Parks Canada had, for 2009 only, made a decision to not permit aircraft access to the Inuvialuit Settlement Region portion of Tuktut Nogait National Park during the months of June and July. This decision was made in consideration of concerns expressed by the community of Paulatuk, and the potential effects of aircraft overflights on the Bluenose caribou herd during the calving and post-calving periods. Limiting aircraft access in June and July 2009 was consistent with the park’s objective to protect caribou habitat and to maintain the ecological integrity of the ecosystem represented by the park.

The Bluenose West caribou herd is found almost entirely within the park during the calving and post-calving season in June and July. Tuktut Nogait National Park was established in part for the purpose of protecting the Bluenose caribou herd and its calving and post calving habitat. The herd is also an important food source for the Inuvialuit of Paulatuk.

In 2009, estimates from a detailed photocensus survey indicate that the herd population remains low when compared to historical values, but has not significantly changed since the last photocensus survey in 2006.

Overland access to the Park is a recommended option to all visitors of the Park, and overland access is possible and feasible from Paulatuk. Paulatuk is the closest community to Tuktut Nogait National Park, and is about 40 kms from the park’s nearest boundary.

The Canada National Parks Act requires aircraft to have a landing permit in order to land in a national park except in the case of emergencies.