Navigating Great Slave Lake

Despite being the deepest freshwater in North America, Great Slave Lake has thousands of dangerous reefs, rocks and shoals.  Most of the lake has never been charted.  Unfortunately, commercial electronic charts for use in a GPS are not currently available for Great Slave Lake.  Paper charts published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service are available online for purchase from a variety of retailers, however the paper charts are based primarily on data collected in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.  The completeness and level of accuracy of the paper charts is questionable.

Boaters are encouraged exercise extreme caution, particularly when boating in areas of Great Slave Lake that are uncharted and/or where they haven’t ventured before.  A good GPS/Chartplotter with tracking functions and depth finder/sonar are essential equipment for boating on Great Slave Lake.  Learning about the lake from experienced boaters is critical for anyone starting out.

Weather and wind can change quickly on Great Slave Lake.  Forecasts can be obtained from numerous sources, including those provided on our "Links" page above.  Large expanses of open water mean the lake can become extremely rough.  Boaters must carry appropriate emergency equipment and plan for "what if" scenarios.  It is not uncommon for boats to need to seek refuge in a sheltered bay, channel or on the lee side of an island for an extended time until winds subside.

Communication via mobile phone is limited to within approximately 30km of Yellowknife.  A fully functional marine radio to contact other boaters and a Radio Operator's Certificate (ROC-M) are highly recommended.  A satellite phone, EPIRB or similar (e.g. SPOT messenger, InReach) are a must for anyone travelling outside of mobile phone reception. 

GSL Radio Repeaters

Great Slave Lake List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals - Canadian Coast Guard, updated March 2019 

ARC404 Sailing Directions - Great Slave Lake and Mackenzie River (2012)