**Planning a Great Bear Lake Tourism Adventure: What Should You Know?**

Great Bear Lake Tourism offers a “once in a lifetime” experience, and SIXT.VN is here to guide you through the planning process. Discover the unparalleled beauty and fishing opportunities of this Arctic destination with expert travel advice and convenient services. With SIXT.VN, you can plan your trip with ease. Let us help you explore the unique charm of Great Bear Lake. Consider SIXT.VN for travel services and tour packages.

1. What Makes Great Bear Lake Tourism Unique?

Great Bear Lake tourism offers an unparalleled Arctic experience, setting it apart from typical travel destinations. It is truly one of a kind. The uniqueness stems from several factors:

• Extreme Environmental Conditions: Weather changes can occur rapidly, with extreme temperatures possible even in summer. Ice and snow aren’t uncommon during the Arctic summer.
• Challenging Fishing: The fish in Great Bear Lake will test your skills and equipment like never before.
• Remoteness: Forgetting essentials like medication can be problematic due to the lake’s remote location.

Great Bear Lake is like no other place. It requires significant preparation and an understanding of its unique challenges and rewards.

2. How Do I Set Realistic Goals for Great Bear Lake Tourism?

Setting reasonable goals and expectations is crucial for enjoying your Great Bear Lake tourism adventure. To begin, answer this question honestly: Why do you want to visit Great Bear Lake?

Your answer will guide your personal goals and expectations for the trip. Consider these points:

• Clarify Your Expectations: Determine what you hope to achieve from the trip to avoid disappointment.
• Acknowledge the Challenges: The Arctic environment is unpredictable. Understand that weather can disrupt plans. Fishing is called fishing, not catching for a reason.
• Understand the Rewards: Great Bear Lake boasts some of the world’s largest Lake Trout, Grayling, and Whitefish. With Plummer’s Lodges, you can access prime Arctic Char fishing at the Tree River.

Having clear goals enhances your experience and ensures you appreciate the trip despite any challenges.

3. What Research Should I Do Before Planning My Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

Thorough research is essential before embarking on your Great Bear Lake tourism journey. Speaking to those who have been there multiple times can provide valuable insights. Here’s how to conduct your research:

• Consult Experienced Travelers: Talk to people who have visited Great Bear Lake before to understand their experiences. Plummer’s Lodge can provide references.
• Online Resources: Explore online platforms like Facebook or Google for additional information and reviews.
• Field Journals and Personal Accounts: Read field journals or personal notes detailing past trips.

Ultimately, if your research raises serious doubts about whether this trip suits you, it may be best to reconsider.

4. How Can SIXT.VN Help Me Plan My Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

SIXT.VN can help plan your Great Bear Lake tourism trip.

4.1 Convenient Booking Services

SIXT.VN simplifies the booking process, providing access to various accommodations and transportation options. They offer services such as:

• Accommodation: Reserving stays at lodges or hotels.
• Transportation: Arranging flights and transfers to and from the lake.
• Activities: Booking guided tours and fishing expeditions.

4.2 Tailored Itineraries

SIXT.VN can create customized itineraries based on your interests and preferences, ensuring you experience the best of Great Bear Lake.

4.3 Expert Advice and Support

SIXT.VN provides valuable advice and support, helping you prepare for the unique challenges and opportunities of Arctic travel. This includes:

• Packing Lists: Supplying detailed lists.
• Travel Tips: Offering practical tips.
• 24/7 Assistance: Providing continuous support during your trip.

By using SIXT.VN, you can enjoy a seamless and unforgettable adventure to Great Bear Lake, tailored to your needs and preferences.

5. Where Should I Book My Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

When booking your Great Bear Lake tourism trip, there are a limited number of choices, especially for lodge stays.

• Plummer’s Arctic Lodges: Plummer’s Lodges operate multiple fishing lodges and outpost camps across Great Bear Lake. They offer side trips to the Tree or Coppermine Rivers for Arctic Char fishing. Adventurous travelers can explore sea kayaking expeditions or rafting/canoeing trips.
• Grey Goose Lodge: Located in Deline, Grey Goose Lodge provides guided weekend fishing packages and cultural experiences.

While “do it yourself” trips are possible, it’s advisable to use an experienced outfitter unless you have Arctic travel experience and the resources to manage logistics.

