Aulavik National Park

Aulavik, meaning “ place where people travel ” in Inuvialuktun, protects more than 12,000 square kilometres of arctic lowlands on the north end of Banks Island. The park encompasses a variety of landscapes from fertile river valleys to polar deserts, buttes and badlands, rolling hills, and bold seacoasts.

Aulavik National Park is one of the most isolated parks in North America, and rescue services and facilities are limited. If you are considering visiting the park, read the FAQ below. It is important for visitors to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and capable of handling emergencies. Parks Canada has a search and rescue team based in Inuvik, however, rescue operations are dependent on weather, aircraft or staff availability. Response times could be anywhere from 1-2 days or more depending on the circumstances. Additionally, due to the impacts of COVID-19, rescue services are greatly reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can visit Aulavik National Park?

Effective April 1, 2022 anyone regardless of vaccine status can enter the NWT, and self-isolation plans are no longer required.

For more information on entering the NWT, please visit: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/covid-19.

What are the restrictions for entering Aulavik National Park?
All visitors must obtain a Parks Canada permit and must register prior to entering Aulavik National Park. Please contact infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca for more information.
All visitor groups that require a stop in the community of Sachs Harbour en route to Aulavik National Park should contact the Hamlet of Sachs Harbour prior to booking their trip. This is necessary to receive the most current information on access, restrictions or precautions in Sachs Harbour for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, any visitors planning to leave Aulavik National Park boundaries are required to contact:
• the local RCMP to give them their estimated time of arrival to the community, and a list of who will be traveling;
• the Inuvialuit Land Administration to make sure all rules, regulations and guidelines are followed on Inuvialuit lands; and
• the local Hunters & Trappers Committee to ensure local harvesters are aware if they happen across any person(s) during their travels.
What are the restrictions for paddling the Thomsen River?

For non-commercial paddling groups, Parks Canada requires a minimum of two watercrafts per party to maximize the ability to self-rescue. Additionally, each party will be required to carry a communication device (i.e. Garmin inReach), and submit contact numbers prior to registration.