Big Lake

2-4 Courtoreille St, Hay River, NT X0E 1G2, Canada
+1 867-874-3330
$$$ Cafe
(76 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering through the serene landscapes of Hay River, NWT, make sure to take a delightful detour to Big Lake Café. Nestled at 2-4 Courtoreille St, this charming spot is more than just a café; it's a cozy haven that beckons both locals and travelers alike with its warm atmosphere and tantalizing menu.

Big Lake has carved a niche for itself with a unique blend of flavors, particularly shining in the realm of Jamaican cuisine. The menu features an array of mouthwatering options, including a delicious Jerk Chicken Sandwich that has become a fan favorite among patrons. One customer gushes, “Absolutely divine!” and they aren’t alone in their sentiment. The café offers items for every meal of the day, from a hearty Full Breakfast—perfect for fueling your morning adventures—to indulging in their signature Double Beef Burger for a satisfying lunch.

But it doesn't stop there. If you’re in the mood for something lighter or a bit of a sweet treat, the Chai Latte and Italian Soda offer refreshing alternatives that pair beautifully with their assortment of homemade pastries. You can sense the care that goes into every dish, whether it's the perfectly seasoned fish and chips or the uniquely crafted chicken fettuccini; each bite is a testament to the passionate culinary creativity thriving at Big Lake.

The ambiance adds to the café's appeal. Imagine sitting back in a beautifully decorated space filled with a collection of games and books, fostering an environment that invites you to linger just a bit longer. As one satisfied visitor shares, “It’s a cozy place and feels like a home away from home.” Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely afternoon or grabbing a quick coffee to go, Big Lake Café is designed to make you feel welcome and relaxed.

The delightful owner, often seen engaging with guests, is just one part of what makes this place special. As you sip on your warm, expertly brewed Americano or a blissful Steamer, you may find yourself engaging in friendly banter and sharing smiles with not just the owners but fellow patrons who have flocked to this hidden gem. It’s no wonder that many guests return multiple times during their stay in Hay River, as evidenced by one customer who said, “During our trip, we ate here 3x!”

So whether you're stopping by for breakfast, a quick coffee break, or a leisurely lunch filled with flavor and charm, Big Lake Café promises an experience that will tickle your taste buds and warm your heart. Don’t miss the chance to make this café your new local escape or a cherished pit stop on your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Hay River.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

76 Reviews
Derrick Lam

06 Sep 2025

Nice place for nice food. I happen to stop by Hay River on route to Yellowknife, and found this really joint. Food is great, we had fish n chips, Jerk chicken etc. Service was great too.

Justin Kole

20 Aug 2025

Great owner, lovely to chat with. Great food ( jerk chicken) and a fun atmosphere. They have board games!

April E

27 Jul 2025

Amazing atmosphere, very friendly and excellent service. Great selection of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner; I highly recommended the Jerk Chicken Sandwich, absolutely divine! Beautifully decorated and lots of games and books to interact with and play. Price is very fair for the services offered. Definitely stop in if you’re in the area or make this place your new local!

Carl Hill

11 Jul 2025

I did not know what to expect when I arrived in Hay River, but I did not expect great Jamaican food. Overall, the best food in town. Carlene, behind the counter, is a gem.

Secret garden

09 Jul 2025

Cozy place and excellent food the chicken fettuccini is unlike any other fettuccini I’ve had but it a good way the sauce was excellent! Thank you for a wonderful meal a home away from home

Cody Lincoln

30 Jun 2025

Big Lake is a nice, quiet spot with plenty of food options. The staff were very kind, and made my time in town fly by! It’s worth the stop.

Leah Mandeville

19 Jun 2025

Goodfood, quick and friendly service. Would recommend

MIABadBoys

27 May 2025

Absolute gem in the town of Hay River. Everyone told us to try here and I’m glad we did. During our trip we ate here 3x. We tried the red snapper, jerk chicken and jerk wings. Everything was delicious, and seasoned perfectly. Yes, jerk is supposed to be spicy. Big (thumbs) up

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