6. What Permissions Might I Need for a DIY Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

Before planning a DIY Great Bear Lake tourism trip, be aware of potential permissions required due to the Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claims Agreement.

• Access Permission: You may need permission to access Sahtu Dene and Métis private land.
• Fishing Permission: Fishing in designated Special Harvesting Areas may require permission.

Contact the applicable Renewable Resources Council or Land Corporation to determine restrictions:

• Norman Wells: (867) 587-2455
• Dél ̨ınę: (867) 589-4224
• Fort Good Hope: (867) 598-2193

Ensuring compliance avoids legal issues and respects local rights.

7. When Is the Best Time to Plan a Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

The best time for a Great Bear Lake tourism trip is during July and August. These months offer:

• Optimal Weather: Increased chances of stable weather and avoidance of large quantities of ice.
• Fishing: There is no single “best” week for fishing.

Specific timing advantages include:

• Early July: Fish are in the shallows just after ice-out, with continuous daylight for fishing.
• Late July and August: Larger Lake Trout move to deeper main lake shoals.
• Mid to Late August: Peak spawning colors for Arctic Char and opportunities to see the Northern Lights.

Smaller trout, Grayling, and Whitefish remain in relatively shallow waters throughout the season.

8. How Do I Get to Great Bear Lake for a Tourism Trip?

Getting to Great Bear Lake for a tourism trip involves traveling through Yellowknife (YK).

• Flying with Plummer’s: Plummer’s Lodges fly guests directly from Yellowknife to Great Bear Lake.
• DIY Travel: Charter an aircraft or take a commercial flight from Yellowknife to Norman Wells, then a North-Wright Air flight to Deline.

Airlines serving Yellowknife include:

• First Air
• Air Canada
• Westjet Air North
• Canadian North

These airlines offer regular service to Yellowknife from Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, and Toronto. Look for seat sales on their websites. Driving to Yellowknife is another option, providing scenic views along the way.

9. What Should I Budget for a Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

Budgeting for a Great Bear Lake tourism trip depends on various factors, including travel origin, seat sales, and optional activities. Here’s an approximate breakdown based on booking with Plummer’s, flying from Toronto, and staying overnight in Edmonton and Yellowknife:

Adding an optional fly-out can cost an additional $700 or more. These costs are approximate and subject to change.

10. What Fishing Licenses Do I Need for Great Bear Lake Tourism?

For Great Bear Lake tourism, you’ll need specific fishing licenses.

• Northwest Territories Fishing License:

  • Canadian Resident: $20 (seasonal) + $10 Great Bear Lake Special Management Area fee.
  • Non-Resident: $40 + $10 special management fee.

• Nunavut Fishing License (for Arctic Char fly-out):

  • Canadian Resident: $15 (three-day license).
  • Non-Resident: $30 (three-day license).

Licenses can be purchased at the lodge. Ensure you have the necessary licenses before fishing to comply with regulations.

11. What Are the Arrival and Departure Logistics for Great Bear Lake Tourism?

Arrival and departure logistics for Great Bear Lake tourism require careful planning to avoid complications.

• Great Bear Lake Lodge and Arctic Circle Lodge: Trips run Friday to Friday. Arrive in Yellowknife (YK) by Thursday to catch the early Friday morning charter flight.
• Trophy Lodge: Trips run Sunday to Sunday, with a maximum of 20 guests per week. Arrive in Yellowknife no later than Saturday before departure.

Depending on your origin, arrive in Yellowknife the same day or spend the night in Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver.

• Departure: Stay overnight in Yellowknife on the way out to avoid missing connections due to potential flight delays from Great Bear Lake.

Self-guided trips require acquiring boats, motors, fuel, food, and chartering an aircraft, which can be expensive.

12. What Activities Can I Enjoy in Yellowknife Before My Great Bear Lake Trip?

Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, offers various activities to enjoy before your Great Bear Lake trip.

• Accommodation: Choose from hotels like Chateau Nova or the Explorer Hotel.
• Dining: Explore the Old Town and dine at Wildcat Cafe, Bullock’s Bistro, Woodyard Brewhouse and Eatery, or the Copper House.
• Attractions: Visit the Visitors Centre and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
• Nightlife: Enjoy a burger and draught beer at the Black Knight Pub.
• Shopping: Explore galleries and craft stores like the Gallery of the Midnight Sun, featuring Inuit and Dene art.
• Diamonds: Yellowknife is North America’s diamond capital.

