Hayes River to York Factory Canoe Trips Routes:

The Hayes River in northern Manitoba has long been considered the ultimate in wilderness tripping. The very name Hayes evokes pictures of voyagers and fur trade to anyone with even a passing knowledge of the history of western Canada. The Hayes river served, for over a 100 years a the major highway into the western interior of the continent, and it was from it’s “York Factory” at the mouth of the river that Canada's Hudson Bay Company controlled the vast watershed draining into the Bay.

The potential to see and hear a variety of wildlife including black bears, wolves (howling),moose, seals, Beluga whales, as well as a variety of bird life. York Factory is the real thing and worth scouting around for an afternoon. The original Fort was built by the Hudson Bay Company in 1682 as a focal point for the collection and distribution of furs to Europe. Although the fort has been rebuilt several times throughout history, the structure that remains standing is the actual fort that was operational until it was closed and abandoned in the 1950’s. In its hay day in the early 1800’s, its shores would be littered with canoes and York Boats, bringing furs and supplies for trade. It boasted a population of over 1500 people during the trading season. A cemetery and remnants of the old settlement still exist. In 1958, National Parks Canada classified the fort and surrounding area a National Historic Site. More recently, park staff are conduct archaeology studies and interpretive programs. The site remains very remote and your crew will be some of the very few to actually visit the fort in person.

Warning: York Factory is just south of the largest Polar Bear denning sites in the world. Bears frequent the area and extreme caution should be exercised!

Hayes River Canoe Trips - Start point:

Venture Air FloatPlane and Seaplane Base in Thompson Manitoba (see directions: Winnipeg -Thompson). Transport canoes, people and gear downstream to one of two locations:

1. Sea River drop-off point route is rated as difficult in that it requires three weeks to complete and it includes all the same white water as the Oxford route plus more of the same. This route will challenge your endurance!
   
2. Oxford Lake drop-off point facilitates the inclusion of a series of class2 , 3 and 4 rapids as well as Trout Falls. The less experience can expect to do a lot of portaging.
   
3. Fox River drop-off point leaves the treacherous rapids behind and a moderate current carries you to the junction of the Fox-Hayes Rivers.

Hayes River Canoe Trips - Difficulty:

Oxford Lake drop-off: requires caution and is rated moderate to high degree of difficulty. The area below “Swampy Lake”, just downstream of Knee Lake requires skill and caution as numerous rapids will be encountered within the class2 – 4 range.

The Fox River drop-off: is rated as moderate. This section is predominately fast cruising all the way to York Factory. At the confluence of the Fox and Hayes Rivers, the current increases significantly as it does again when the Gods River joins the Hayes about 50 miles from the Bay.

Hayes River Canoe Trips - End Point:

York Factory on Hudson Bay. Return trip is by float plane to Venture Air in Thompson. We pick you up as we dropped you off, all gear, canoes and people. York Factory is on the coast of Hudson Bay and as such, is subject to extreme weather conditions that may delay pick-up. If you encounter such conditions, sit tight, the aircraft will arrive as soon possible.

Hayes River Canoe Trips - Pricing:

Pricing is from Venture Air Float Planes Base in Thompson Manitoba. All tours and trips are self guided, however, experienced river guides are available with prior arrangements. All pricing is for two canoes and four people (canoes must be able to nest, one on top of the other for transport as an external load on the aircraft / float plane struts).

Sea River Ferry Route (long route): $1399 CDN/person – party of four

Oxford Lake Route (intermediate route): $600 CDN/person – party of four

Bigstone / Fox River (short route): $865 CDN/person – party of four

Note: Return trip from York Factory to Thompson Manitoba: $1199 CDN/person - party of four

All pricing includes:

• Tie on fees for canoes Air transport to start point as described ( includes return trip for aircraft to base)
• Co-ordination of pick up arrangements at end point (i.e. barge or optional charter flight)
• Hotel reservations in Thompson, Manitoba

Optional services include rental of:

• Canoes (royalex Old Town or similar) $200 per week per Canoe
• Satellite telephone - $200 per trip
• Firearm with ammunition for personal protection (shotgun); instruction provided.-$60 per week

Learn About Hayes River Canoe Trips

Venture Air is an experienced floatplane charter company with extensive knowledge of many rivers in northern Manitoba. They have being providing Hayes River canoe trips to canoests and wilderness seekers for many years. Inquire about your Hayes River Canoe Trips now!

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