May
Territorial Parks
All of the Territorial Parks in the South Slave Region are open on May 17th.
From Northern Alberta on the Waterfalls Route:
60th Parallel Territorial Park
Alexandra Falls Territorial Park (Day Use)
Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park – Louise Falls Campground
Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park – Escarpment Creek
Paradise Gardens – 15 sites & 12 with power
Hay River Golf Course – 10 sites all with power
Hay River Territorial Park
McNallie Creek Territorial Park (Day Use)
Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park
Kakisa River Territorial Park (Day Use)
Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park
Dory Point Territorial Park (Day Use)
Ft. Providence Territorial Park
From Hay River to Fort Smith on the Wood Buffalo Route:
Little Buffalo River Falls Territorial Park
Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park
Fort Smith Mission Territorial Park (Day Use)
Once you are in the Wood Buffalo National Park there are also designated day use sites available to make the trip more comfortable. The road is completely chip sealed now making for a very smooth and quick drive. Keep a watch out for wildlife along the road, especially buffalo as they always have the right of way.
From Hay River to Fort Resolution on the Great Slave Route:
Little Buffalo River Crossing Territorial Park
Please check out the Northwest Territories Parks and Campground site for complete details and contact information at https://nwtparks.ca/.
June
Hay River Lobster Fest
This East Coast inspired cook-out and dance is one of the town’s biggest events every year and certainly the most delicious. A Lobster Fest ticket gets you a whole, mouth-watering, freshly boiled lobster and all the fixings, a live band and a dance. Bring your best friends out for fantastic eats and music, and get them up to jig away the night. Follow the Lobster Fest Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/hayriver.lobsterfest
Hay River Chamber of Commerce Corporate Golf Challenge
The very popular, annual best ball tournament is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to have a great day of golf with their staff, followed by a dinner and prizes. There are only 18 team slots for this 18 hole tournament so make sure you sign up early! Get ready for a day on the links at the Hay River Golf Course. For more information visit the Hay River Golf Club website https://hayrivergolfclub.com/ or the Hay River Chamber of Commerce website https://www.hayriverchamber.com/
Fisherman’s Wharf Pavilion
Every Saturday from June to September Vale Island becomes the place to be for locals and tourists alike. The new pavilion is a post and beam facility offers more vendor and visitor space and will be a year-round facility; perfect hub for many activities throughout the seasons . Drop by the wharf in Old Town and pick up local market garden produce & products, arts & crafts, and fresh caught fish. If you don’t want to cook, locally caught fish is fried up fresh with french fries while you wait, get there early to beat the rush!
NWT Track & Field Championships
This annual track & field meet draws athletes, coaches and volunteers from across the NWT. This event has been held on the track outside Diamond Jenness Secondary School since 1991. Come and watch athletes vie to be the best in the Territories.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Take part in a community celebration recognizing Aboriginal culture in Canada on June 21. Experience the culture and history of the South Slave Dene and learn about the important part they have played, and continue to play in Hay River’s history. There will be a fish-fry, live music, cultural events and much more.
Pig Roast Beach Party
Saturday, June 20 at 5 PM – 2 AM get ready to eat like royalty and dance in the sand! Hosted by 2 Season Adventures this annual pig roast and beach dance party is a popular hit with locals and tourists alike. Tickets can be purchased at the Buffalo Express office, 25 Industrial Drive from Monday to Friday during office hours (8:00am – 5:00pm).
Dinner & Dance – $50.00 Dance Only – $20.00 (can be purchased only on the day of the event) VIP tables are available at a first come first serve basis. Limited quantity! Call 875 7112 for more info. Gates open at 5:00 pm & dinner is served at 6:00 pm. Free shuttle back to town. http://2seasons.ca/
July
Canada Day July 1
Join in the celebration of Canada right here in Hay River! Complete with a parade through the heart of downtown followed by family themed activities on the sandy beaches at the edge of Great Slave Lake there is plenty to do and celebrate.
Kole Crook Fiddling Camp
Held in honour of a young fiddler who died in a plane crash in Norman Wells, this camp features evening performances Wednesday to Friday. This non-profit musical organization is helping inspire, and teach NWT Youth about music in memory of Kole Crook. Evening performances for the public, admission is by donation. www.fiddlingnwt.com
Hay River Heritage Museum
Every Saturday the Heritage Museum Ice Cream Shop is open offering up a variety of flavours to keep you cool. Drop by after you visit the Fisherman’s Wharf Pavilion and relax in their garden area and visit the historical displays at museum.
Hay River Heritage Centre hosts: Hay Days Music Festival opening night Coffee House and Children’s Drama workshop.
Hay Days Festival
This music, art, and cultural festival has quickly become on of the must-do events of the summer attracting many visitors to the town. Musicians and artists from Hay River and beyond come together to entertain at various venues across town. Live music, corporate art attack, workshops, children’s activities and the ever-popular Saturday Shaker at the beach, what more could you ask for in a festival? Visit the official Facebook or website pages at https://www.facebook.com/haydaysfestival/ https://haydaysfestival.com/
Wally Schumann Memorial Show & Shine
Collectors and enthusiasts bring their vehicles to the edge of the Hay River across from the Heritage Museum for an annual show and shine celebrating the memory of Wally Schumann Sr. Come out and see the wide array of vehicles, talk with the owners and other enthusiasts. Just around the corner from the Fisherman’s Wharf walk on over and enjoy live music, there’s even ice cream.! Follow the Wally Schumann Memorial Show & Shine Facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/Wally-Schumann-Memorial-Show-Shine-1772690349505872/
August
Gateway Jamboree
Head down the highway about 36km to the hamlet of Enterprise for this annual music festival showcasing Northern artists, food, local crafts and much more. Plan to attend this family fun event and be ready for a down-home time!
Community Tea
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary of the Hay River Heritage Centre/Museum. Bring the entire family for homemade sandwiches, tasty treats and beverages. http://hayrivermuseum.com/
