Candle Lake (Saskatchewan)
Candle Lake is a reservoir in the central part of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan in the boreal forest, approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi) north-east of Prince Albert. A dam completed in 1979 at the southern end of the lake regulates water levels; several small creeks feed into the lake and Torch River flows out of the lake at the dam. Candle Lake Provincial Park surrounds most of the lake and the resort village of Candle Lake is at the southern end.
| Candle Lake | |
|---|---|
Candle Lake | |
Candle Lake Location in Saskatchewan Candle Lake Candle Lake (Canada) | |
| Location | Paddockwood No. 520, Saskatchewan |
| Coordinates | 53°49′13.86″N 105°18′15.47″W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows |
|
| Primary outflows | Torch River |
| Catchment area | Saskatchewan River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Managing agency | Saskatchewan Water Security Agency |
| Surface area | 13,269.3 ha (32,789 acres) |
| Max. depth | 16.8 m (55 ft) |
| Shore length1 | 116.2 km (72.2 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 491 m (1,611 ft) |
| Settlements | Candle Lake |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The lake takes its name from a Cree legend about flickering lights appearing near the north end of the lake, which have supposedly been seen right up to contemporary times. Scientists speculate that the lights are likely caused from "swamp gas or a phosphorescent glow created by decaying drift wood", rather than having a paranormal origin.
Highways 265 and 120 provide access to the lake and its amenities. Candle Lake Airpark is located on the western shore of the lake 2.6 nautical miles (4.8 km; 3.0 mi) west-northwest of the village of Candle Lake.