Great Slave Lake Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Great Slave Lake is more than just a body of water; it is a freshwater ocean in the heart of the Canadian North. As the deepest lake in North America, plunging to depths of over 600 meters, it holds a mystique that has drawn Indigenous peoples, fur traders, gold seekers, and adventurers for centuries. Standing on its shores, looking out at the endless horizon, you feel the profound silence and vastness that defines the Northwest Territories.

Located on the northern shore is Yellowknife, the quirky and vibrant capital city that serves as the gateway to this aquatic wilderness. Whether you visit under the midnight sun, when the lake sparkles like diamonds for twenty hours a day, or during the deep freeze of winter, when the water transforms into a solid highway of ice, Great Slave Lake offers an experience that is raw, authentic, and utterly unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The Pulse of the North

The lake is the lifeblood of the region, influencing the weather, the culture, and the daily rhythm of life. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional territory of the Dene people, particularly the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, who have fished its waters and hunted its shores. Today, that connection to the land and water remains palpable. You’ll see it in the fresh catch served in local restaurants and the respect locals show for the lake’s unpredictable moods.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Great Slave Lake culture is the houseboat community in Yellowknife Bay. These colorful, off-grid floating homes are a legal anomaly and a testament to the rugged independence of northerners. Residents battle freezing temperatures, haul their own water, and commute by canoe or snowmobile, creating a vibrant, floating neighborhood that captures the imagination of every visitor.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Bush Pilots Monument - Located in the heart of Old Town, this high rocky outcrop offers the definitive 360-degree view of Yellowknife, the houseboats, and the vast lake beyond. It honors the brave aviators who opened up the north. (Free, accessible via stairs).

Cameron Falls - A breathtaking waterfall located about 47 km east of Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail. A well-marked 20-minute hike leads you to the falls, which freeze into a stunning ice sculpture in winter. (Free, requires vehicle).

The Dettah Ice Road - In winter, a 6 km road is plowed directly on the frozen surface of Great Slave Lake, connecting Yellowknife to the Dene community of Dettah. Driving on 4-foot thick ice is a surreal bucket-list experience. (Free, usually open Jan-April).

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre - This world-class museum sits on the shore of Frame Lake and offers immersive exhibits on Dene culture, aviation history, and the arctic environment. (Free entry).

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Great Slave Lake usually involves flying into Yellowknife Airport (YZF), which has daily connections from Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Once you arrive, renting a car is highly recommended. While the city centre is walkable, the best hikes, aurora viewing spots, and lake access points are spread out along the Ingraham Trail and require a vehicle.

If you are visiting in winter, many tour operators provide extreme-cold weather gear (parkas, boots, pants) as part of their packages, but you should bring thermal base layers. In summer, the weather is surprisingly warm, but the mosquitoes can be ferocious in the bush, bring high-DEET bug spray and long sleeves if you plan on hiking inland.

Great Slave Lake is a destination of extremes, offering two distinct trips depending on when you arrive. Come in winter to witness the ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis and the architectural marvel of the Snowking’s Castle. Come in summer to energize your soul under the Midnight Sun, fishing for trophy trout and exploring the rocky, pine-covered islands. No matter the season, the spirit of the North awaits.