Map from Canadian Heritage Rivers System (www.chrs.ca)

The Hayes River was a major route used by fur traders and native people. This was also the way the Selkirk Settlers took to reach Lake Winnipeg and then the Red River Settlement, after landing off Hudson’s Bay. The river begins near Norway House and runs NE through Oxford and Knee Lakes, reaching Hudson’s Bay at York Factory, a distance of 600 kms.

A loading dock on the Hayes River at York Factory c. 1880 (National Archives of Canada)

The York Boat was an important means of moving goods and people to the Red River Settlement from York Factory. Developed by the HBC and built by Orcadian and Scottish builders, it was based on a similar design found in Orkney. It was about 36 ft. long, 8ft. wide and 4ft. deep and could carry 3.5 tons of cargo. Very hardy and durable, it was in general use from 1800 until the 1880′s.

York Boat