Aulavik National Park protects broad Arctic lowlands, rolling limestone hills, river canyons, and wild coastlines on northern Banks Island in the Northwest Territories. Centered on the clear, meandering Thomsen River—one of the northernmost navigable rivers in North America—the park is renowned for exceptional densities of muskox, wide tundra vistas, migratory birds, and deep cultural ties within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
| Location | Northern Banks Island, Arctic Archipelago (Beaufort Sea / M’Clure Strait coastlines) |
|---|---|
| Province / territory | Northwest Territories |
| Established | 1992 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 12,200–12,300 km² (large, roadless Arctic park) |
| Notable features | Thomsen River canoe route & canyons; high muskox numbers; tundra wetlands & patterned ground; coastal bluffs & lagoons; historic cabins (e.g., Green Cabin) and archaeological sites |
| Nearby communities | Sachs Harbour (Ikaahuk) on Banks Island; regional gateways: Inuvik (NWT), Ulukhaktok (Victoria Island) |
Overview
Aulavik (“place where people travel”) spans vast treeless country of dry tundra, braided rivers, and shallow lakes between the Arctic Ocean and the island’s interior uplands. Long summer days bring nesting geese, shorebirds, and wildflowers; in autumn the tundra turns crimson and gold under migrating skies. Wildlife includes muskox (iconic), Peary/barren-ground caribou (variable), Arctic fox, wolf, lemmings, and raptors.
Lands and relationships
The park lies within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and is co-managed with Inuvialuit partners. Cultural sites, travel routes, and traditional camps are found across river corridors and coasts. Visitors are asked to respect archaeological features and local guidance shared during trip registration.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Low Arctic tundra & wetlands: Dry frost-heaved polygons, sedge meadows, thaw ponds, and kettle lakes with spring waterfowl concentrations.
- Thomsen River system: Clear, gravel-bottom channel with oxbows, cutbanks, and short canyons—classic multi-day paddling in mid-summer.
- Hills, plateaus & canyons: Soft-relief limestone country punctuated by bluffs, gullies, and patterned ground.
- Coasts & lagoons: Low marine terraces, driftwood-lined beaches, and lagoons frequented by marine birds; sea ice lingers late in many years.
Things to do
- Canoeing/kayaking the Thomsen River (advanced-remote): 7–12 day paddles with aircraft shuttles to/from upper/lower river landing areas; cold water, variable levels, and portageable riffles—self-reliant skills essential.
- Backpacking & tundra day hikes: Off-trail ridge walks and valley rambles from fly-in basecamps (no built trail network).
- Wildlife & birding: Muskox viewing from safe distances; spring/summer waterfowl and shorebirds on lakes and river bars.
- Photography & learning: Endless midsummer light, big skies, patterned ground, and historic/trapper sites (look, don’t touch).
Access and visitor services
- No roads or townsites in-park. Access is by charter aircraft (typically from Inuvik or Sachs Harbour) to authorized backcountry landing areas along the Thomsen or coast; weather delays are common.
- Registration/orientation: Backcountry trip registration with Parks Canada is required; fees apply. Orientation covers safety, cultural respect, and bear practices.
- Logistics: All supplies, fuel, repair kits, and communications must be self-carried. Limited services exist in Sachs Harbour; broader services in Inuvik/Ulukhaktok.
Safety and low-impact travel
- Arctic weather & remoteness: Rapid changes, strong winds, hypothermia risk, and long rescue times—carry satellite comms and emergency plans.
- Wildlife: Give muskox wide space; both polar bears (coasts) and grizzlies (inland) may occur—store food/odours securely and carry deterrents where advised.
- Cold water & rivers: Dress for immersion; expect cold fords, shifting channels, and limited eddies.
- Navigation & hazards: Featureless tundra, tussocks, wetlands, and cliffs—use maps, GPS, and conservative route choices.
- Leave No Trace: Camp on durable surfaces, pack out all waste, never disturb archaeological features, and respect seasonal closures or wildlife buffers.
See also
- Ivvavik National Park • Tuktut Nogait National Park • Qausuittuq National Park
- Banks Island • Sachs Harbour • Inuvialuit Settlement Region • National parks of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Aulavik National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/aulavik
- Parks Canada — Visit (planning, access, safety): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nt/aulavik/visit
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, travel advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp