York Factory National Historic Site

Indigenous Acknowledgment

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 for centuries. After the depot had closed, the York Factory First Nation people were relocated from York Factory 'Kischi Wáskáhikan' to York Landing 'Kawéchiwásik' in the 1950's.

To learn more please watch the 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.

Location

The York Factory National Historic Site is located in the Hudson Bay wilderness at the mouth of the Hayes River, approximately 250 kilometers south of Churchill Manitoba. The landscape is comprised of marsh and boreal forest. The historic site designation refers to the landscape, archaeological and the built resources associated with the site. The site itself is composed of 250-hectares including the depot ruins and the still standing Hudson Bay Compound.

The site first began construction in the 17th century and operated for over 250 years acting as a hub for the fur trade, and the gateway to the interior for the British settlers, soldiers and trade goods.

Site Tour

Parks Canada provides the grounds tour of the York Factory National Historic Site.

Tour is approx. 2.5 hours.

Fees are listed at bottom of page.

Options for staying overnight

Camping at the site is allowed only within the fenced compound.

Options for overnight stays are in the cabin or tenting:

Fees are listed at bottom of page.

Cabin

Amenities are rustic and include:

1. Bunk beds with mattresses (sleeps 8 total) and clean mattress covers

2. Polar Bear proof fencing