Hay River is a working northern port on the south shore of Great Slave Lake. It is a transport hub, yes, but not only that: the town has real lake life, a commercial fishing history, broad sandy beaches, and access to some of the easiest waterfall country in the Northwest Territories.
The best day here is outdoors. Walk or swim along the Great Slave Lake shore at Hay River Territorial Park, visit Fisherman's Wharf when the market is running, and stop at the Hay River Museum to understand why this small town became a northern shipping and fishing centre.
With a car, Hay River also pairs naturally with the waterfalls south of town. Alexandra Falls is the obvious detour, and it gives a spare day here a stronger shape than the town alone might suggest.