Cool facts about Great Slave Lake
Posted on Aug 25, 2025 / Travel
- Great Slave Lake is the deepest lake in North America, with maximum depths exceeding 600 metres in places.
- The lake’s name comes from the historical English translation of the Dene name for the Slavey people who live in the region.
- Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, lies on the lake’s northwestern shore and grew from a gold-mining camp to the territorial capital.
- The lake’s islands and complex shoreline create numerous sheltered bays that are ideal for fishing and wildlife habitat.
- In winter the lake freezes solid enough in many areas to support ice roads used for supply and travel to remote communities.
- Great Slave Lake plays a key role in the Mackenzie River watershed and ultimately drains to the Arctic Ocean.
- Its deep, cold waters support trophy-sized lake trout, a major draw for sport and subsistence anglers.
- The lake’s dramatic northern lights displays attract photographers and aurora tourists during long winter nights.
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