Aulavik National Park
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courtesy of Mike Denega |
Contact Information:
Aulavik National Park
Box 29
Sachs Harbour, NWT
Canada X0E 0Z0
867-690-3904
Size: 12,274 sq. km.
Location: Aulavik National Park is located on northern Banks Island, the most western island of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Access is by air charter from Inuvik, which has daily air service from southern Canada. Sachs Harbour, the only community on Banks Island, is located 250 km southwest of the park.
Description: Park features pristine Arctic wilderness, including broad river valleys, sheer cliffs, and rugged desert-like badlands. The Thomsen River, Canada's most northerly navigable river, provides more than 150 km for wilderness rafting and canoeing. Park includes a variety of wildlife, including a thriving population of more than 80,000 muskoxen and 750 of the endangered Peary caribou that pass through each year as they migrate between their wintering grounds and summer calving grounds. The Banks Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary protects Brant and lesser snow geese sedge meadow molting habitat, and more than 40 other species of birds have been observed. Within the park boundaries there are more than 230 archeological sites that suggest the presence of human life on Banks Island dates back more than 3,400 years.
Activities: Aulavik National Park offers unprecedented opportunities for backcountry enthusiasts to experience the arctic. Paddlers can take a multi-week trip down the Thomsen River, Canada's most northerly navigable river. This gently flowing river runs north through the park for 160 km and is Class 1 (no rapids or obstructions and can easily be paddled by canoe or kayak). Aulavik is located far enough north that the sun doesn't set for for most of the summer season. These months of endless daylight offer visitors a unique chance to paddle or hike at any time of the day or night.A highlight of any trip to Aulavik is wildlife viewing and bird watching. The open landscape and continuous light means you are certain to see a variety of species such as arctic foxes, lemmings, arctic wolves, shore and sea birds, raptors, and of course, herds of muskoxen. Be aware that Aulavik is a true wilderness area. You may camp anywhere you like, except at archaeological sites. There are no facilities, services, established trails or campgrounds in the park. You must be entirely self-sufficient and be able to handle any medical or weather-related emergency on your own.
History: Established in 1992.
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