About This Land
The York Factory National Historic Site is known as 'Kischi Wáskáhikan' in the local Cree language and the site has a long history with the local indigenous peoples as they had lived and prospered here from time immemorial. After the depot had closed, the York Factory First Nation people were forcibly relocated from the coastal York Factory 'Kischi Wáskáhikan' to the inland York Landing 'Kawéchiwásik' in the 1950's. To learn more please watch the YouTube video 'York Factory First Nation Oral History: Ininewak of Northeastern Manitoba' and read 'Voices from Hudson Bay: Cree Stories from York Factory' compiled by Flora Beardy and Robert Coutts.
Pre-Departure Logistics
Confirm Dates: Ensure your seasonal tour dates (typically late June to early September) are confirmed with Clint.
Payment: A 50% deposit is required to secure your tour date. The remaining 50% is required on the day of your tour. Invoices will be emailed and may be paid online or with cash.
Arrival at Boat Launch: Plan to meet at the Limestone Generating Station boat launch. This is approximately 50 minutes north of Gillam on Hwy-290.
Confirm Departure Time: Departure times fluctuate based on tide levels and group needs; verify your specific time with Clint via email or text prior to departure date.
Before and After Your Tour: Guests often opt to stay in a Thompson hotel prior to and after their trip. Guests are asked to please contact Clint for recommended tenting locations.
If flying or taking the train up to Gillam: Please discuss your arrival and departures times with Clint, and advise him if transportation to and from the boat launch is needed.
Essential Packing List
✅ Mud-Friendly Footwear: Shoes or boots you don't mind getting muddy.
✅ Rain Jacket: Waterproof outer layer for the boat ride and site exploration.
✅ Layered Clothing: The northern climate can change quickly; bring versatile layers.
✅ Hat / Sunglasses: Bright sun glare on the water.
✅ Sleeping Bag & Pillow: Required for both bunkhouse stays and tenting.
✅ Flashlight or Headlamp: For use during the overnight stay.
✅ Binoculars: For spotting wildlife like polar bears, belugas, wolves, caribou and eagles.
✅ Camera & Charged Batteries: The gas generator at YF is turned off at night.
✅ Sunblock & Bug Spray: Essential for the coastal-tundra environment.
✅ Toiletries: Personal hygiene items.
✅ Tenting Gear: Only required if you have opted to bring your own tent instead of using the bunkhouse.
✅ Adventurous Spirit: A must-have for exploring this remote & beautiful environment!
Food & Beverages
DINNER
Provided: BBQ burger dinner with fixings and snacks
Guest's often bring: Additional preferred sides or specialty food
BREAKFAST
Provided: Light breakfast provided
Guest's often bring: Additional hearty items if desired
LUNCH / SNACKS
Provided: None explicitly provided for the boat ride
Guest's often bring: Bring personal snacks including jerky, veggies, granola bars
BEVERAGES
Provided: Bottled drinking water
Guest's often bring: Personal beverages of choice.
Safety & Site Rules
Polar Bear Awareness: York Factory is in active polar bear territory.
Fenced Compound: All guests must remain within the "polar bear compound" (fenced area) for camping and sleeping.
Guided Walking: Guests must be accompanied by Parks Canada or Nelson River Adventures staff when walking outside the compound.
Respect the Site: Follow all instructions during the guided tour of the historic depot and cemetery.
Contact Information
Nelson River Adventures Inc. is owned and operated by Clint Sawchuck
Phone/Text: 1-204-573-7942
Email: NelsonRiverAdventures@gmail.com
Website: NelsonRiverAdventures.com
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