Vuntut National Park

Vuntut National Park protects Arctic tundra, rolling limestone hills, wetlands, and river headwaters in northern Yukon, directly north of the community of Old Crow. Established in 1995 through the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement, the park safeguards key habitat and migration routes of the Porcupine caribou herd and forms part of a larger protected mosaic with Ivvavik National Park and the Old Crow Flats complex.

At a glance — Vuntut National Park

Location	Northern Yukon, north of Old Crow and adjacent to the Old Crow Flats / Porcupine River basin
Province / territory	Yukon
Established	1995 (Vuntut Gwitchin Final Agreement)
Area (approx.)	≈ 4,345 km²
Notable features	Porcupine caribou migration routes & summer range; tundra plateaus and limestone ridges; kettle lakes & wetlands; braided headwaters flowing toward the Porcupine River; midnight sun & aurora (shoulder seasons)
Nearby communities	Old Crow (air access hub); regional hub: Whitehorse (connections)

Overview

Vuntut (Gwich’in for “among the lakes”) protects a quiet, roadless expanse of Arctic uplands and wetlands that support migratory caribou, waterfowl, raptors, and wide-ranging predators. The park is co-managed with the Vuntut Gwitchin Government and emphasizes cultural connections, low-impact travel, and self-reliant backcountry experiences.

Lands and relationships

The park lies within the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Under modern treaty arrangements, management decisions, research, and visitor guidance are developed in partnership with the Vuntut Gwitchin Government. Cultural sites and travel routes reflect millennia of land use tied to caribou, fish, and seasonal harvests.

Landscapes and ecosystems

• Tundra uplands & limestone ridges: Open tundra, patterned ground, and karst features with wide views toward the Old Crow basin.
• Wetlands & lakes: Kettle lakes, thaw ponds, and sedge wetlands important for nesting and staging birds.
• Rivers & valleys: Braided headwaters draining toward the Porcupine/Old Crow system; permafrost shapes drainage and soils.
• Wildlife (highlights): Porcupine caribou (migration/summer), Dall sheep, grizzly and black bear, wolf, fox, wolverine (rare), raptors, loons, and waterfowl.

Things to do

• Fly-in basecamps & day hiking: Charter access to tundra camps for ridge walks, wildlife viewing, and photography (guided/organized options recommended).
• Backpacking & route travel: Off-trail tundra hiking with navigation and river fords—best for experienced parties.
• Cultural learning & birding: Programs (when offered) highlight Gwich’in culture and ecology; exceptional spring/fall bird movements occur across the broader Old Crow landscape.

Access and visitor services

• No road access. Most trips stage via Old Crow (scheduled air from Whitehorse/Inuvik), then charter into permitted landing areas. Weather delays are common.
• Visitor information and trip registration are coordinated through Parks Canada and Vuntut Gwitchin Government offices.
• There are no frontcountry facilities in-park; services (fuel, groceries, lodging) are in Old Crow or distant hubs—plan logistics carefully.

Safety and low-impact travel

• Arctic weather & remoteness: Expect rapid changes, strong winds, cold water, and limited rescue options—carry satellite communications and emergency kits.
• Wildlife: Store food/odours securely; both black and grizzly bears occur—carry deterrents where advised; keep legal distances from all wildlife.
• Terrain & rivers: Tussocks, wetlands, and braids make travel slow; fords are cold and swift.
• Cultural respect & LNT: Do not disturb archaeological features; camp on durable surfaces; pack out all waste. Follow any seasonal closures protecting caribou and nesting birds.

See also

• Ivvavik National Park • Aulavik National Park • Tuktut Nogait National Park
• Old Crow Flats • Porcupine caribou herd • National parks of Canada

External links (official)

• Parks Canada — Vuntut National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/vuntut
• Parks Canada — Visit (planning, safety, access): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/yt/vuntut/visit
• Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, travel advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp