The first European known to visit the area of the present-day Town of Slave Lake was the British explorer David Thompson, who arrived in 1799.

After a flood in the 1930s destroyed much of the town, it was relocated and rebuilt at its current location on higher ground.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued, but highways had been closed and residents were urged to seek refuge at beaches, large parking lots, and open spaces.

[16] On May 20, 2011, a firefighting helicopter crashed into the Lesser Slave Lake near Canyon Creek; its pilot died at the scene.

[17] On July 6, Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited the town to offer encouragement to residents and support for rebuilding efforts.

Summers tend to be mild with cool nights, while winters are long and severely cold.

[31][32] Media outlets serving Slave Lake and surrounding area include BOOM (FM) and the Lakeside Leader, a local community newspaper.