| Lake Albanel | |
| Pushpin Map: | Quebec |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Quebec |
| Location: | Baie-James, Quebec |
| Coords: | 51.0833°N -78°W |
| Lake Type: | Natural |
| Outflow: | Rupert River |
| Basin Countries: | Canada |
| Area: | 445km2 |
| Elevation: | 389m (1,276feet) |
Lake Albanel is located east of Lake Mistassini and covers a total area of approximately 445sqkm.[1] It is located in the region of Jamésie. Quebec Route 167 ends beside this lake. It is entirely located in the protected area of Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi.
In 2016, it was reported that the arc shaped lake, together with nearby Lake Mistassini, may have been formed by a large meteor impact about 2.1 billion years ago. The rest of the 500 km diameter crater is thought to have now been mostly eroded away or buried but geological indications of a major impact have been found in the rocks around the lake. If confirmed this would be the largest impact crater found on the earth.[2]
Lake Albanel is named in honour of Charles Albanel who discovered it in 1672.
The main hydrographic slopes near Lake Albanel are:
The eastern sector of Lac Mistassini (including the village of Mistissini (Cree village municipality) and the hamlet Rivière-Chalifour) is accessible from Chibougamau by route 167. This road goes north to the east shore of Albanel Lake. Some secondary forest roads connect to this main road.