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This is the gateway to the southern shore of Great Slave Lake. Sandy swimming beaches, a fascinating river delta and some fine fishing await the visitor here. This is where goods bound for Mackenzie River and Arctic communities are loaded onto seagoing barges for the long trip to the Beaufort Sea. There’s a freshwater seaport atmosphere with barges, working tugboats and huge shipyards.
There’s also a fishing fleet in Hay River, which harvests whitefish, trout and cod from Great Slave Lake. On summer Saturdays there’s a market on Vale Island featuring these fine eating fish. Hay River is earning title to "Whitefish Capital" for its year round harvest.
There's a hotel, motels and suite accommodation, as well as bed and breakfast. There's a campground in town and two more a few minutes drive from Hay River. There are wide sandy beaches and hiking trails. Golf is popular on a very attractive 9-hole course. Visitors can fish for pike and walleye at various points around Vale Island or rent a canoe to paddle the river and see the sights.
Sports events and fishing derbies are yearly highlights at Hay River and if there's a fiddling and jigging event on at the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, don't miss it. Across the river, visit the Hay River Reserve, see and photograph two splendid little churches and learn about Aboriginal cultures in the North, at the Yamozha Kue Society.
For information, try the visitor centre for the latest on events and activites. The Hay River Heritage Centre features a collection of historic items and is open May to October in an historic Hudson's Bay building. Nearby attractions include Twin Falls Park, a working farm, fishing in the Kakisa River and a unique craft shop in Enterprise with a fine collection of Dene art and crafts.
The Hay River Dene Reserve and the West Point First Nation in Hay River preserve the Slavey and Chipewyan Dene heritage in the Hay River area. The reserve is reached on a long, winding side road from Highway 5 although it is actually right across the river from town. The Dene Cultural Institute, Yamozha Kue, can provide visitor services and has a small store featuring local arts and crafts. Information and displays describe the history and culture of the Dene of the upper Mackenzie Valley. The reserve hosts a lively spring carnival with plenty of old time fiddling and jigging.
Tell me about the Hay River Reserve
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Hiking in the GatewayThe TransCanada Trail passes through Hay River on its way to the Arctic coast. | |
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Cabin FeverFlowers, gifts and souvenirs. Art cards. Located in the Ptarmigan Inn. Flowers, gifts and souvenirs. Art cards. Located in the Ptarmigan Inn. Read More
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Frontier Coachlines NWTPassenger and freight service to Hay River, Fort Providence, Rae, Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Fort Simpson. Connections nationwide through Greyhound. Bus charters available. Read More
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Anchorage Bed & BreakfastThe Anchorage Bed & Breakfast is the place to relax while on vacation or drop in for a night or two while passing through Hay River on business. Hold a conference or meeting in our large boardroom that is fully equipped with flat screen TV, wireless internet and satellite service to... Read More
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The Doghouse Sports PubLocated in the Ptarmigan Inn, the Doghouse Sports Pub is where the real winners gather! Whether you're a hall of fame sports fan or a rookie, you'll feel like a part of the home crowd. Root for your team in front of the big screen televisions while you... Read More
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Caribou RestaurantOpen for breakfast at 6 am Mon-Fri, from 8 am Sat, Sun and Holidays. We serve a variety of ethnic foods as well as western food, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese. Read More
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Back Eddy Cocktail Lounge & RestaurantSpecializing in steak and seafood, Back Eddy also offers lots of finger foods and appetizers for the lighter appetite. Open Monday to Saturday 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm. Read More
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The Keys Dining RoomLocated in the Ptarmigan Inn, The Keys Dining Room is truly Hay River's best in casual fine dining. With its warm elegant surroundings and ever changing menu, the Keys Dining Room is an exquisite setting for any occasion. Read More
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Deegahni Lake CampCameron Hills area. Capacity: 12 in log housekeeping cabins. Boats, motors, freezer/fridges, linen. Walleye, pike, whitefish. Family rates. May 15 - Sept. 30. Read More
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Paradise Garden & CampgroundPrivate campground in a valley, south of Hay River. 15 sites, 10 with electricity, washrooms, shelter. Read More
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Mystery ToursWe offer day trips, hourly rates, daily rates, overnight and family rates. Snacks provided on shorter trips. All meals provided on overnight or weekend trips. Read More
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Hay River Golf ClubCampground located by a beautiful 9-hole course set along the banks of the Hay River. Club offers full service club house, pro shop, driving range, daily green fees, cart/club rentals, clubhouse rentals. This is a perfect setting for weddings, banquets or corporate outings. Located 10 km south of... Read More
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Cedar Rest MotelEight rooms, fully renovated, satellite TV. Grocery store, gas bar. VISA, MC, debit, and ATM. Read More
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Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788 International: +1-867-873-7200 Email: info@spectacularnwt.com
Box 610, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N5 Canada Toll-free number: 1-800-661-0788
International: +1-867-873-7200 Email: info@spectacularnwt.com