Which lake is the largest in the world by surface area that drains to the Arctic Ocean?

Great Bear Lake is the largest lake in the world by surface area that drains to the Arctic Ocean. Its water leaves through the Great Bear River, joins the Mackenzie River, and ultimately reaches the Arctic Ocean through the Beaufort Sea.

Located in Canada's Northwest Territories, the lake covers about 31,153 square kilometres. It is larger than Great Slave Lake, Lake Winnipeg, and Lake Athabasca, all of which can appear plausible in a Canada-focused quiz. Great Bear Lake is also the largest lake located entirely within Canada.

The lake is glacial in origin and lies near the Arctic Circle. It freezes from roughly November to July, and its catchment is comparatively small for such a large lake. The community of Délı̨nę sits on its shores, while the lake's many islands and long inlets give it a distinctive irregular shape.