Ivvavik National Park

Ivvavik, meaning ‘a place for giving birth, a nursery,' in Inuvialuktun, the language of the Inuvialuit, is the first national park in Canada to be created as a result of an Indigenous land claim agreement – the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (1984). The park protects a portion of the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd and represents the Northern Yukon and Mackenzie Delta natural regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can visit Ivvavik National Park?

Effective April 1, 2022 anyone regardless of vaccine status can enter the NWT, and self-isolation plans are no longer required. Parks Canada is accepting bookings for Ivvavik Base Camp and other visitor experiences from non-NWT residents.

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

What changes are expected at Ivvavik Base Camp in 2022?

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 impacts to operations and visitor safety services, Parks Canada has implemented COVID-19 guidelines and protocols for the safety of staff, Inuvialuit cultural hosts and visitors.

Can I defer my trip to 2023?

Existing reservations cannot be deferred. Due to the evolving COVID-19 travel restrictions, Parks Canada encourages all visitors to obtain cancellation insurance for their trip.

What if I decide to cancel an existing base camp booking?
• More than 90 days prior to departure date = Full refund
• From 90 to 14 days prior to departure date = 50% refund
• Fewer than 14 days prior to departure date = No refund
What are the dates for 2022 Ivvavik Base Camp trips?
2022 Ivvavik Base Camp Trips
Trip Offers	Dates	Prices
5 day catered	June 12-16 June 16-20 June 20-24 June 24-28	Adult: $5,150 Youth: $3,250
5 day catered trip with Herschel Island stopover	June 28-July 2 July 2-6	Adult: $6,050 Youth: $4,150
9 day catered	*Two consecutive 5 day catered trips	Adult: $7,850 Youth: $5,250
Will the Herschel Island stop be available in 2022?

Parks Canada is scheduling trips with stops to Herschel Island in 2022. Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Parks Canada recognizes there may be restrictions or other considerations for the 2022 season, and we will continue to monitor the guidelines put in place by territorial health authorities.

Will there be any changes to the types of activities we are allowed to do on the trip
(hiking, interpretive activities, etc.)?

Visitors will still be able to participate in socially distant interpretive activities with our Parks Canada staff and Inuvialuit cultural hosts.

What are the safety restrictions/considerations for the Ivvavik Base Camp 2022 season?

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, mountain and swift water rescue services are greatly reduced. Visitors must be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and capable of handling emergencies for extended periods of time.

Solo and group hiking is permitted during the 2022 season, however, hikers must follow the check in/check out procedure, inform the base camp trip leader of their trip plan (proposed route/destination and estimated time of return), carry a communication device, and carry bear spray.

Will we still be accompanied by Inuvialuit cooks and cultural hosts?

Cooks and cultural hosts from the community of Aklavik will still be accompanying visitors on all 2022 trips. To protect the health and safety of all visitors, staff, cooks and cultural hosts, everyone on the trip will be asked to follow health guidelines put in place by territorial health authorities.

Do we have to wear masks the whole time? What COVID-19 precautions must we follow?

Throughout the trip, all staff and visitors will be required to follow evolving guidelines put in place by territorial health authorities, such as: wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing or sanitizing. Visitors will be asked to wear masks in all common areas. You may take off your mask in your personal prospector tent, or while on outdoor hikes.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own masks with them. Parks Canada will provide masks as needed.

Do we have to bring our own food, or will the trip still be catered?

All trips will be catered by cooks hired by Parks Canada. All cooks will be required to follow health guidelines put in place by territorial health authorities. Parks Canada will continue to monitor guidelines as they are released.

Cooks will do their best to accommodate food allergies and sensitives. Visitors must inform Parks Canada at the time of booking of any dietary considerations.

Can I book a private trip to Ivvavik Base Camp with my friends?

Due to weather factors and other conservation programs that take place in Ivvavik National Park, typically we do not accommodate private bookings at Ivvavik Base Camp outside of our offered trips. However, projects may shift year to year. When possible, Parks Canada will try to work with you and your group to consider certain requests. Private bookings will not be permitted this year due to various COVID-19 restrictions, however, we encourage you to check back in future years.

Are commercial operators running in Ivvavik National Park this summer?

Parks Canada will continue to accept and review permit applications from commercial guides/outfitters to operate in Ivvavik National Park this summer.

Are there restrictions for paddling the Firth River?

For individual parties (non-commercial), Parks Canada is implementing a two raft per party minimum to maximize a group’s ability to self-rescue. Each party will be required to carry a communication device (i.e. Garmin inReach), and submit contact numbers prior to registration.

If I defer my rafting trip, will I receive the same trip dates?

Parks Canada will try to allot you the same trip dates when we can. However, as rafting trips require long term pre-planning, we do already have bookings for future seasons.

Parks Canada will work with you on an individual basis to try and make sure you receive reservation dates that work for you and your group.

How will accommodations be allocated for single visitors or small groups who are not travelling with their “bubble”?

Parks Canada will make every effort to accommodate single and couple travelers to keep “bubbles” separated in accommodations. Single travelers and couples will be allocated tents with double beds, and larger groups in tents with bunk beds. When making a reservation, please advise if any members in your party are not part of your “bubble”.

Can I book a backpacking trip in Ivvavik National Park this summer?

Backpacking trips are permitted in Ivvavik National Park this summer. Visitors must carry a communication device (i.e. Garmin inReach).

All hikers must obtain a Parks Canada permit and must register prior to entering Ivvavik National Park. Please contact infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca for more information.