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.