6 Week SL - Hayes River – Y Camp Pine Crest

The Hayes River is located in Northern Manitoba and flows from Molson Lake into the Hudson Bay at York Factory. It is the longest naturally flowing river in Manitoba, stretching 483km, and played a very important role in Canada’s early fur trading routes, earning a designation as a Canadian Heritage River. The river traverses the traditional territory of four First Nations: Norway House Cree Nation, Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Shamattawa First Nation, and York Factory Cree Nation. It continues to be an important source of traditional harvesting for the First Nations. The Hayes River is still home to a huge range of wildlife including moose, polar bears, sturgeon, brook trout, wolverines, woodland caribou, bald eagles, and beluga whales! The river remains untouched to this day, bearing no dams or signs of development, making the Hayes a beautiful, pristine taste of the Canada’s historic wilderness. From camp, participant will travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they will take a shuttle up to Norway House where their 29 day adventure will begin! In total, participants will paddle 630km up the Hayes River system through a mix of flat and white water before ultimately finishing in York Factory on Hudson Bay. From there, they will travel to Gillam, where they will catch a train back to Winnipeg and head back to Pine Crest. Skill Level: Advanced. White water paddling experience and strong swimming abilities are required. Participants must understand scouting and how to follow paddling lines, complete eddy turns, and swim confidently in moving water. What to expect: 7–8 hours of paddling each day, Class I-III white water, lining boats, and some portages on rough terrain. To finalize your registration for this leadership program, please ensure that you fill out the Medical & Camper Experience Form by navigating to activity number #148625.