# Great Bear Lake

> large glacial lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada

**Wikidata**: [Q5525](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5525)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Bear_Lake)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/great-bear-lake

## Summary
Great Bear Lake is a large glacial lake located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It is one of the largest lakes in North America and holds significant ecological and geographic importance within the Canadian boreal and tundra regions.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Glacial lake
- **Location**: Northwest Territories, Canada
- **Country**: Canada (since 1867)
- **Territory**: Northwest Territories (established July 15, 1870)
- **Aliases**: Sahtú (indigenous name)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 66°, Longitude -121°
- **Wikipedia Title**: Great Bear Lake
- **Wikidata Description**: large glacial lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada
- **Sitelink Count**: 74

## FAQs
### Where is Great Bear Lake located?
Great Bear Lake is located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It lies within a remote subarctic region and is one of the most northerly large lakes in the world.

### What is the significance of the name "Sahtú"?
"Sahtú" is the indigenous name for Great Bear Lake, used by the Sahtúgot’įnę people who have lived in the area for generations. The lake is central to their culture and traditional way of life.

### How large is Great Bear Lake?
Great Bear Lake is one of the largest lakes in North America by surface area. It spans approximately 31,153 square kilometers (12,028 square miles), making it the fourth-largest lake entirely within Canada.

### What is the climate and environment around Great Bear Lake like?
The lake is situated in a subarctic climate zone, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The region is part of the Canadian Shield and boreal ecosystem, with significant wildlife and relatively untouched wilderness.

### Is Great Bear Lake accessible or developed for tourism?
Great Bear Lake is extremely remote, with limited infrastructure. Access is primarily by air or seasonal ice roads. Tourism is minimal and largely focused on eco-tourism and indigenous cultural experiences.

## Why It Matters
Great Bear Lake plays a critical role in the ecosystem of Canada’s northern boreal and tundra regions. It supports diverse wildlife, including fish species like lake trout and Arctic char, and is home to indigenous communities such as the Sahtúgot’įnę. The lake also holds cultural and spiritual significance for these communities. As one of the largest and most pristine lakes in North America, it serves as an important indicator of environmental health in the Arctic and subarctic regions.

## Notable For
- Being one of the largest lakes in North America
- Holding the distinction of being the fourth-largest lake entirely within Canada
- Having a unique indigenous name, "Sahtú"
- Being located in one of the most remote and untouched regions of Canada
- Serving as a vital part of the traditional territory of the Sahtúgot’įnę people
- Hosting Arctic freshwater ecosystems that are relatively unperturbed by industrial development

## Body
### Geography and Location
Great Bear Lake is located in the **Northwest Territories** of **Canada**, a country that became a federation on **July 1, 1867**. The lake lies in a remote subarctic region, with coordinates approximately **66°N, -121°W**. It is part of the **Canadian Shield**, a vast geological region known for its ancient rock formations and pristine ecosystems.

The lake is situated far from major urban centers, with the nearest communities including **Deline** and **Colville Lake**, both of which are small, indigenous settlements. Access is primarily via air transport or seasonal ice roads.

### Physical Characteristics
Great Bear Lake is a **glacial lake**, formed by ancient glacial activity. It covers a surface area of approximately **31,153 square kilometers (12,028 square miles)**, making it one of the largest lakes in North America and the fourth-largest entirely within Canada. The lake is relatively deep and cold, with a maximum depth of about **446 meters (1,463 feet)**.

The lake consists of five distinct arms:
- **North Arm**
- **South Arm**
- **East Arm**
- **West Arm**
- **McTavish Arm**

Each arm contributes to the lake’s unique hydrological and ecological characteristics.

### Environmental and Ecological Significance
Great Bear Lake is part of a largely undisturbed ecosystem. It supports a variety of fish species, including:
- **Lake trout**
- **Arctic char**
- **Northern pike**
- **Cisco**

The lake is also home to wildlife such as **caribou**, **grizzly bears**, and **wolves**, which depend on the surrounding boreal and tundra habitats. The lake’s waters are exceptionally clean due to minimal human interference, making it a key site for environmental research and monitoring.

### Indigenous Connection
The lake is known as **"Sahtú"** in the language of the **Sahtúgot’įnę** people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The lake and its surrounding lands are central to their cultural identity, traditional fishing practices, and spiritual beliefs. The community of **Deline**, located on the lake’s shore, is one of the few settlements in the region and maintains a strong connection to the lake’s stewardship.

### Political and Administrative Context
Great Bear Lake is located within the **Northwest Territories**, a Canadian territory established on **July 15, 1870**. The region is part of the **Canadian Confederation** since **1867**. The lake falls under the jurisdiction of the territorial government, with indigenous land claims and treaties playing a significant role in its governance.

### Conservation and Research
Due to its remote location and ecological integrity, Great Bear Lake is a focus for scientific research, particularly in climate change and freshwater ecosystem studies. It is not part of any major national park but is considered a vital natural resource and a barometer for Arctic environmental health.

### Cultural and Historical Importance
The lake has been a lifeline for indigenous peoples for millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the region dating back thousands of years. The lake’s name, "Sahtú", reflects its deep-rooted cultural significance. Today, the Sahtúgot’įnę continue to advocate for the protection of the lake and its watershed.

### Tourism and Accessibility
Tourism in the Great Bear Lake region is limited due to its remoteness. However, it attracts eco-tourists and researchers interested in its pristine environment. Access is primarily by small aircraft, with charters available from nearby communities like Yellowknife or Inuvik. There are no permanent roads to the lake, and seasonal ice roads are used for limited transport during winter months.

## References

1. Canadian Geographical Names Database
2. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/07/travel/great-bear-lake-arctic-unesco-biosphere-canada.html)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Google Earth
7. [Source](http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/Details/Lake/NAM-30)
8. KBpedia