Aulavik National Park

Located on Banks Island in the Northwest Territories, Aulavik is known for its high concentration of muskoxen, which thrive on the arctic tundra. It also...

Aulavik National Park at a Glance

Location
The Canadian Arctic, Canada, North America
Coordinates
73.714840, -119.609600
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Aulavik National Park

Nearest airport: Sachs Harbour (David Nasogaluak Jr. Saaryuaq) Airport (YSY), 266 km away.

Weather & Climate in Aulavik National Park

The warmest temperatures in Aulavik National Park occur in July, averaging 8.0°C (up to 12.2°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -32.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 6.3mm. Average humidity: 75.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -30.1°C (rainfall: 8.1mm)
  • February: -32.4°C (rainfall: 6.3mm)
  • March: -27.5°C (rainfall: 8.2mm)
  • April: -17.8°C (rainfall: 9.9mm)
  • May: -5.8°C (rainfall: 15.0mm)
  • June: 2.8°C (rainfall: 30.9mm)
  • July: 8.0°C (rainfall: 37.2mm)
  • August: 4.4°C (rainfall: 47.0mm)
  • September: -0.5°C (rainfall: 29.5mm)
  • October: -7.5°C (rainfall: 33.0mm)
  • November: -20.9°C (rainfall: 17.4mm)
  • December: -27.1°C (rainfall: 10.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Aulavik National Park

The best months to visit Aulavik National Park are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -30.11°C, rainfall 8.1mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • February: Poor, temperature -32.42°C, rainfall 6.3mm, sunshine 2.6 hrs, humidity 75.6%
  • March: Good, temperature -27.53°C, rainfall 8.2mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 74.9%
  • April: Good, temperature -17.84°C, rainfall 9.9mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • May: Good, temperature -5.77°C, rainfall 15mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 84.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 2.83°C, rainfall 30.9mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 7.99°C, rainfall 37.2mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 78.9%
  • August: Poor, temperature 4.43°C, rainfall 47mm, sunshine 4.8 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • September: Poor, temperature -0.54°C, rainfall 29.5mm, sunshine 3.1 hrs, humidity 85.2%
  • October: Poor, temperature -7.49°C, rainfall 33mm, sunshine 0.9 hrs, humidity 88.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature -20.88°C, rainfall 17.4mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 81.6%
  • December: Poor, temperature -27.09°C, rainfall 10mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 77.4%

Recommended Packing List for Aulavik National Park

Based on average temperature of -12.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 81%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -13°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - essential for camps without permanent lighting
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Safari Lodges in Aulavik National Park

5 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

Other

Similar Parks in The Canadian Arctic

Visitor Tips - Aulavik National Park

Aulavik is a true Arctic wilderness, a place where the ancient landscape and its resilient wildlife, particularly the muskoxen, offer an unparalleled sense of remoteness and profound peace. We find the endless daylight of summer, illuminating the tundra's subtle colours, to be an utterly unique and deeply moving experience.

Gate Times

Aulavik National Park has no traditional gates; access is exclusively by chartered aircraft, typically from Inuvik or Cambridge Bay. We recommend booking well in advance with an authorized outfitter, as this is a true wilderness experience requiring self-sufficiency. All visitors must register with Parks Canada prior to entry and obtain any necessary permits for activities like camping or research.

Tipping

For guided expeditions into Aulavik, we recommend tipping your expedition leader and support staff. A general guideline for a multi-day trip is CAD $15-25 per person per day for the lead guide and CAD $10-15 per person per day for support staff. This should be given discreetly at the end of your journey, acknowledging their expertise and dedication in such a challenging environment.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Aulavik National Park FAQs

How do I access Aulavik National Park, and when is the best time to visit this remote arctic wilderness?

Access to Aulavik is primarily by charter aircraft from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, landing on natural airstrips within the park. The optimal time to visit is during the short arctic summer, typically from mid-July to mid-August, when temperatures are milder, and wildlife is most active.

What are the best ways to observe Aulavik's renowned muskoxen and other arctic wildlife safely?

Guided wilderness treks offer the best opportunity to respectfully view the park's high concentration of muskoxen, often seen grazing on the tundra. Visitors should maintain safe distances and be prepared for encounters with Peary caribou, arctic foxes, and various migratory birds, always prioritizing wildlife safety and minimal disturbance.

What are the typical costs and logistical considerations for planning an expedition to Aulavik National Park?

A trip to Aulavik is a significant investment, primarily due to the high cost of charter flights and the need for specialized gear and provisions for self-sufficient travel. It's highly recommended to engage experienced arctic outfitters or tour operators who can manage permits, transportation, and guide services for this challenging environment.

What unique safety precautions and gear are essential for a high-arctic wilderness trip to Aulavik?

Safety in Aulavik requires thorough preparation for extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions, including strong winds and cold temperatures, even in summer. Essential gear includes layered clothing, robust camping equipment, and a satellite communication device, alongside awareness of potential polar bear encounters and the complete absence of emergency services.

Beyond wildlife viewing, what unique activities and experiences can visitors expect in Aulavik National Park?

Aulavik offers unparalleled opportunities for multi-day wilderness hiking and backpacking across vast, untouched tundra landscapes, providing profound solitude. Paddling the Thomsen River, one of Canada's most northerly navigable rivers, is another unique activity, allowing for exploration of the park's geological features and remote beauty.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.