Great Bear Lake
A starburst lake astride the Arctic Circle.
Where the lake is
The pulsing dot marks the lake's position (Canada).
among the 18 lakes in this section
Its remote Arctic setting makes the lake's true size easy to underestimate.
It is the world's eighth largest lake by area and the largest wholly within Canada. Its surface exceeds that of Great Slave Lake.
About the lake
Great Bear Lake has a distinctive starburst outline with five arms and straddles the Arctic Circle. At 31,328 km² it is the largest lake lying entirely within Canada (the bigger Superior and Huron share a shore with the USA).
It is cold and ice covered for most of the year. It holds about 2,236 km³ of water. Sparse settlement around the lake has helped its vast landscape retain an Arctic character.
Great Bear Lake: Questions
Yes. Great Bear covers 31,328 km², compared with Great Slave's 28,568 km², and it holds more water. Great Slave is much deeper in its eastern arm.
Yes. It straddles the Arctic Circle and stays under ice for most of the year, limiting navigation to a short summer.
About 2,236 km³, over 31,328 km² and up to 446 m deep.