The Hayes River is a remote Arctic-bound waterway flowing north from Manitoba into Hudson Bay, offering one of North America's premier wilderness canoe expeditions for experienced paddlers. This 643 km journey features pristine boreal and tundra landscapes, abundant wildlife including caribou and polar bears, and numerous Class I–II rapids that demand solid whitewater skills and route-finding ability. The river descends gradually through varied terrain, passing historic trading posts and remote campsites, with conditions best tackled in July–August when water levels are manageable and weather permits. Access is via air charter to upstream starting points; a support outfitter is strongly recommended for this expedition-grade route.
The difficulty of Hayes River River varies by section.
The best time is July–August.
Hayes River River is located in the Manitoba region of Canada.
canadianwhitewater.com · arcticcanoe.com · manitoba.ca/parks