Aulavik National Park does not have a visitor center with set hours. The park is open upon request, and visitors should contact the park staff for more information.
The entrance fee at Aulavik National Park is $33.25 per person per day or $231.50 for an annual pass. Youth 17 and under enter free.
Fly to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, from southern Canada, then charter a flight to one of Aulavik’s designated airstrips. Alternatively, fly via Sachs Harbour. All access is by air only—there are no roads to or within the park.
There are no parking facilities or options for cars, RVs, or motorcycles at Aulavik National Park, as it is only accessible by air.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Aulavik National Park, located on Banks Island in the Northwest Territories, is one of Canada’s most remote and untouched protected areas. With its expansive tundra, wildflower-covered valleys, and the meandering Thomsen River, it offers an unparalleled Arctic wilderness experience. Visitors can paddle through dramatic canyons, observe herds of muskoxen, and witness the aurora borealis from this designated Dark Sky Preserve. Accessible only by charter plane, Aulavik promises a raw and unforgettable connection with nature.
- Area (km²)
- 7628.27
- Annual visitors
- 50
- Established year
- 1992
Top 3 Facts about Aulavik National Park
This arctic region is home to approximately 10,000 muskoxen, with the Thomsen River valley providing rich grazing habitat, making it a unique hotspot for these ice-age ungulates. The muskoxen here produce qiviut, the warmest wool on Earth.
The Thomsen River, a Canadian Heritage River, runs through the park and is ideal for multi-day paddling trips.
Aulavik is a Dark Sky Preserve, offering world-class aurora viewing with minimal light pollution.
Family programs
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Virtual Junior Activities
- Water-based Adventures
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Coordinate charter flights, permits, and emergency logistics well in advance. Consult Parks Canada for safety protocols.
Pack Appropriately
Bring arctic-grade clothing, GPS, satellite phone, water filters, shelter gear, and food for full self-sufficiency.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, including muskoxen. Do not approach or feed any animals.
Stay Informed
Monitor weather updates, aurora forecasts, and backcountry alerts via Parks Canada and local aviation services.
Seasons
Spring brings the tundra to life with emerging wildflowers and lengthening daylight. It’s still chilly, but arctic hares and foxes may be spotted.
Summer is the ideal time to visit, with nearly 24-hour daylight, blooming flora, abundant muskoxen, and navigable rivers perfect for canoe expeditions.
Fall features crisp air, vibrant tundra colors, and active wildlife preparing for winter, including polar bears and migrating whales.
Winter transforms Aulavik into a polar desert with extreme cold and short daylight. Visitation is rare and limited to well-prepared experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Aulavik National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
The closest city to Aulavik National Park is Sachs Harbour, but it is more practical to consider Yellowknife or Inuvik due to their larger size and more accessible amenities. Inuvik is particularly relevant as it serves as a base for charter planes to the park.
-
There are no designated trails in Aulavik National Park, but the terrain is gentle enough for hiking almost anywhere. Hikers can explore the low arctic tundra, particularly along the Thomsen River corridor, which is known for its easy terrain and abundant wildlife. No specific easy trail is marked, but the overall landscape allows for relatively easy hiking.
-
Yes, you must keep your dog on a leash that is 3 metres or less in length at all times. This is to protect wildlife, your dog, and the public. It is also the law.
-
There is no parking available for vehicles like camper vans, motorhomes, or trailers because the park is accessible only by chartered airplanes or, in some cases, by boat. Visitors cannot drive to the park.
-
The best time to visit is during the summer months, from mid-June to late August, when temperatures are milder, wildlife is more active, and there is nearly 24 hours of sunlight. This period allows for ample time for exploration and activities like paddling and fishing on the Thomsen River. Temperatures in July range from lows of 2.8°C to highs of 9.6°C.
