Vuntut National ParkVuntut National Park is a protected area in northern Yukon, Canada, established to conserve subarctic tundra, mountains and culturally important landscapes for the Vuntut Gwitchin. The park protects remote wilderness and wildlife habitat in a region of tundra, rivers and lakes.
The park is noted for its role in conserving migratory caribou habitat and other northern species; it is remote and roadless, and access is generally by air. Facilities for visitors are minimal, reflecting the park’s focus on wilderness protection and traditional land use.
The park was created in the late 20th century as part of land-use agreements with Indigenous communities and is managed jointly with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to protect both ecological and cultural values. It lies in the far north of Yukon near the community of Old Crow and the Arctic coastal plain.
Vuntut National Park occupies a northern position within Yukon and is characterized by tundra, lakes and river valleys; it is hundreds of kilometres northwest of Whitehorse and near the community of Old Crow.
- Co-management and conservation: Established and cooperatively managed with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to protect culturally important lands and wildlife, including migratory routes of the Porcupine caribou herd.
Best Time to Visit Vuntut National Park#
Summer (June-August) offers the most reliable access and milder conditions for exploring this remote northern park.
Weather & Climate near Vuntut National Park#
Vuntut National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -34°C to 18°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -34° - -25° | -37° | 10 mm | some cloud | 94% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 1.9h |
| February | Poor | -33° - -23° | -35° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 93% | 2.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
| March | Poor | -30° - -19° | -32° | 14 mm | some cloud | 93% | 2.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.4h |
| April | Poor | -21° - -9° | -21° | 7 mm | some cloud | 94% | 2.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 15.5h |
| May | Acceptable | -6° - 4° | -5° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 20.5h |
| June | Good | 4° - 14° | 8° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 24.0h |
| July | Good | 7° - 18° | 13° | 34 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 22.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 4° - 15° | 8° | 42 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 17.2h |
| September | Poor | -2° - 7° | 0° | 25 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 13.0h |
| October | Poor | -13° - -6° | -14° | 22 mm | overcast | 95% | 2.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.9h |
| November | Poor | -26° - -18° | -29° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 95% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.9h |
| December | - | -32° - -23° | -34° | 11 mm | - | 95% | 1.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.0h |
How to Get to Vuntut National Park#
Vuntut National Park is remote in northern Yukon around the community of Old Crow. The usual route is to fly to Whitehorse (Erik Nielsen Whitehorse Airport) and then take a scheduled small‑aircraft flight into Old Crow Airport-Old Crow has no road link to the rest of Yukon, so air travel is the normal access. From Old Crow access into the park is by charter aircraft, river/boat travel or guided overland trips arranged with local outfitters; check schedules and permits in advance.
Tips for Visiting Vuntut National Park#
- Plan travel through Old Crow - the village is the practical gateway, and scheduled charter flights to Old Crow are the usual way to reach the park; book flights and any guiding services well in advance.
- Visit in midsummer (June-August) when daylight is long and tundra travel is most feasible; outside that window many areas are inaccessible or require specialized winter travel.
- Work with Vuntut Gwitchin guides or outfitters: local operators know safe routes, cultural sensitivities, and seasonal wildlife patterns that are not obvious from maps - independent access is very limited.