Route from Hay River to Big River
Interactive map, distance, and indicative drive time for the route from Hay River to Big River — with the live planner for up-to-date turn-by-turn directions.
This page provides the map and indicative distance data for the route between Hay River (Northwest Territories) and Big River (Saskatchewan). Use the live planner below to get up-to-date driving directions by car, on foot, or by bicycle.
Distance from Hay River to Big River
The straight-line distance between Hay River and Big River is 933.7 km. The estimated road distance by car is around 1055 km, with an indicative drive time of 11 h 43 min.
Trip cost and route type: Hay River – Big River
Driving directions from Hay River to Big River
The map shows the locations of Hay River (A) and Big River (B). Use the form below to calculate the up-to-date road route with turn-by-turn directions, real distance, and estimated drive time.
Turn-by-turn directions
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Estimate trip cost: Hay River – Big River
Indicative estimates based on ~1055 km. Tolls calculated at ~$0.10/km on tolled segments. The calculator updates with the live planner's real distance. Actual consumption, driving style, weather, and toll rates vary.
Origin and destination
How to drive from Hay River to Big River
The straight-line distance between Hay River (Northwest Territories) and Big River (Saskatchewan) is about 933.7 km. The actual road distance varies by chosen route, road type, and travel conditions — especially in winter and across mountain or northern segments.
Before you leave, consider:
- Check current traffic with a navigation app — particularly around major cities.
- Look up any toll segments on your route (Ontario 407, select bridges).
- In winter or at higher elevations, drive times and conditions can change quickly. Carry a charged phone, fuel reserve, and weather-appropriate gear.
- Plan stops at service centres or towns along the way — fuel and rest stops can be sparse on remote sections.
Route description: Hay River – Big River
How far is Hay River from Big River? The road estimate is around 1055 km, with an indicative drive time of 11 h 43 min. The route connects Northwest Territories to Saskatchewan — a long route (over 300 km). Plan multiple breaks and check highway traffic, weather, and fuel availability — particularly in remote sections. Verify the track with the live planner for current instructions.
The trip starts at Hay River (Northwest Territories) — coordinates 60.7531° N, -115.9000° E. The destination is Big River (Saskatchewan), at 53.8370° N, -107.0350° E.
Practical tips for the Hay River – Big River drive
Terrain along the way
The route starts in Northwest Territories — a province subarctic and lake-dotted, with the Mackenzie River and tundra to the north — and reaches Big River in Saskatchewan, prairie to the south and boreal forest, lakes, and Shield country to the north. The route also passes near Wood Buffalo (Alberta).
When to leave
For a long route, leave early (before 06:30) or wait until after 10:00. Avoid summer long-weekend exoduses and major holidays. Plan a break every 1.5–2 hours of driving — and check weather, especially across the Prairies and through mountain passes.
Alternatives
For this route of about 1055 km, consider VIA Rail Canada — VIA's Corridor service connects many Eastern Canadian cities, and the long-distance trains (the Canadian, Ocean) run through the Prairies and the Maritimes. Cross-border trips may also include Amtrak's Adirondack or Cascades. Check schedules at viarail.ca and amtrak.com.
Explore Big River
Full information about Big River: interactive map, GPS coordinates, elevation, nearby cities, and routes to and from Big River.
Big River profile →Explore Hay River
Full information about Hay River: map, GPS coordinates, and all routes from Hay River to other Canadian cities.
Hay River profile →Related tools
Driving Directions
Live planner with turn-by-turn directions from Hay River to Big River.
Interactive map
Open the area between Hay River and Big River on the map.
GPS coordinates
Find precise coordinates for any point along the route.
Distance calculator
Measure straight-line distances between intermediate points.
Elevation
Check elevation along the route — useful for mountain passes.
Satellite map
View the terrain between Hay River and Big River in satellite imagery.
Cities along the Hay River – Big River route
These cities are near the direct route between Hay River and Big River. They may be useful as a stopover or alternate destination.
Routes with intermediate stops: Hay River → Wood Buffalo · Hay River → Fort McMurray · Hay River → Fort Chipewyan
Related routes
From Hay River to other cities:
To Big River from other cities:
From Big River to intermediate cities:
Popular routes from Northwest Territories
Most-searched routes from Northwest Territories, ranked by popularity.
Frequently asked questions: Hay River – Big River
What is the straight-line distance between Hay River and Big River?
The straight-line distance between Hay River and Big River is about 933.7 km. This is the direct geometric distance between the two coordinates, ignoring road geometry.
What is the estimated road distance from Hay River to Big River?
The estimated road distance from Hay River to Big River is about 1055 km — derived by multiplying the straight-line distance by a road-deviation factor (1.13–1.30 based on length). For an up-to-date route, use the live planner.
How long does it take to drive from Hay River to Big River?
Indicative drive time from Hay River to Big River is about 11 h 43 min, based on an average highway speed of 90 km/h on a mixed motorway/highway profile. Real time depends on traffic, weather, stops, vehicle type, and conditions.
How do I get up-to-date driving directions from Hay River to Big River?
Use the live planner on this page: select your transport mode and click "Update route". You'll see the route with turn-by-turn directions, current distance, and estimated time based on up-to-date routing data.
Does the Hay River–Big River route involve highway tolls?
CanadaDrivingDirections.com does not provide toll details. Toll roads are limited in Canada — Ontario's 407 ETR, a few Quebec bridges, and the Confederation Bridge to PEI are the main ones. Check the operator's site for current pricing.
How does traffic affect the route from Hay River to Big River?
Traffic varies by time of day, season, and weather. The live planner uses up-to-date routing data; for live traffic, use a navigation app before departure — especially in winter when conditions can change rapidly.
Is there an alternative route from Hay River to Big River?
A common alternative is going via Wood Buffalo or Fort McMurray. Use the live planner to compare routes.
Can I open the Hay River–Big River route in Google Maps?
Yes. Click "Open in Google Maps" on this page to view the route in the Google Maps app or browser. You can also open Google Maps directly and enter Hay River as origin and Big River as destination.