Yellowknife provides a range of amenities and attractions to enhance your travel experience.

13. What Should I Pack for My Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

Packing for a Great Bear Lake tourism trip requires careful consideration of weight restrictions and weather conditions. Aim for a total gear weight of no more than 50 to 60 pounds.

• Outerwear: Pack high-quality rainwear and boots. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather.
• Fishing Gear: Use quality rods, reels, and fresh line.
• Essentials: Bring spares of prescription glasses or medications.

Consider packing these items:

• SLR camera with extra batteries and lenses.
• Toiletries and a small assortment of medicines.
• Waterproof/breathable parka and bib pants.
• Polar Fleece jacket.
• Thermals.
• Waterproof/breathable insulated boots.
• Thermal socks.
• Pants, long sleeve shirts, and T-shirts.
• Socks/underwear.
• Insulated/waterproof gloves.
• Light, neoprene gloves.
• Toque and hat.
• Sunscreen.
• Field Journal and pen.
• Book.
• Insect repellent and a mesh, hooded bug jacket.
• Polarized glasses in a hard case.
• Tackle Box with plastic utility boxes.
• Green plastic garbage bag for dirty clothes.
• Plastic Ziploc bag with bungee cords and duct tape.
• Airline tickets, hotel reservation confirmations, lodge luggage tags, and passport.
• Leatherman or multi-tool (pack in checked luggage).
• Quality, soft-sided duffle bag.

Laundry service may be available at the lodge for a small fee.

14. What Fishing Tackle Should I Pack for Great Bear Lake Tourism?

Packing the right fishing tackle is crucial for a successful Great Bear Lake tourism trip. Most Lake Trout are caught trolling, while Grayling, Char, Pike, and Whitefish are generally caught casting.

• Lures for Lakers: Use Flatfish (T60 size), Half-Waves (4.5 and 5.5 inch), and Eppinger Huskie Devel. Colors like blue/silver, red/white/silver, chartreuse, copper/chartreuse, or metallic green/orange work well.
• Lures for Grayling: Small spinners (1/8 or ¼ ounce) like Mepps or Panther Martins, and small jigs with black or white grubs.
• Lures for Char: Heavier spoons (½ to one-ounce) like 7/8 ounce Pixies with red, orange, or chartreuse inserts, and Eppinger Devel Dogs.
• Lures for Pike: 7/16-ounce Chrome/Blue Blue Fox Vibrex spinners.
• Lures for Whitefish: Small lures (1/8 ounce or less) like marabou jigs or grubs.

Terminal tackle should include leaders for Pike, solid ring, coast lock, ball bearing snap swivels, and weights.

• Rod/Reel Combos: Bring a heavy musky-type rod/reel combo for Lakers, a medium-weight casting rod/reel combo for Char and Pike, and an ultra-light spinning rod/reel combo for Grayling and Whitefish.
• Spare Gear: Pack a spare trolling outfit and an extra spool of heavy line.
• Fly Fishing: Fly-fishing is popular. Use an 8wt or larger for Lake Trout, Char, and Pike, and a 6wt or smaller for Grayling, Whitefish, and smaller trout. Bring an assortment of lines and tippet material.

15. What Rod and Reel Combinations Are Best for Great Bear Lake Tourism Fishing?

Choosing the right rod and reel combinations is essential for successful fishing during your Great Bear Lake tourism trip.

• Lake Trout: A heavy, musky-type or downrigger-style rod (8′ to 9′ range) with a fast action tip. Reel capacity should be at least 200 yards, spooled with 25-30 pound test line.
• Char and Pike: A medium-weight casting rod/reel combo spooled with 15-pound test line.
• Grayling and Whitefish: An ultra-light rod/reel combo spooled with 6-pound test line.

Consider a longer downrigger-style rod for deeper water fishing (30 ft +). The Shimano Clarus – CSC 86H2B is a capable two-piece rod suitable for big fish and easy transport.

Fly-fishing enthusiasts should bring an 8wt or larger for Lake Trout, Char, and Pike, and a 6wt or smaller for Grayling and Whitefish. Spey rods are ideal for the Tree River.

