Lac la Biche (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lac La Biche |
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  Lac La Biche in Alberta
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 Lac La Biche
Location in Alberta
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| Location | Lac La Biche County, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 54°51′23″N 112°03′32″W / 54.85639°N 112.05889°W |
| Primary inflows | Owl River |
| Primary outflows | La Biche River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 20.7 km (12.9 mi) |
| Max. width | 29.3 km (18.2 mi) |
| Surface area | 234 km2 (90 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 8.4 m (28 ft) |
| Max. depth | 21.3 m (70 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 544 m (1,785 ft) |
| Settlements | Lac La Biche, Plamondon, Barnegat, Owl River |
Lac La Biche (say it like LAK luh BISH) is a big lake in the middle of northern Alberta, Canada. It's about 95 kilometers (59 miles) east of a town called Athabasca. This lake is quite large, covering an area of about 236 square kilometers (91 square miles). That even includes 3.2 square kilometers (1.2 square miles) of islands!
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What's in a Name? The Story of Lac La Biche
The name "Lac La Biche" comes from French. It means "Lake of the Doe" or "Female Deer Lake."
However, the Indigenous peoples who have lived in this area for a long time have their own names for the lake. They call it "Elk Lake." For example, in the Cree language, it's wâwâskesiwisâkahikan.
Because the lake and the nearby town share the same name, people who live there sometimes call it "Lac La Biche Lake." This helps them make sure everyone knows they are talking about the lake itself, not the town.
Where Does the Water Go? Understanding the Lake's Flow
The Owl River flows into Lac La Biche, bringing fresh water. From the lake, the water then flows out through the La Biche River. This river eventually joins the mighty Athabasca River.
The Athabasca River then carries the water all the way north to the Arctic Ocean. This means Lac La Biche is part of a huge water system that reaches the top of the world!
Just south of Lac La Biche is another lake called Beaver Lake. Interestingly, Beaver Lake's water flows in a different direction. It drains into Hudson Bay, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. This shows how close two different water systems can be!
Communities Around the Lake
Several communities are located around the shores of Lac La Biche. The main town, also called Lac La Biche, sits on the southern side of the lake.
Other communities you can find around the lake include Plamondon, Barnegat, and Owl River. These places are home to many people who enjoy living near this beautiful lake.
Fun Activities and Recreation at the Lake
Lac La Biche is a great place for outdoor activities and recreation. One of the most popular spots is Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. This park is special because it's located on an island right in the middle of the lake!
Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. It's a wonderful place to explore nature and have fun on the water.
