Hay River

A major river port town on the south shore of Great Slave Lake serving as a crucial transportation hub for the NWT and gateway to the Mackenzie Valley. The town offers excellent fishing, historical trading post heritage, and access to surrounding northern wilderness.

Things to do

• Great Slave Lake Fishing — Cast for northern pike, lake trout, and whitefish in one of Canada's largest freshwater lakes, with guided charters and boat rentals available year-round.
• Hay River Heritage Museum — Explore the town's fur trading history and Indigenous heritage through exhibits on the Hudson's Bay Company and local Dene culture.
• Mackenzie Highway Scenic Drive — Drive south toward Fort Providence on this historic route that traverses boreal forest and offers views of the Hay River valley and wildlife spotting opportunities.
• Yellowknife Highway Winter Travel — Experience the famous ice road season (January–March) or summer driving on the Dempster-connecting route that opens access to remote northern communities.
• Old Town Riverside Walk — Stroll the historic riverfront district to see heritage buildings, the original trading post foundations, and watch barge and boat traffic on the Hay River.
• Northern Lights Viewing — Watch the aurora borealis from late August through April in this latitude, with dark skies and frequent displays best seen away from town lights.

Food to try

• Lake Trout — Fresh-caught and smoked locally, this delicate northern fish is a staple at regional restaurants and often served simply grilled or in traditional Indigenous preparations.
• Bison Steak — Lean meat from herds across the NWT, served at local establishments as a hearty northern specialty often paired with wild berries.
• Whitefish and Pickerel — Freshwater fish caught daily in Great Slave Lake and prepared fried, baked, or smoked by local cooks and fishing lodges.
• Pemmican and Dried Meat — Traditional Dene and Métis preserved meat snacks available at local shops, made with dried game and berries for backcountry travel or souvenirs.
• Wild Berry Preserves and Pies — Saskatoon, cloudberry, and cranberry products sourced from surrounding boreal forests and served in local bakeries and cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Ice Road Conditions — Winter travel on frozen waterways is integral to NWT life; always check current conditions and travel only on marked, maintained ice roads.
• Indigenous Heritage Recognition — The region is traditional Dene and Métis territory; engage respectfully with cultural sites, purchase from Indigenous artisans, and ask permission before photographing sacred or private spaces.
• Seasonal Travel Planning — Summer offers 24-hour daylight and accessible highways, while winter brings ice roads and aurora viewing but limited daylight; plan accordingly as services and access vary drastically.
• Bush Skills and Self-Reliance — Locals expect visitors to be prepared for remote conditions; carry extra fuel, supplies, and communication devices, as help may be hours away in the backcountry.