Hay River Protected Area lies 15 kilometres from the Alberta border in northeastern British Columbia. BC Parks describes a slow meandering river, broad meadows, black spruce bogs, wetlands, oxbow ponds, and remote access by helicopter.
The protected area was identified through the Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management Plan in 1997.
Hay River Protected Area is for highly self-reliant visitors with the means to reach a remote boreal river corridor. The official page lists fishing, horseback riding, hunting during open seasons, and pet access under control, but there are no developed trails.
The protected area represents an aquatic ecosystem within boreal black spruce muskeg and wetlands. It sits in the Fort Nelson Lowlands ecosection, with flat, low-lying muskeg, extensive wetlands, slow streams, and small lakes in the Boreal White and Black Spruce zone.
Wildlife and cultural values are central to the place. BC Parks notes historic and current use by Slavey, Cree, and Beaver cultures of the Fort Nelson, Fort Liard, and Dene Tha First Nations. The river and wetlands support fish such as northern pike, walleye, inconnu, grayling, and whitefish. Waterfowl use the grass and wetland shelter for nesting.
Plan around remote helicopter-supported travel, fishing, horseback riding, wetland and river observation, photography, hunting where open and permitted, and careful travel through meadows, bogs, and oxbow areas.
There are no developed trails. Treat the area as remote wilderness, confirm all aviation and emergency plans before travel, keep pets leashed, and check fishing and hunting regulations before visiting.
