Lake Athabasca

Lake Athabasca is the largest lake in Saskatchewan and one of the biggest in Canada. This massive lake is in far northern Saskatchewan it straddles the border with Alberta. The majority of the lake is in Saskatchewan (74%) with 26% in Alberta.

This is an absolutely amazing lake with endless things to explore, I'll keep adding more content going forward.

Not only is Lake Athabasca the largest lake in either Saskatchewan or Alberta it is also the 8th largest lake in Canada and the 20th largest lake in the entire world.

Lake Athabasca Sand Dunes

One of the most amazing features on Athabasca Lake are the sand dunes. They are the largest active sand dunes in the world north of 58' and are located on the south shores of Lake Athabasca within the Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park. I had a chance to experience the dunes personally on a trip in 2022, it's the most unique place I've ever been! It's a truly otherworldly place with several species of plants that don't exist anywhere else on earth.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the Karpans' book on the sand dunes is highly recommended: sandscapes.

Fishing

A huge number of different species of fish can be found in the lake including Arctic Grayling, Walleye, Lake Trout, Goldeye, Northern Pike, Cisco, Lake Whitefish, Round Whitefish, Burbot, White Sucker, Longnose Sucker and Yellow Perch. The largest lake trout ever recorded was caught in a gill net on the lake weighing over 102lbs!

There are quite a few different lodges operating on Lake Athabasca offering fly-in fishing adventures. It is a prime destination for trophy anglers looking for an incredible northern fishing experience.

Communities

Although Lake Athabasca is very remote, there are a number of communities on the lake including Fort Chipewyan and Fond du Lac. Uranium City is located just north of Lake Athabasca on Martin Lake

Lake Athabasca has an incredible number of tributaries including:

• Fond du Lac River
• Otherside River
• Helmer Creek
• MacFarlane River
• Archibald River
• William River
• Ennuyeuse Creek
• Dumville Creek
• Debussac Creek
• Jackfish Creek
• Claussen Creek
• Old Fort River
• Crown Creek
• Athabasca River
• Colin River
• Oldman River
• Bulyea River
• Grease River
• Robillard River

The lake is remnant of the Glacial Lake McConnell along with Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake.