Aulavik National Park

Using recreational drones in Aulavik National Park is prohibited. Operating a drone within park boundaries may face law enforcement action and a fine of up to $25,000.

 

Aulavik, meaning “ place where people travel ” in Inuvialuktun, protects more than 12,000 square kilometres of arctic lowlands on the north end of Banks Island. The park encompasses a variety of landscapes from fertile river valleys to polar deserts, buttes and badlands, rolling hills, and bold seacoasts.

Aulavik National Park is one of the most isolated parks in North America, and rescue services and facilities are limited. If you are considering visiting the park, read the FAQ below. It is important for visitors to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and capable of handling emergencies. Parks Canada has a search and rescue team based in Inuvik, however, rescue operations are dependent on weather, aircraft or staff availability. Response times could be anywhere from 1-2 days or more depending on the circumstances. Additionally, due to the impacts of COVID-19, rescue services are greatly reduced.

Featured things to do

Paddle though the Heart of Aulavik National Park on the Thomsen River!

The gentle Thomsen River runs the length of Aulavik National Park.

You may camp anywhere you like, except at archaeological sites.

Whether hiking or paddling, there are an endless number of beautiful sites to choose from.  

Hike through Untouched Arctic Lowland Tundra in Aulavik National Park

Trek through rolling lowland tundra in the rich Thomsen River corridor, exploring ancient native sites, encountering muskoxen and Arctic wildlife and enjoying scenic vistas. 

Stewardship and management

Park Management, Monitoring, Natural environment, History and Culture, Contact us

Activities and experiences

Paddling and Fishing, Camping and Hiking, Experiences to Discover, Learning Experiences

Plan your visit

Maps for Aulavik National Park, how to get there, Fees, Summary of Park Regulations, Tourism Links, More Information, Visitor Information, Community...

Important bulletins

Important announcements, notifications, and active superintendent orders.

Safety and guidelines

Learn about potential risks and how to prepare for them.

Contact us

 Telephone: 867-777-8800
 Fax: 867-777-8820
 Email: infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca

Hours of operation

Open upon request.

Contact infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca for more information.

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    Frequently Asked Questions
      Who can visit Aulavik National Park?

      Effective April 1, 2022 anyone regardless of vaccine status can enter the NWT, and self-isolation plans are no longer required.

      For more information on entering the NWT, please visit: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/covid-19.

      What are the restrictions for entering Aulavik National Park?

      All visitors must obtain a Parks Canada permit and must register prior to entering Aulavik National Park. Please contact infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca for more information.

      All visitor groups that require a stop in the community of Sachs Harbour en route to Aulavik National Park should contact the Hamlet of Sachs Harbour prior to booking their trip. This is necessary to receive the most current information on access, restrictions or precautions in Sachs Harbour for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

      Additionally, any visitors planning to leave Aulavik National Park boundaries are required to contact:

      • the local RCMP to give them their estimated time of arrival to the community, and a list of who will be traveling;
      • the Inuvialuit Land Administration to make sure all rules, regulations and guidelines are followed on Inuvialuit lands; and
      • the local Hunters & Trappers Committee to ensure local harvesters are aware if they happen across any person(s) during their travels.
      What are the restrictions for paddling the Thomsen River?

      For non-commercial paddling groups, Parks Canada requires a minimum of two watercrafts per party to maximize the ability to self-rescue. Additionally, each party will be required to carry a communication device (i.e. Garmin inReach), and submit contact numbers prior to registration.

More places to discover with Parks Canada

Ivvavik National Park

Rafters from around the world meet up in Ivvavik National Park. The Firth River slices through canyons and mountain valleys to the Arctic Ocean.  A fly-in base camp offers hikers access to an Arctic landscape of tors, peaks and rolling hills untouched by the last Ice Age. 

Pingo Canadian Landmark

Pingo Canadian Landmark protects a unique arctic landform: ice-cored hills called pingos. Rising out of the flat tundra, these hills provide a distinctive backdrop to the community of Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.

Tuktut Nogait National Park

Arctic rivers, waterfalls, canyons and tundra combine to provide habitat for caribou, muskoxen, wolves and other arctic species.

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