National Parks and National Historic Sites of Canada in Northwest Territories and northern Yukon

Aulavik National Park of Canada

A Place Where People Travel

As you paddle along the gently bending Thomsen River, you see the muskoxen - clumps of fur grazing all around you in the vast tundra. The immense living skies are the only other witnesses to the mysteries of this land adorned by flowers, rocks and bones. The river meanders along and you follow it, spreading your long shadows down the place where people travel...

© Parks Canada

Why You Will Love It!

• Go where few have gone before! Enjoy paddling down the most northerly navigable river in North America.
   
• In summer, never-ending daylight offers a unique chance to paddle or hike at any time of the day or night, over the expansive rolling tundra.
   
• Feel the timelessness of a land where 3,500 years of arctic peoples' history shares the stage with the European history of arctic misadventures and explorations.
   
• Make your trip a complete arctic experience! See the modern cultural history of the Inuvialuit of Banks Island with a side visit to Sachs Harbour.

Endless Opportunities

Canoeing

The Thomsen River meanders through the rolling arctic tundra, offering more than 150 kilometres of wilderness paddling. There are no rapids or whitewater on the Thomsen, but weather can be unforgiving. The best time for paddling is between late June and late July.

Hiking and Wildlife Viewing

There are no designated routes or trails within Aulavik National Park, but the terrain is gentle enough that hiking is possible practically anywhere. Muskoxen are often seen along the Thomsen River, as well as arctic wolves and foxes.

Accommodations

There are no visitor facilities, services, or campgrounds in the park, so be prepared for serious wilderness camping in arctic conditions. A park office and visitor reception centre is located in Sachs Harbour. Contact the park office or visit the park's website for more information.

Getting there

Access to Aulavik National Park is by air charter from Inuvik. Landing permits are required for aircraft landings in the park, and designated landing areas should be used.

Inuvik has daily air service from southern Canada and may also be reached via the Dempster Highway.

Significance

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 bears witness to a rich and diverse cultural history, including 3,500 years of arctic people's history and nearly 200 years of European exploration and adventure.

Aulavik National Park was established in 2001 following an agreement between the federal and territorial governments and the Inuvialuit of Sachs Harbour, who today cooperatively manage Aulavik with Parks Canada.

Contact

Aulavik National Park of Canada
P.O. Box 29
Sachs Harbour, NT, Canada
(867) 690-3904
www.pc.gc.ca/aulavik

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