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.

Selwyn Lake at a Glance#

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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.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Long daylight, peak fishing, but mosquitoes are at their worst; ideal for canoeing and camping.
Late spring / early fall (May, Sept)
May, September · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Fewer bugs and spectacular light but shorter seasons for floatplanes; expect chilly nights and early freezes.
Winter (Nov-Apr)
November-April · -40--10°C (-40-14°F)
Accessible only by long overland traverse or winter flights; frozen surfaces used by hunters and researchers.

Weather & Climate near Selwyn Lake#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-31°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -31° - -22° -36° 17 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
February - -28° - -19° -32° 13 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
March - -24° - -11° -26° 20 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
April - -13° - -1° -13° 19 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
May - -4° - 6° -3° 30 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
June - 3° - 15° 7° 45 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
July - 9° - 20° 14° 62 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
August - 8° - 18° 13° 62 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
September - 2° - 10° 3° 54 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
October - -5° - 2° -6° 40 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
November - -18° - -11° -21° 26 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
December - -28° - -19° -32° 17 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -