March 1997

Government of the Northwest Territories
Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development
Parks and Tourism

Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake was established as a park reserve under the Territorial Lands Act in 1987. It is approximately 19.5 km2 in size, and consists of an area of scattered lakes and rugged forested hills typical of the Precambrian Shield. The popular Cameron Falls Trail is within the park. Otherwise the main users are canoeists, whose primary access is from Powder Point, 35 km east of Yellowknife on the Ingraham Trail.

A park management plan and park operational plan were completed in the spring of 1995 in consultation with the public. Most participants at public meetings placed a high value on the quality of Hidden Lake's natural setting. The management plan reflects these concerns.

Facility development will be minimal and emphasis will be placed upon protecting the park's natural values. Following a public survey in the spring of 1996, minor improvements were made to upgrade portage routes and walking trails. Development in 1997 will include a foot bridge across the Cameron River, trail improvements, the addition of minor site amenities and the implementation of an education program to inform users of the fragile environment and expected etiquette within the park.

Given the park's proximity to Yellowknife and relative ease of access, Hidden Lake provides excellent recreational opportunities for canoeists of widely varying levels of capability. It is intended that the park continue to play this role. It is an "accessible wilderness", and can in some ways serve as a training ground where people can hone their canoeing and back-country skills before taking on more challenging and lengthy trips in more remote areas.

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