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Overview
Snap Lake Mine is a former underground diamond mine located approximately 220 km northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It was developed by De Beers Canada and began production in 2008, becoming notable as the first completely underground diamond mine operated by De Beers in Canada. The mine sits on the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib) Nation.
De Beers placed Snap Lake Mine on care and maintenance in December 2015, citing challenging economic conditions, and the site has not returned to active production since. The mine is not a public destination. There is no town, visitor infrastructure, or tourism apparatus associated with the location — it is an industrial site in a remote subarctic landscape.
Travelers interested in the diamond mining history of the Northwest Territories are better served by visiting Yellowknife, where museums and cultural centres provide context on the NWT's mining heritage, Indigenous land relationships, and the broader diamond rush that shaped the territory's economy from the 1990s onward.
Before You Go
Understand What This Place Is
Snap Lake Mine is an industrial care-and-maintenance site. It is not open to the public, does not have visitor facilities, and cannot be accessed without authorization from the site operator. Do not plan a trip to Snap Lake Mine as a travel destination.
Visas
For entry into Canada generally, requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current, accurate requirements before making any travel arrangements.
Practical Baseline
- The Northwest Territories has an extreme subarctic climate. Winters are long, dark, and severe, with temperatures well below −30°C common.
- The region around Snap Lake is accessible only by air or, in winter, by ice road — there is no all-season road to the site.
- Emergency services in the remote NWT are very limited. Self-sufficiency and thorough preparation are essential for any wilderness travel in this region.
Getting There
Yellowknife as Your Gateway
Yellowknife (YZF) is the territorial capital and the practical hub for anyone traveling to or researching destinations in the central NWT. Regular scheduled flights connect Yellowknife to Edmonton, Calgary, and other Canadian cities. Verify current airlines and schedules directly with carriers or the Yellowknife Airport.
Access to the Mine Site
Snap Lake Mine itself is accessible only by chartered aircraft or, historically, by winter ice road. There is no scheduled public transport to the site, and access requires authorization from the site operator (De Beers Canada). Unauthorized access to the site is not possible and should not be attempted.
For travelers whose interest is in the surrounding wilderness rather than the mine, any backcountry travel in this part of the NWT requires extensive advance planning, permits where applicable, and appropriate wilderness expertise.
Things to See & Do
In the Region (Not at the Mine)
The Snap Lake Mine site offers nothing for travelers. However, the broader NWT landscape in which it sits is part of the Canadian Shield — a dramatic terrain of lakes, boreal forest, exposed bedrock, and tundra transition zones.
- Northern Lights: The area around Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to observe the aurora borealis, typically from late August through April.
- Tłı̨chǫ Homeland: The surrounding region is the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation. Visitors interested in Indigenous culture and history should seek out culturally appropriate, community-led tourism experiences based out of Yellowknife or Tłı̨chǫ communities such as Behchokǫ̀̄.
- Wilderness: Canoe routes, fishing, and wildlife observation are possible in the broader region through registered outfitters. Verify availability and licensing requirements locally.
Practical Information
Emergency Contacts
For emergencies anywhere in Canada, dial 911. In remote NWT locations, satellite communication devices are strongly recommended as cellular coverage is essentially nonexistent outside Yellowknife and a few larger communities.
Health and Safety Baseline
- There are no medical facilities near Snap Lake Mine. The nearest hospital is in Yellowknife.
- Wildlife in the region includes wolves, black bears, and other species. Anyone traveling in the NWT backcountry should be trained in wildlife safety protocols.
- Extreme cold weather preparedness is mandatory for any winter travel.
Communications
Do not rely on mobile phone coverage outside of Yellowknife. Satellite phones or personal locator beacons (PLBs) are standard equipment for remote NWT travel.
Safety
The remote NWT demands serious preparation. Cold-weather survival skills, navigation proficiency, and adequate supplies are not optional for backcountry travel in this region. The mine site itself is a restricted industrial area — attempting to access it without authorization presents both legal and serious physical safety risks.
Canada's Register My Trip program (verify the current name and URL with the Government of Canada) allows travelers to file a travel plan with authorities, which is strongly advisable for any remote NWT travel. Always inform someone reliable of your itinerary and expected return before venturing into the backcountry.
