Aulavik National Park

Aulavik National Park occupies a large portion of northern Banks Island in the Northwest Territories of Canada and protects high Arctic tundra, wildlife and cultural sites. The park was established to conserve remote northern ecosystems and substantial muskox populations.

The park is centred on the Thomsen River corridor, which is noted as one of the most northerly navigable rivers in North America and is used for small-boat travel and wildlife observation. Visitors come for wildlife, arctic landscapes and remote wilderness experiences rather than developed amenities.

Aulavik was designated a national park to protect the island’s unique High Arctic ecology and historical features including prehistoric and historic sites. Its remoteness and fragile environment mean that visitor numbers are low and travel is tightly managed.

The park lies on northern Banks Island within Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, north of the Arctic Circle, in the Northwest Territories; the nearest communities are remote and access is by air or sea.

• Access: Extremely remote access by charter flight or private vessel; there are no developed visitor facilities and travel requires wilderness experience or a guided operator.

What to See #

• Thomsen River: A short, meandering river noted for being one of the most northerly navigable waterways in North America and a popular route for small-boat trips and wildlife viewing within the park.