS - cell coverage is unreliable. Most visits are by fishing or scientific parties.
Best Time to Visit Selwyn Lake #
Remote boreal and subarctic lake in the Northwest Territories, visited primarily by anglers, trappers, and scientists; no visitor facilities.
Weather & Climate near Selwyn Lake #
Selwyn Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -31°C to 20°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -22°C and lows of -31°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -28°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -24°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -19°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.
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