16. What Fly Fishing Gear Should I Bring for Great Bear Lake Tourism?

If you plan to fly fish during your Great Bear Lake tourism adventure, packing the right gear is essential.

• Rod Weight: Bring an 8wt or larger fly rod for Lake Trout, Char, and Pike. For Grayling, Whitefish, and smaller trout, a 6wt or smaller rod will suffice.

• Lines: Pack an assortment of lines, including at least one sink tip line.

• Tippet Material: Bring both light and heavy tippet material.

• Leaders: If targeting Pike, pack wire leaders or heavy-duty fluorocarbon leader material.

• Flies: Use big, flashy streamer flies for Lakers, Char, and Pike. Grayling and Whitefish prefer smaller flies. Bring an assortment of both wet and dry flies.

17. What’s a Checklist for Packing Tackle for Great Bear Lake Tourism?

Here is a summary checklist for packing tackle for your Great Bear Lake tourism trip:

• [ ] 1 heavy, musky-type or downrigger-style rod (8′ to 9′) with a fast action tip, spooled with 25-30 pound test.
• [ ] 1 medium-weight casting rod/reel combo spooled with 15-pound test.
• [ ] 1 ultra-light rod/reel combo spooled with 6-pound test.
• [ ] 1 back-up heavy trolling outfit and an extra spool of line.
• [ ] 6 -T-60 Flatfish.
• [ ] 2 – 4.5″ -Half – Waves.
• [ ] 2 – 5.5″ – Half – Waves.
• [ ] 2 – Husky Devel’s.
• [ ] 6 – Pixies and/or Rocket Devel’s – ½ to 1 ounce.
• [ ] 2 – Blue Fox, Vibrex Spinners – 7/16 ounce.
• [ ] 2 – White, bucktail jigs- ¼ or 3/8 ounce.
• [ ] 2 – Steel or fluorocarbon leaders – 12 to 18″.
• [ ] 4 – Mepps or Panther Martin spinners – 1/8 or ¼ ounce.
• [ ] Several, 1/8 ounce or smaller, marabou jigs and/or grubs.
• [ ] 4 – each of 1-9/16″ and 2-5/16″ – solid ring, coast lock, ball bearing swivels.
• [ ] 4 – 9/16″ – Sampo, ball-bearing swivels.
• [ ] 2 – 2 or 3 ounce, bottom walker, or clip-on sinkers.
• [ ] Hook sharpener.
• [ ] 8 wt fly rod.
• [ ] 6 wt fly rod.
• [ ] 3 – fly reels with line.
• [ ] Tippet material.
• [ ] Assortment of wet/dry flies.
• [ ] Hemostats.

Pack lures in plastic utility boxes that fit into a small, soft-sided tackle bag. Scale back if only fishing for Lake Trout.

18. What Additional Items Should I Pack for a Self-Guided Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

For a self-guided Great Bear Lake tourism trip, consider these additional items:

• Heavy-duty pliers with a lanyard.
• Utility gloves.
• Metal cutters.
• Weigh scale (50-pound min).
• Small first aid kit.
• GPS with a built-in TOPO map.
• Extra batteries for GPS.

These items will ensure you are well-prepared for fishing and any unexpected situations.

19. Where Can I Buy Gear for My Great Bear Lake Tourism Trip?

For quality outerwear, Cabela’s, Bass Pro, Sail, and Mountain Equipment Co-op offer a good selection. Many lures and terminal tackle can be found at most sporting goods stores, including Canadian Tire in Yellowknife or Walmart.

• Plummer’s Lodges: The main lodge has a wide selection of lures at competitive prices and may have rods and reels to borrow.
• Trophy Lodge: Check with Plummer’s in advance.

In Edmonton and Calgary, visit Mountain Equipment Co-op, Cabela’s, or the Fishin’ Hole. You can also order online from these retailers.

Hard-to-find items like T-60 Flatfish and Sampo swivels can be purchased directly from the manufacturer.

20. Final Thoughts on Planning Your Great Bear Lake Tourism Adventure

Planning a trip to Great Bear Lake requires careful preparation, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Great Bear Lake is a truly remarkable place, offering unique challenges and breathtaking beauty. Plan carefully, set realistic goals, and prepare to create lasting memories. Contact SIXT.VN today to start planning your unforgettable Great Bear Lake tourism adventure. Let SIXT.VN help you with travel arrangements to make your trip seamless.