Grand Lac des Esclaves: What makes Canada's deepest lake unique. Photo
The Great Slave Lake or Grand Lac des Esclaves is the deepest lake in Canada and one of the largest in North America, with clear and deep waters.
The lake has a rich history. It was discovered by European explorers and became a popular destination after the discovery of tar and gold. Visitors can enjoy fishing, explore the Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve, visit Old Town Yellowknife, birdwatching, and drive the Dettah Ice Road. In addition, the lake is a great place to see the northern lights in winter, The Travel writes.
What makes it unique
With a height of 2,015 feet, Great Slave Lake is the deepest lake in Canada and one of the most unique. Located on the border with Alberta in the south of the Northwest Territories, this lake covers 28,568 square kilometres, making it the fifth largest lake in North America. It may not be the most famous (like Berg Lake) or "lost" (like Whistler Lost Lake in British Columbia), but it has a lot to offer travellers.
The waters of Great Slave Lake, part of the Mackenzie River system, are incredibly clear and deep, with a depth of over 600 metres, making it the second-deepest country lake on the globe. It is fed by several magnificent rivers, and the main source is the Slave River. This is what travellers need to know about the Great Slave Lake, also known as the Grand Lac des Esclaves.
What to do in the Great Slave Lake
Great Slave Lake offers unique experiences for both winter and summer vacationers, making it one of Canada's top destinations for active tourists.
Any traveller who enjoys fishing will be happy to cast a line here. Trout and pike are the most popular fish species, but anglers can also find inconnu, a catch related to whitefish (its real name is Beloribica). The lake is clean, and summer is a great time to visit if you are here for fishing. Vacationers can go fishing here at any time.
A visit to Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve, one of Canada's newest parks, is a must. It is located in the eastern arm of the Great Slave Lake and boasts an impressive sandy beach, beautiful rivers, lakes and incredible rocks that have been around for over two billion years.
Old Town Yellowknife is one of the most unique places to explore in this area of Great Slave Lake. There are many friendly locals and unique places to explore. The sprawling neighbourhood has beautiful galleries, delicious seafood restaurants, and gorgeous houseboats.
To the west of Big Slave Lake, there is the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary, which boasts the largest herd of wild forest bison.
Northern Lights
One thing that is worth the cold in Canada's majestic Great Slave Lake is seeing the northern lights in winter. Generally, the best views will be from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. during January-March.
Where to stay near Great Slave Lake
Yellowknife is the best place to stay in Great Slave Lake thanks to its numerous accommodation options, ranging from bed and breakfasts to lodges and vacation rentals. Vacationers will also enjoy the incredible gastronomic scene at some of the capital's top-notch restaurants and cafes. Yellowknife is also an ideal place to book guided tours to explore the area around the lake, regardless of the season of visit.