Hay River

Hay River 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.

K'atlo'deeche (pronounced "hat-low-day")

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 more about Hay River

Tell me about the Hay River Reserve

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Hay River

Golfing in Hay River A luxurious nine-hole grass course with a fine clubhouse welcomes visitors.	Hiking in the Gateway The TransCanada Trail passes through Hay River on its way to the Arctic coast.
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Cabin Fever

Flowers, gifts and souvenirs. Art cards. Located in the Ptarmigan Inn. Flowers, gifts and souvenirs. Art cards. Located in the Ptarmigan Inn.

Canoe North

Outfitter serving the area south of Great Slave Lake. Equipment and assistance in setting up trips on the Mackenzie River, Hay River, and in the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. Logistics assistance for paddling trips in the East Arm of Great Slave Lake (Simpson Islands and other destinations). Custom...

Ptarmigan Inn Hotels Ltd

Full-service hotel, 42 rooms with satellite TV, coffeemakers, clock radios, phones, complimentary high speed Internet access, fitness room for guests. Executive suites with separate bedroom, fireplace, kitchenette, jacuzzi, sports bar, restaurant, gift shop, bank, hair salon, laundry. Full meeting room and banquet facilities. VISA, MC, Amex. Group and sport...

The Harbour House Bed & Breakfast

On the shores of Great Slave Lake, 10 min. from downtown. Access to beach, next to campground. Accommodates 14 in seven rooms. Shared bath. Call or email for rates. Deck with view of lake, sunny dining and living room with TV. Great for northern lights viewing, mid-August to mid-...

Cambridge Executive Suites

Conveniently located downtown, on the Hay River. 24 one and two bedroom no smoking suites with kitchen, balconies, air conditioning. Fully furnished, daily housekeeping, laundry available. Call or email for rates. Restaurant and boardroom across the street. Business services. Walking trails, shopping, bowling, aquatic centre. VISA, MC, Amex.

Budget Car & Truck Rentals

Low everyday rates, weekend specials, short and long term rentals. Economy cars to sport utilities, 4x4 trucks and fleet cab. Vehicle availability and services may vary by location. Two locations serving the southern NWT, and one in Whitehorse, Yukon, serving Dempster Highway travellers. Kingland Ford, 20 Airport Road, Yellowknife, NT,...

Great Slave Lake Tours

Summer and winter trips on Great Slave Lake. Boat tours or Bombardier on Great Slave Lake. Experience the natural wonders of Great Slave Lake, see the commercial fishery, sport fishing or view the Aurora in the fall and winter. Half day to a week. Sightseeing, photography, naturalist.

Mountain Aven Enterprises

Campground with heated and furnished cabins, tipi and tent frames for rent. Large gazebo for special functions. Good fishing, birdwatching, Aurora viewing. Awesome beach with driftwood (swim at your own risk). Year round.

Town of Hay River

With the long summer sun and wilderness at hand, a day trip around the natural beauty of the South Slave Region, a weekend backpacking or canoeing, or just relaxing soaking up the sun on the sand bordering the second largest lake located completely within Canada are just some opportunities that...

Frontier Coachlines NWT

Passenger and freight service to Hay River, Fort Providence, Rae, Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Fort Simpson. Connections nationwide through Greyhound. Bus charters available.

The Doghouse Sports Pub

Located 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...

Migrator Motel

Your Planner

Let us take care of your business events. We organize conferences, meetings and staff retreats in the unique and beautiful backdrop of the NWT.

Caribou Restaurant

Open 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.

The Hub

Weekly community newspaper.

Back Eddy Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant

The Keys Dining Room

Hotel restaurant located in the Ptarmigan Inn.

Brabant Lodge

Owned and operated by Ellen and John Pollard, Brabant is a full-service sport fishing lodge located on Brabant Island in the headwaters of the Mackenzie River. Here as the Mackenzie exits Great Slave Lake, guests fish for trophy northern pike, arctic grayling, walleye and whitefish.

Deegahni Lake Camp

Cameron Hills area. Capacity: 12 in log housekeeping cabins. Boats, motors, freezer/fridges, linen. Walleye, pike, whitefish. Family rates. May 15 - Sept. 30.

Paradise Garden & Campground

Private campground in a valley, south of Hay River. 15 sites, 10 with electricity, washrooms, shelter.

Buffalo Airways

Scheduled and charter air service, covering the entire NWT. Daily scheduled service between Yellowknife, Hay River. For overnight courier service, please call (867) 873-2084.

Mystery Tours

We offer day trips, hourly rates, daily rates, overnight and family rates. Snacks provided on shorter trips. All meals provided on overnight or weekend trips.

Hay River Golf Club

Campground 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...

North Country Inn

Clean, comfortable and affordable rates! Single, double and kitchenette suites with all the at home comforts. Wireless Internet available. Discounted rates for Seniors, sporting events and group rates. Within walking distance to local restaurants. Aboriginal handicrafts available in lobby.

Caribou Motor Inn

Complete renovation in 2004. Conveniently-located motel with air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes and steam baths, satellite TV, new furnishings. Caribou Restaurant adjacent. Family and sports accommodations. Room rates from $95 to $130 per night. Seniors and family rates. Suites available. MC, VISA, EnRoute, Amex, Debit cards.

Cedar Rest Motel

Eight rooms, fully renovated, satellite TV. Grocery store, gas bar. VISA, MC, debit, and ATM.

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