Great Slave Lake

The primary gateway to Great Slave Lake is Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. You can fly into Yellowknife Airport (YZF) from major Canadian cities. From Yellowknife, you can arrange boat tours, fishing charters, or access remote lodges via floatplane or specialized vehicles depending on the season.

Public transport directly onto the lake is limited. Yellowknife has local transit, but accessing the vastness of Great Slave Lake typically requires organized tours, private charters, or driving to specific access points like Hay River or Yellowknife.

You can drive to communities on the shores of Great Slave Lake, such as Yellowknife and Hay River, via the Yellowknife Highway (Highway 3) and the Mackenzie Highway (Highway 1). Accessing more remote areas or islands usually requires a boat or plane.

The East Arm is best explored by boat or floatplane. Many fishing lodges and tour operators specialize in trips to this remote and pristine area, offering fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic tours.

Yes, boat tours are available, particularly from Yellowknife. These tours can range from short scenic cruises to multi-day fishing expeditions.

There are no general admission tickets for Great Slave Lake itself. However, you will need to book and pay for specific activities like fishing charters, lodge stays, boat tours, or guided expeditions. +1

Operating hours vary greatly depending on the activity and season. Fishing lodges and tour operators typically run during the ice-free months (late May to October), while ice fishing tours operate in winter. Always check with your chosen provider.

Costs vary widely. Day fishing charters can range from a few hundred dollars, while all-inclusive fishing lodge packages for multiple days can cost several thousand dollars per person. +1

Great Slave Lake is a natural body of water and not a national or provincial park with entry fees. However, some remote areas or Indigenous communities may have local access fees or require permits for certain activities.

Yes, many fishing lodges and charter companies operating on Great Slave Lake have websites where you can book trips and inquire about availability. +1

Fishing is excellent throughout the open water season (late May to October). Early summer is fantastic for lake trout hitting topwater flies, while late summer and fall can be great for pike and walleye. Ice fishing is popular in winter and spring. +2

Great Slave Lake is renowned for its trophy lake trout. You can also catch northern pike, Arctic grayling, and walleye, depending on the season and location. +1

Pack layers of clothing, waterproof outerwear, sturdy footwear, insect repellent (in summer), sunscreen, and a hat. For fishing trips, bring your preferred gear if not provided.

Swimming is possible in summer, but the water is very cold, even in July and August. Stick to designated areas or be prepared for a bracing dip.

Beyond fishing, attractions include exploring Yellowknife's unique houseboat community, witnessing spectacular sunsets, experiencing the Northern Lights (in winter), and learning about the region's Dene history.

Capture stunning sunsets over the vast water, the unique Yellowknife houseboat community, wildlife like eagles and musk oxen, and the dramatic winter landscapes during ice fishing. +2

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Summer evenings are particularly magical for sunsets.

Yes, Great Slave Lake is an excellent location for photographing the Aurora Borealis during the winter months, offering a vast, dark sky.

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light conditions and long exposures, especially for aurora photography.

While not always dedicated 'photography tours,' many fishing and sightseeing tours will take you to scenic spots ideal for photography. Inquire with local tour operators in Yellowknife.