With a total surface area of approximately 1,150 km2 Lesser Slave Lake (LSL) is the third largest lake in the province. It is a popular tourist destination and a designated Important Bird Area. The lake is a source of water for agriculture, domestic and municipal uses, forestry and recreation/tourism.
No matter which part of the lake you're on you'll be sure to find amazing beaches, campgrounds, parks and recreation opportunities. Also located along the shorelines are many of our areas communities; the Town of Slave Lake, the village of Kinuso, the hamlets of Grouard, Joussard, Faust and Canyon Creek ans well as the Kapawe’no, Sucker Creek, Driftpile, Swan River, and Sawridge First Nations are all located on the lake.
Lesser Slave Lake has long been a meeting place for Indigenous peoples, the land and waters that surround this area are rich in fish, wildlife, and full of places with cultural significance.
Lesser Slave Lake is fed by various tributary rivers including the East and West Prairie Rivers, South Heart, Driftpile and Swan Rivers. Many small creeks and intermittent streams also flow into the lake. The only outflow is on the east end of the lake via the Lesser Slave River, which joins the Athabasca River about 75 km downstream.
Over the year there have been many studies and projects completed in the watershed by the Government of Alberta. Check out this page to browse the available reports.