Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada? If you're planning to go to Hay River, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Hay River, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada by month

January

Traveling to Hay River in January, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February for Hay River can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) during the day. It snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

March for Hay River can be dangerously cold. Temperatures average in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you go to Hay River in April, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

May

May in Hay River is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in Hay River can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you visit Hay River during July, you will probably notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

August

If you visit Hay River during August, you might notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you vacation in Hay River during September, you will probably find that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you go to Hay River in October, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time and snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

In November, Hay River is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) and sometimes jump into the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Hay River, with of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

December in Hay River is biting cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C), with a few days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay River. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

What to do in Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada

Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada is a beautiful and exciting tourist destination located in the heart of northern Canada. This small yet lively town offers a wide range of attractions that cater to all types of visitors, whether you’re an adventurous traveler looking for outdoor experiences or simply want to immerse yourself in local culture. Here are some top tourist attractions you must visit in Hay River:

1. Great Slave Lake: Great Slave Lake is one of the largest lakes in North America, and it’s a must-visit attraction for anyone in Hay River. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning vistas, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can swim, fish, canoe, or kayak in the lake, or simply relax on its sandy beaches and soak up the sun.

2. Hay River Heritage Centre: The Hay River Heritage Centre is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in local history and culture. This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region, including exhibits on Indigenous history, the fur trade, and the town’s early pioneers. Visitors can explore displays of traditional artifacts and artwork, and learn about the unique history of this northern Canadian community.

3. Old Town Hay River: Old Town Hay River is a charming historic district located along the shores of the Hay River. Visitors can stroll through the district’s quaint streets, admire the traditional wooden buildings, and browse local shops and art galleries. The district is also home to a number of restaurants serving traditional Canadian dishes and fresh seafood.

4. Hay River Fish Plant: The Hay River Fish Plant is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the local fishing industry. This plant processes fish caught in Great Slave Lake, including trout, whitefish, and pickerel. Visitors can take a tour of the plant to see how fish are processed and prepared for distribution.

5. Hidden Lake Territorial Park: Hidden Lake Territorial Park is a stunning nature reserve located just outside Hay River. The park boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, including tall cliffs, dazzling waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can hike the park’s many trails, fish in its lakes, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

In conclusion, Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada is a fantastic tourist destination for anyone seeking an authentic northern Canadian experience. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities, Hay River is a destination you won’t want to miss.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Kotelnich, Russia, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Knivsta, Sweden, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador, Henley-on-Thames, England, United Kingdom, Kotohira, Japan, Maddalena archipelago, Italy, Hitoyoshi, Japan, Vardenis, Armenia, Riobamba, Ecuador, and Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.