Hayes River

Encyclopedia : H : HA : HAY : Hayes River

The Hayes River is a river in Manitoba, Canada. York Factory is located at its mouth on the Hudson Bay. The 600 km (363 miles) river from Norway House to York Factory (established in 1684) is an imporant link to the development of Canada. Long before Europeans came to Canada, Manitoba First Nations were using the river as ancient campsites according to pictographs.

The Hayes River was the main route between York Factory on the Hudson Bay and the interior of western Canada for explorers, fur traders and European settlers from 1670 to 1870.

Today the river remains untouched. No dams or development mar its course. It is still an important source of traditional harvesting for the First Nations. It is also a favorite recreational canoe route.

The Hayes River flows through glacial outwash and many eskers to reach its delta where Harbour seals and Beluga whales can be found. Polar bears roam the shores of Hudson Bay.

Currently, environmental assessments are being conducted in view of the construction of an all weather bridge at Wipanipanis, near Painted Stone portage, across the Hayes River as part of a winter road. The Hayes River has been nominated to be a Canadian Heritage river. This would protect the river from hydro-electric development.

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