The beaches near Hay River, NWT, are hidden gems that offer a delightful escape into nature’s embrace. Situated along the southern shore of Great Slave Lake, these sandy stretches provide a serene setting for relaxation and recreation. The expansive, clean beaches are perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply to enjoy the calming sounds of the gentle waves lapping at the shore. During the warmer months, the beaches become a hub of activity, with locals and visitors alike taking advantage of the long daylight hours to swim, kayak, or partake in beach sports. The clear, refreshing waters of Great Slave Lake provide an ideal setting for water enthusiasts, offering a cool respite during the summer heat.
You will find that the local beaches featuring stunning sunsets that can be captured on a regular basis and if chasing the Northern Lights, you can celebrate the dance of the Aurora Borealis overhead from mid August to mid April annually.
Public Beach located directly behind the Hay River Territorial Campground that has a variety of amenities including powered campsites, Laundry, and a large beach front with a group camping area that is perfect for accommodating larger functions. Enjoy the sandy beach, newly upgraded park and cookshack, exploring, swimming complete with picnic and firepit areas. Being located by the mouth of the Hay River the water is murkier due to the clay, mud and silt that feeds into the lake from the Hay River. The Public Beach is the prime location to see Marine Transportation Services & our local Commercial Fishermen’s vessels come and go from port.
Pumphouse Beah is just up the road from the Hay River Territorial Park and around the corner from the mouth of the Hay River, so the water is nice and clear to dip your toes or take a dunk in the Great Slave. The untamed shores riddled with driftwood will leave you wanting to explore. This beach is a dog friendly beach, that has plenty of room to throw the stick.
Lagoon Beach is a favorite local area with unlimited sandy beaches to take-in. Dare to explore the miles of shoreline boasting the opportunity to swim, paddle board, canoe or kayak! The ample ATV trails and local campgrounds make it easy to access these shoreline trail systems to indulge in.
Water Sports are welcome! The Great Slave Lake, with access to the Hay River, allows for ample opportunity to hit the open water by going boating and fishing, water ski, wake board, sea-doo or just plain float down the Hay River to the mouth of the Great Slave Lake.
ATV & Side-by-Side Excursions Our beautiful sandy beaches and trail systems are unmatched for ATV & Side-by-side adventures. Castaways Cottages & Campgrounds have ATVs parked right on the shores of the Great Slave Lake for rental for self-guided tours and 2 Seasons Adventures offers guided Side-by-side tours to indulge in. The miles of untamed shoreline and sand dunes will keep you moving under the northern skies.
The Waterways in the Hay River area are abundant to say the least! If you wish to connect with nature and feel what it truly means to be present, then visiting Hay River is the right move for you! The shorelines are riddled with fossils, history, wildlife and mystery is around every bend, just waiting to be discovered. You won’t want to dig your way to China or burry your head in the sand while visiting Hay River!
The pristine clear waters of Great Slave Lake allows for indulging in a variety of water sports & activities. Some of the activities that locals and tourists alike love to enjoy include: Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, ATV, Boating, Tubing, Swimming, and Fishing
Have questions about water sports in the area?
Ask our friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre.
There are rental shops and outfitters for all of the fun under the sun to be had:
Castaways Campground & Cottages
Canoe North
2 Seasons Adventures
There are multiple campgrounds that offer cabins, cottages and camping spots for tents & RVs right along the river or lakes edge.
Castaways Campground & Cottages
Located on the Lagoon Beach, the untamed shoreline offers miles of raw beaches inviting you to explore the sandy shores for a better tomorrow and a brighter today! Castaways have not only small and large cabin rentals but also has ample RV and camping stalls powered & non-powered to suit your needs. Castaways Cottages & Campgrounds offers 4 seasons of experiences to partake in including paddle board, kayak, canoe, and ATV rentals as well as fishing excursions in the summer. Aurora viewing, Sherp rides, kick sledding & tobogganing to partake in, in the shoulder and off seasons.
2 Season Adventures
Also located on the Lagoon Beach inviting you to soak up the midnight sun, this local campground offers side by side tours, fishing tours on both the lake & river, camper: on site rentals, camper: stall rentals powered & non-powered – seasonal or nightly, jet boat tours to the Louise falls. Taking in the incredible sunsets while sitting around a cozy fire are just a few of the lasting memories to be had while visiting the south slave shores of the Great Slave Lake.
Hay River Territorial Park
The beach in Hay River Territorial Park is a picturesque haven nestled along the shores of Great Slave Lake, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The park is known for its pristine landscapes and outdoor amenities. The sandy shores provide a welcoming space for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply unwinding with the tranquil sounds of the lake as a backdrop. The park’s beach is well-maintained, ensuring a clean and safe environment for families and individuals to enjoy. During the summer months, the beach becomes a popular destination for swimming and water sports, with its clear, refreshing waters inviting visitors to take a dip or glide across the surface in a kayak or canoe. The park itself is a top-notch facility with powered sites, shower facilities, washer & dryer and flush toilets on site.
To learn about the full Waterfalls Route in the South Slave Region, please visit NWTparks.ca.
Paradise Gardens
Located on the shore of the Hay River this private campground in Paradise Valley located at 82 Paradise Road (Km 14, Hwy 2) just south of Hay River NT Canada. Hosting 15 sites, 12 with electricity. There is harvest-it-yourself berry picking on site. The beauty of the gorge surrounds you while fossil hunting on the river bank and staying under the stars at the Paradise valley Campgrounds.
Hay River Golf Club & Campground
The Hay River Golf Course is nestled in the ancient northern Boreal Forest highlighting a stunning tree lined 9-hole course featuring artificial greens that will challenge any golfer. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, as the course hugs the banks of the Hay River, and tall, white-trunked Aspens line the course to accent the green of the fairways. The Hay River Golf Course has a 10-stall campground and RV park located along the banks of the Hay River. Each unit has electricity, a fire pit and there is a pump-out station on site. The driving range and walking trails are located just a hop skip and jump away from the beautiful, licensed log club house, with a seasonal dining menu that is sure to complete your northern adventure.
