Bighill Lake (also written as Big Hill Lake) sits within the Yellowknife Periphery Area near the Ingraham Trail in the Northwest Territories, and has been identified by local recreation users as a candidate for non-motorized use only, with some paddlers specifically advocating that it be reserved for canoes and kayaks.

Access to the lake is notably difficult. The entry point is hard to locate, and parking is limited and problematic — the existing pull-off area is inadequate, leaving vehicles partially in traffic. Some local users have expressed a preference for keeping the lake unmarked to reduce foot traffic, though others have called for the parking area to be improved so vehicles can safely pull off the road.

Paddlers have noted a connection to Madeline Lake, with the trail from that side described as passable. There has also been discussion among recreation planners about developing a portage route with boardwalk infrastructure from the Pontoon side, which would make a weekend canoe trip more accessible. This suggests the lake may be part of a broader canoe route in the area, though formal portage infrastructure had not been established at the time of the most recent planning discussions.

Common activities at the lake include canoeing, camping, fishing, and swimming, indicating it functions as a multi-use backcountry destination. Facilities are minimal — there are no noted docks, maintained boat launches, or toilet facilities at or near the lake, consistent with the broader lack of infrastructure along the Ingraham Trail corridor identified in regional planning documents.

Paddlers planning a visit should be prepared for an unmarked or poorly marked access point, inadequate parking, and the absence of developed amenities. Confirming current access conditions and route details locally before departure is advisable.