Hay River Protected Area

Highlights in this protected area

The Hay River meanders its way slowly to the east. Along its shores, outstanding meadows can be seen stretching towards hidden black spruce bogs and wetlands. Water loving wildlife such as moose can be seen feeding in the shallows of ox-bow ponds and waterfowl hidden in the grass find shelter for nesting.

This remote Protected Area is accessible via helicopter.

Know before you go

Advisories

Special notes

There are no developed trails at this park.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Location Map

Getting there

Hay River Protected Area is located 15 km from the Alberta border.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. This is an extremely remote area and access is very difficult.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Things to do

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is allowed.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in this park.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Facilities

Campfires

Keep backcountry fires small and only use when necessary. If required, make sure the fire is completely out before your leave.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

Drinking water

Boil or filter all water from streams and rivers.

About this protected area

Cultural heritage

This is an area of historic and current use by Slavey, Cree and Beaver cultures of the Fort Nelson, Fort Liard and Dene Tha First Nations.

History

The general area has traditionally been used by the Slavey, Cree and Beaver cultures of the Fort Nelson, Fort Liard and Dene Tha First Nations. The area was identified as a Protected Area in the Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management Plan in 1997.

Conservation

The Hay River Protected Area is a representative aquatic ecosystem within boreal black spruce muskeg and wetlands. It is located within the Fort Nelson Lowlands ecosection, and is comprised of very flat low-lying muskeg terrain with extensive wetlands, slow moving streams and numerous small lakes within the boreal white and black spruce biogeoclimatic zone.

Wildlife

Wildlife species common to wetlands and river corridors are found in this protected area. These species include moose, deer, caribou, wolf, black bear, coyote and small furbearers such as beaver and river otter. The Hay River contains northern pike, walleye, inconnu, grayling and whitefish.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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