Lac La Biche Ice Festival 2025 - Flipbook - Page 4
3
ICE THICKNESS AS OF FEB 13TH 21-26"
LAC LA BICHE LAKE: JEWEL OF THE NORTH
The thing that makes the Lac La Biche Ice Festival a stand out event is the
jewel of the event; Lac La Biche lake. Lac La Biche Lake is historically and
culturally significant.
The indigenous Cree people referred to the lake as "Waskesiu
Sakhahegan," meaning "Elk Lake."
The name "Lac La Biche" translates to "Lake of the Doe" in French,
referring to female deer.
It ranks as the seventh-largest lake in the province, covering an area of
about 91 square miles (236 square kilometers).
The lake features an average depth of approximately 27.6 feet (8.4 meters)
and reaches a maximum depth of about 79.8 feet (24.4 meters).
Lac La Biche is fed by several rivers, including the Owl River, Plamondon
Creek, and Red Deer Brook, with the La Biche River serving as its sole
outflow, connecting to the Athabasca River.
The lake is home to several islands, the largest of which is Churchill Island,
located within Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. This park offers a
variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, hiking, and nature
appreciation. The lake's diverse shoreline, which includes sandy beaches
and forested areas, enhances its appeal as a recreational destination.
