Hay River Territorial Park protects one of the most accessible sandy beaches on Great Slave Lake. In summer it feels almost improbable this far north: broad sand, cold clear water, driftwood, and the huge horizon of one of the world's great lakes.
It is also a good place to see Hay River's working side, with fishing boats and cargo traffic moving around the lake. Bring layers even in summer; the lake can make the air turn quickly.