From the horizon-spanning surface of Great Slave Lake to the peaceful seclusion of the North’s wooded Boreal Forest walking trails, Hay River puts you right in the heart of the stunning natural landscapes of the Northwest Territories. For avid adventure-seekers and quiet nature and wildlife viewers, the natural splendor of the North is waiting for you in every direction.
For centuries, people in the Northwest Territories (NWT) have used the Boreal Forest for subsistence purposes. The forest provides food, shelter and the materials to build canoes, moose skin boats, sleds, mukluks and even drums.
Walk along the impressive Twin Falls Gorge trail between Alexandra Falls and Louise Falls picking the many plants and berries in the area that are harvested on a regular basis for personal edible & medicinal consumption. Learn more about the waterfall route here.
These Boreal Forests contain predominantly aspen and black spruce. Other tree species present include balsam poplar white spruce lodgepole pine jack pine and willow. Coniferous forests in the northern part of the Lower Hay sub-basin contain predominantly white spruce and jack pine. In contrast, coniferous forests in the Upper Hay sub-basin in British Columbia, the eastern part of the Lower Hay sub-basin, and southern portion of the Chinchaga sub-basin contain stands of black spruce, white spruce, and lodgepole pine. Enjoy pleasant views at any of the local Hay River parks.
The Hay River trail systems are very well-used all year by residents, this has not deterred a healthy segment of small wildlife. While you walk the Hay River trails that hug the banks of the Hay River and Great Slave Lake, you may glimpse fox, lynx, rabbits, squirrels, owls or any number of birds as you stroll along. The preservation of a large amount of the underbrush has meant that many small songbirds, warbler and sparrow species, nest in the area – and don’t be surprised to be yelled at by a slightly irritated woodpecker if you come too close to his nest.
Watch the water: you may see a bald eagle leisurely flying up-stream looking for his fishy supper or a moose having a fresh drink from the shoreline. You will surely see duck, gulls, pelicans, snipes, pipers – maybe even a loon. The trails are well marked with interpretive signage so you can learn about your immediate environment as you travel along.
Ski through a snow-dusted forest. Watch herds of meandering bison or spot gargantuan fish in crystal-clear waters. Camp under the late night summer sun or catch the world’s best Northern Lights filling the sky above. There are so ways to experience the great outdoors around Hay River.
Bears can be found throughout the Northwest Territories and can be dangerous. Remember that you’re in their territory and you should treat them with respect. When fishing, be cautious near streams or lakes. Bears frequent those areas Clean fish and dispose of guts away from your camping area. And when camping, don’t wear clothes to bed that smell like fish.
If you encounter a bear, remember the 3 S’s:
1. Stop.
2. Stand still.
3. Stay calm.
Do not run. Leave the bear an open avenue of escape. If you spot a bear from a distance, make your presence known by speaking in low tones and slowly waving your arms. Do not shout or make sudden movements. Keep an eye on the bear, stay downwind and avoid direct eye contact, then back away slowly or make a wide detour.
Learn more about Safety in Bear Country.
Black-capped chickadees
Boreal chickadees
Snow buntings
Redpolls
Downy woodpeckers
Hairy woodpecker
Black-backed woodpecker
three-toed woodpecker
Pileated woodpecker
Whooping Crane
Boreal owl
Raven
Pelican
Duck
Gulls
Snipes
Pipers
Warbler
Sparrow
Sandhill Crane
Gray (Canada) jay
Dark-eyed junco
Pine grosbeaks
Red-breasted nuthatch
Ruffed grouse
Spruce grouse
Great horned owl
Wood Bison
Whiskey Jack
Magpie
Beaver
Wolf
Squirrel
Chipmunk
Field Mouse
Bobcat
Muskrat
Rabbit
Moose
Black Bear
Lynx
Snowshoe hare
Fox
Brown Bear
