Hidden Lake Territorial Park Canoe Trip
One of the highlights of a five day canoe trip on the Cameron River in the Northwest Territories was the overnight detour we made to Hidden Lake Territorial Park, a 3000 hectare park. The closest access to the park is via Kilometre 45 on the Ingraham Trail at Powder Point.
Hidden Lake Territorial Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas east of Yellowknife. Home to Hidden Lake and lots of backcountry campsites, the lake itself is one of the prettiest I’ve ever laid eyes on, even more so on a sunny day when it’s an alluring aquamarine colour.
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Hidden Lake Territorial Park summary
Access: Hidden Lake Territorial Park is a large backcountry park that can be accessed from Powder Point or the Cameron Falls Day Use Area by paddling or hiking, depending on the route in.
Cell service: There is none in the park. It’s recommended that you have an emergency device like a Garmin InReach Mini 2.
Please: Practice Leave No Trace camping and let someone know where you are going.
Bears: Carry bear spray. Keep food and toiletries in a bear proof type container.
Getting to Hidden Lake Territorial Park
Canoe across a short stretch of Prelude Lake from Kilometre 45 to a portage that will take you all of five minutes to do. This was easy to access for us as we were on the Cameron River to Yellowknife canoe trip – and this was simply a side trip.
Then there are two more portages after Prelude Lake – the first one being a bit easier. My guess is that they are about 500 metres and 700 metres in length. All three portages took us under two hours to do.
Carry bear spray on the Hidden Lake canoe trip
We had been warned about bears in the area but saw nothing other than one old pile of bear scat. All was quiet in the woods except for the squirrels.
We did carry bear spray just in case and all food was always in a barrel.
Hidden Lake, NWT is reminiscent of the Georgian Bay
I knew we were in for a treat the moment we arrived at Hidden Lake. Open woods broken by slabs of granite – home to many a camping party over the years judging by stone fire rings, was just the start of the beauty we would encounter over the next 24 hours.
We met a couple of young women from Nova Scotia at the end of the portages, who were leaving Yellowknife for new jobs.
The trip to Hidden Lake was a bucket list item they had to do before they left. How right they were!!
Hidden Lake is exceptionally clear. You can see the fish – including pike – below you if the light is right. The west end of the lake is dotted with islands, very similar to what I’d seen while kayaking the Georgian Bay.
If you have the time, you could easily spend five to seven days exploring the eastern section of the lake – including a huge section that isn’t even part of the Hidden Lake Territorial Park. Be sure to purchase the Prelude Lake Map (#85-I/12) so you know where you are.
Recommended reading: The Paddlers Checklist: 100 Items To Pack
Here’s a sampling of the scenery we saw canoeing Hidden Lake
Our campsite in Hidden Lake Territorial Park
There are so many choices for camping in Hidden Lake Territorial Park that you’re never going to be disappointed. Our only criteria was that we wanted the campsite to be a short paddle away to the portage point, as we knew we had to paddle 25 kilometres the next day.
Even with that, we could have picked about 10 spots, especially as there wasn’t a soul around when we got there.
It was a Friday so by that evening the Yellowknife crowd had started to filter in we saw all of three camping parties – but everyone was well dispersed so you had privacy. If you paddle five or more kilometres away from the portage you’re unlikely to see many, if any people at all.
Hidden Lake – a long weekend destination from Yellowknife
I’m so glad we took the time to explore the Hidden Lake area, even if it was just for 24 hours. For less experienced paddlers, it’s a great long weekend destination.
In mid-August the water is warm enough for a quick swim, the fishing is excellent, the loons wake you up and lull you to sleep and everywhere you look, it’s absolutely beautiful.
If I lived in Yellowknife, I would be a regular weekend visitor.
Free camping in Hidden Lake Territorial Park
More good news – it’s free to camp and you don’t need a reservation. You can rent canoes for $400/week (the minimum time they’ll rent) from Overlander Sports in Yellowknife. If you organize yourself ahead of time, they will shuttle you back and forth for a reasonable price as well.
As always, go prepared for all weather conditions in Hidden Lake Territorial Park. Plan to cook on a stove as the fire danger can be high. Tree cutting is not permitted and no firewood is provided.
What we missed on our Hidden Lake canoe trip
According to the park website there are “two abandoned gold mines within hiking distance of Hidden Lake. The first is on the southeast side of the lake, a quick walk in from the shoreline. The second is on Thompson Lake, a difficult two hour hike in from the most northerly bay of Hidden Lake.”
For more information visit the Hidden Lake Territorial Park website.
