A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by trees.

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Stay near popular Hay River attractions

Learn more about Hay River

Watch the midnight sun illuminate Great Slave Lake's sandy shores where locals fish for Arctic grayling and pickerel. Hike the Hay River Territorial Park trails or visit nearby Twin Falls Gorge where Alexandra Falls plunges dramatically into the canyon below.

A sunset over a calm body of water with a tree branch in the foreground.
Photo by Lori Hagen
Open Photo by Lori Hagen

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More cheap accommodation in Hay River

Find out more about Hay River

Top reasons to visit Hay River

  • Stunning Natural Beauty: Enjoy picturesque beaches and the serene Back Bay, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.
  • Cultural Exploration: Discover local attractions like churches and the Natural History Museum that showcase Hay River's unique heritage.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in fun activities at local skating rinks and the recreation centre, perfect for families.
  • Charming Accommodation: Choose from cosy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels, providing a comfortable base for your adventures.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Experience the Hay River Territorial Park Campground, a great spot for camping and outdoor enthusiasts.

Find great hotels in Hay River

Discover the charming accommodation options in Hay River, where cosy bed and breakfasts meet essential business facilities. Whether you're seeking a comfortable stay for work or leisure, the hotels in Hay River offer a variety of choices to suit your needs. From quaint lodgings to more modern establishments, you'll find the perfect base to explore this beautiful part of the Northwest Territories.

  • Eileen's Bed & Breakfast - Guest House: Eileen's Bed & Breakfast - Guest House is a charming 3-star accommodation nestled in Hay River, perfect for business travellers seeking a homely yet professional atmosphere. This guest house offers essential business amenities including a Meeting Room and Business Centre, ensuring a productive stay. Guests enjoy a warm, personalised service, comfortable rooms, and a delightful breakfast to start the day. Its convenient location allows easy access to local attractions, making it an ideal base for both work and leisure.

Where to stay in Hay River

Hay River offers an unforgettable vacation experience, rich in culture and family-friendly activities. Explore its picturesque beaches and the serene Back Bay, perfect for relaxation and fun. The city also features vibrant local attractions that showcase its unique heritage. Whether you're indulging in local cuisine or enjoying outdoor adventures, Hay River promises a delightful getaway in the heart of Canada's Northwest Territories.

  • Enterprise: Located 33.8km from Hay River, Enterprise is a charming community that attracts visitors year-round, with peak seasons in February and July to August. This friendly locale offers a unique travel experience, featuring beautiful natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Highlights include local cultural events and festivals that showcase the vibrant spirit of the area. Whether you're exploring the surrounding wilderness or enjoying the warmth of the community, Enterprise promises a delightful stop on your Northern adventure.

Things to do in Hay River

Hay River offers a delightful mix of cultural and family-friendly activities, perfect for any tourist. Visitors can enjoy education-focused experiences, glide across the ice at local skating rinks, and explore the arena entertainment facility. With friendly guides and a recreation centre at your disposal, there's plenty to keep you engaged and entertained during your stay in this charming Northern community.

Shopping

In Hay River, explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Hay River Shopping Centre, about 16.1km away, offering a mix of retail options and local products. Don't miss the local markets for authentic Northern souvenirs!

Recreation

Harmony Wellness Centre offers rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga classes, perfect for relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the scenic Hay River Trail, where you can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Northwest Territories.

Adventure

In Hay River, embark on thrilling canoeing adventures along the mighty Hay River, where you can experience stunning landscapes and wildlife. For hiking enthusiasts, explore the scenic trails at the nearby Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park, offering breathtaking views and a taste of the rugged north.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at the Hay River’s iconic Riverfront Lounge, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and tasty cocktails. For a more energetic vibe, visit the Northern Lights Pub, renowned for its live music and friendly crowd, perfect for mingling with locals and fellow travellers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hay River

For a budget-friendly trip to Hay River, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March and June, with Thursdays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to search for accommodation within your budget, and filter results to find eco-friendly options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Look for local free activities and rely on public transport to keep costs down. Always compare hotel deals and room rates to ensure you’re getting the best value for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Hay River are February to March and June, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Hay River is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay in Hay River is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Hay River hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Hay River

Hay River offers a delightful blend of culture, family fun, and entertainment. Visitors can explore local attractions such as churches, the arena, and the Natural History Museum. The Hay River Territorial Park Campground is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for cultural experiences or family-friendly activities, Hay River has something to keep everyone entertained during your visit.

  • Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church: This charming church in Hay River embodies a rich cultural atmosphere, welcoming visitors to explore its beautiful architecture and serene environment, perfect for reflection and appreciation of local faith traditions.
  • Don Stewart Recreation Complex: A vibrant hub for entertainment and family activities, this facility offers a range of sports and recreational options, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy quality time together in a lively setting.
  • Hay River Heritage Centre: Immerse yourself in local history at this engaging natural history museum, where families can discover the culture and heritage of Hay River through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Best time to go to Hay River

The best time to visit Hay River can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Hay River falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Hay River falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January-2.9°F (-19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Very CloudyAverageAverage
February-1.7°F (-18.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Very CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March9.3°F (-12.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Very CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April26.2°F (-3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May43.9°F (6.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June55.2°F (12.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September50.2°F (10.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October35.6°F (2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
November15.3°F (-9.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December-0.0°F (-17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Hay River

Flying into Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada is convenient via Hay River Airport (YHY), located 3.2km from the town centre. A recommended accommodation is Eileen's Bed & Breakfast - Guest House, a 3-star option situated 4.8km from the airport. This charming bed and breakfast offers free airport transportation, making your arrival hassle-free. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque surroundings while having easy access to local attractions. With its friendly service and comfortable amenities, Eileen's provides a welcoming stay for travellers exploring the beauty of Hay River.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Hay River?
For most visitors, the best area to stay in Hay River is along the Hay River itself, particularly near the river's mouth and the Great Slave Lake.

This area is the main part of town, offering convenient access to local amenities and attractions. Hotels and guesthouses here are typically situated a short walk from the riverfront, where you'll find the Hay River Harbour and the Fisherman's Wharf. This central location means you're close to most of the town's shops, restaurants, and services, making it easy to get around without needing a car for every outing.

Couples looking for a relaxing stay will appreciate accommodations with views of the river or the lake. Many establishments in this area offer comfortable rooms and easy access to scenic walks along the waterfront, superb for enjoying the northern landscape. You can often find local eateries serving fresh fish caught from the lake nearby.

Solo travellers will find this area practical due to its central location and proximity to local businesses. It's easy to meet locals at the various cafes or explore the town's history at places like the Hay River Museum, which is usually just a short distance from the main accommodations.
When is the best time to go to Hay River?
The best time to visit Hay River depends on what you'd like to experience, with late spring to early autumn (May to September) offering warm weather and longer daylight hours, and the winter months (November to March) providing opportunities for winter activities and the aurora borealis.

For those interested in fishing, particularly for walleye and northern pike, the warmer months from June to August are ideal. The Hay River is a popular spot for angling, and the long daylight hours mean more time on the water. This period is also great for exploring the nearby Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park, where you can hike and enjoy the natural beauty.

If seeing the aurora borealis is your priority, then the darker, colder months from November to March are your best bet. With minimal light pollution and clear skies often present, Hay River offers excellent viewing opportunities.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Hay River.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Hay River with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Hay River hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Hay River?
Prices for hotels in Hay River often vary, but you can find a great deal from AU$133 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.