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Lac Wiyâshâkimî

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Lac Wiyâshâkimî, also known as Clearwater Lake and formerly called Lac à l'Eau Claire, is the second largest natural lake in Quebec at 2,243 km². It sits at an altitude of 240 m and drains toward Hudson Bay via the Rivière à l'Eau Claire, which reaches a maximum outflow of 150 m³/s. The lake's most distinctive geographical feature is its two adjacent circular basins, measuring 26 and 36 km in diameter respectively, formed by a meteorite impact approximately 290 million years ago during the Permian period. This dual-basin structure gives the lake an unusual shape and considerable open-water expanse that paddlers should account for when planning crossings.

The lake is located in Nunavik, roughly 125 km inland from the eastern coast of Hudson Bay. There are no permanent settlements on the lake's shores; the nearest community is Umiujaq, approximately 135 km to the west. Access is typically organized through the Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik Research Station. The remoteness of the location demands thorough self-sufficiency and advance logistical planning for any paddling expedition.

The western basin contains 11 islands arranged in a circular pattern, a direct result of the meteorite impact geology. These islands are underlain by volcanic breccias rather than the surrounding granite and gneiss, supporting an unusually rich flora of 250 vascular plant species — a notable contrast to the otherwise sparse regional vegetation. The islands form an enclave of shrub tundra within the broader forest tundra landscape. Birdlife is described as abundant throughout the lake area.

The lake lies within a provincial park and on Cree aboriginal land. The Cree continue to use the area extensively for hunting and fishing, particularly during spring and autumn. Paddlers should be aware of this cultural and land-use context when planning visits. Given the lake's scale, subarctic location, and complete lack of nearby infrastructure, it is suited only to experienced wilderness paddlers with appropriate cold-water safety equipment and emergency communication devices.


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Learn how to get on Lac Wiyâshâkimî. Uncover great paddling access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. PaddleWays's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

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