Aulavik National Park

Aulavik National Park is a national park on Banks Island in the Northwest Territories of Canada . It's a very close contender for the least visited park in Canada, having only received 34 visitors in 2022–23.

The park is accessible by chartered airplanes for only a brief period each summer. The most practical way to visit the park is to charter a plane. The park has four landing sites. Aircraft charter services are available from Inuvik , on the Northwest Territories mainland, 750 km southwest of the southern park boundary. Inuvik is the largest community in the region and is served by the Dempster Highway and by daily flights from southern Canada. 73°42′01″N 119°55′10″W  /  73.70028°N 119.91944°W  / 73.70028; -119.91944 Fees and permits Northern Park Backcountry Excursion/Camping Permit valid at Aulavik, Auyuittuq , Ivvavik , Nahanni , Quttinirpaaq , Sirmilik , Tuktut Nogait and Vuntut National Parks (per person, 2024): Daily $33.25 An annual pass is available for less than the cost of 7 day passes. Fishing permit: daily $20, annual $69

See and do Canoe on the 160 km of the gentle Thomsen River that runs the length of Aulavik National Park -- a multi-week journey through rich arctic tundra, full of wildlife like muskoxen, hundreds of species of wildflowers and ancient archaeological sites. Hike through the low Arctic tundra. There are no marked trails. Buy, eat and drink There are no facilities in the park. You must bring everything with you.

Aulavik National Park and its surroundings offer natural scenery, local architecture, and points of interest that reflect the character of Northwest Territories. Look for heritage buildings, scenic viewpoints, and local landmarks that tell the story of the community and its place in Canadian history.

Outdoor activities in the Aulavik National Park area include hiking, fishing, and exploring the natural landscape of Northwest Territories. In winter, snow-based activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may be available. Check locally for seasonal events, festivals, and guided tours that showcase the region's culture and heritage.

Dining in Aulavik National Park features Canadian comfort food and regional specialties. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — seafood where coastal, game and farm produce in rural areas. Cafés and casual restaurants serve hearty meals. In Northwest Territories, look for dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional Maritime/Prairie/Quebecois cooking styles depending on the region.

Local pubs and cafés in Aulavik National Park serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Northwest Territories has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

There are no designated campsites in the park. You may camp anywhere you like, except at archaeological sites. Please practice "no trace camping". All garbage must be packed out with you. Consult with the Park Office in Inuvik for additional advice on low-impact camping techniques. The winds can be very strong and prolonged in Aulavik National Park. Bring a good quality tent, able to withstand fierce winds. Campfires are not allowed in Aulavik. Use a camp stove and bottled fuel for cooking. Scheduled aircraft do not allow passengers to carry fuel. Most types of camping fuel may be purchased in Inuvik, and some are available in Sachs Harbour. Managing human waste: select a level site well away from any water sources. Dig a small hole within the active layer of the soil. If possible, choose an organic area and afterwards burn the toilet paper before carefully burying what remains. If your group is large, it may be best to choose a communal location as opposed to many scattered sites.

Local shops in Aulavik National Park offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Northwest Territories. Farmers' markets, when in season, are excellent places to find fresh local produce and handmade goods.

This article is issued from Wikivoyage . The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.