Further reading on canoeing in Canada
- A 6-Day Wilderness Canoe Trip in Woodland Caribou
- A Week Long Canoeing Trip in Quetico Provincial Park
- Kayaking Murtle Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC
- Powell Forest Canoe Route – The Full Experience
- Early Season Canoeing in Algonquin Park
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Looks like an idyllic place to canoe and camp. The possibility of running into a bear makes me a little apprehensive, but for such a cool experience, I think I’d be able to summon up a little courage.
Your pictures certainly do the area justice – and what a gorgeous area it is. So peaceful and soul-refreshing
I would love to do this. It looks so relaxing and the scenery is incredibly beautiful. Thank you for outlining the details of this adventure.
What an awesome lake! Or does it just photograph well? 🙂
@Irene It is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever visited.
We did so much camping, hiking and canoeing when we were young. I miss the calm and clear waters and the goofy songs of the loons. Your beautiful photos bring back wonder memories.
@Neva I have a hard time leaving a place like this to return to the city. I am envious of the people who live in Yellowknife having such wilderness close by.
Your sunset over Hidden Lake photo makes me want to jump on a plane right now.
This looks like a wonderful trip that I want to do now. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
@Megan I am so glad we had the time to spend a solid 24 hours in the park – just wish it could have been longer.
I am not a canoeist and aren’t likely to do this trip. But the scenery is fantastic. So unspoiled. And I love the sound of the loons at night.
@Donna I have been spoiled on many occasions this summer as I’ve fallen asleep to loons for at least two weeks. You can’t beat that sound for relaxation.
I enjoyed reading about your adventure. And your photos are extraordinary!! Simply spectacular!
Gorgeous area and beautiful photos. My husband and I have not had good luck trying to canoe and kayak together and we can’t agree on whose fault our mishaps are.
@Suzanne Mishaps make for good stories Suzanne. Maybe you should take it up again.
I’ve never gone canoe camping, what fun especially with all those fun islands to call your own for a night 🙂
@Noel I’ve done a lot of camping while canoeing and kayaking this summer and find it highly enjoyable – and very relaxing.
You find the most amazing out of the way places. You’re a one-woman tour to Canada’s wild places. The tourism folks should pay you!
@Billie I think you’re right though NWT tourism isn’t even retweeting the posts which is disappointing.
Wow, that is fantastic! Love the north woods.
@The Gypsynesters It’s beautiful country isn’t it.
Thanks for taking me along on your canoe trip through Hidden Lake Territorial Park. I especially liked that it gave me a scenic break without my having to do much at all!
@Carole It’s nice every so often to have one of those vicarious vacations especially when the scenery is good.
Yet another incredibly beautiful Canadian destination that few of us have heard of! My husband would love to visit the Yukon or the NWT but I’m not sure that I’m outdoorsy enough to handle it!
@Lisa I think you’d surprise yourself with how much you loved the north. It’s not all hard-ass adventure. Go for the northern lights and some dogsledding.
The trip sounds exciting. I really like your pictures. They give me the feeling of peace and relaxed mind. Nature of Yellowknife looks like a perfect place to rest from the city life that I have. It’s good to see that still, Canada has a lot to offer.
@Jay I have a hard time getting back into city mode after a trip like I just did in the NWT. It was a treat and there are many more great adventures of the same caliber.
Reminds me a lot of Quetico although the water is much clearer. Hidden Lake is hidden no more with these great pictures making it a must see. I bet the fishing is amazing too.
@Ted You could see the pike swimming below so yes amazing for fishing. On the way there via the Cameron River saw loads of eating sized trout. Quetico is still on my wish list.
Sounds like loads of fun – and so beautiful.
@Sophie We both loved Hidden Lake – and it treated us kindly.
Fabulous! I would love to do this!
@Helen It was great to see a part of the world most don’t – and it surprised e with its beauty.
Lovely photos and I can’t believe it’s free to camp there! Gorgeous!
@Mary Free is always a bonus when you’re camping.
This was great, Leigh, and I could actually feel the calm and serenity in your pictures. I haven’t seen one a modern day bear-safe food container in long time. Those look really secure and sturdy now! Ironically I had heard of Yellowknife from the show Ice Road Truckers which I watched two seasons of. All those lakes were frozen over so I loved seeing the summer version of this! 🙂
@Mike I have used barrels a couple of times this summer – but only on canoe trips. They’re great for packing a bottle of wine or a few cans of beer too. This area was particularly beautiful. I could imagine myself with a little cottage off the grid…