Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in the Northwest Territories of Canada, Lac La Martre Important Bird Area (IBA) encompasses a vast network of wetlands, lakes, and boreal forest surrounding Lac La Martre, the third largest lake in the territory. This area serves as a key breeding site for a multitude of waterfowl and shorebird species, including significant populations of Canada geese, tundra swans, and sandhill cranes. The mosaic of marshes, sedge meadows, and shallow waters provides ideal habitat for nesting, feeding, and sheltering during the breeding season. The region’s relatively undisturbed landscape, with limited human development, supports a robust and diverse avifauna making it a prime destination for ornithologists and bird watchers. Apart from its ornithological value, Lac La Martre offers remote outdoor experience opportunities including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife photography, with breathtaking northern boreal scenery and tranquil settings. Visitors can also observe tundra caribou migrations and encounter other wildlife like moose and wolves in the surrounding forested areas. Access to the site is seasonal and often requires careful planning due to its remoteness. The area's pristine natural environment coupled with its ecological importance underscores ongoing conservation efforts to protect habitats vital for migratory birds and other wildlife in the fragile subarctic environment.
