Paddling
Aulavik National Park
Paddling the Thomson River
The heart of Aulavik National Park is the Thomsen River, one of the most northerly navigable waterways in North America. This slow flowing river runs north through the park for 160 kilometres. Rated Class 1, it has no rapids or obstructions and can easily be paddled by canoe or kayak. The Thomsen River valley is the most lush area in the park and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Photo gallery
The Experience
River trips typically start at headwater lakes, or at the parks southern boundary, or at Green Cabin, and usually end at Muskox River or Castel Bay. The trip takes two to three weeks, depending on your start and end points. This allows for a few bad weather days, and time to take advantage of the incredible hiking along the river corridor.
The river may be iced over until mid June and by early August the lower reaches may be too shallow to float a canoe. Thus, the best time to paddle the Thomsen is late June to late July.
Camping
There are no designated campsites in the park. You may camp anywhere you like, except at archaeological sites. Whether hiking or paddling, there are an endless number of beautiful sites to choose from.
In order to protect this pristine wilderness, please practice No Trace Camping. All garbage must be packed out with you. Consult with the Park Office in Inuvik for additional advice on low-impact camping techniques.
The winds can be very strong and prolonged in Aulavik National Park. A good quality tent, able to withstand fierce winds, is crucial for a comfortable visit.
CampfiresCampfires are not allowed in Aulavik. Use a camp stove and bottled fuel for cooking. Scheduled aircraft do not allow passengers to carry fuel. Most types of camping fuel may be purchased in Inuvik, and some are available in Sachs Harbour. If you require specialty fuels you should check in advance with local suppliers.
Managing human wasteManaging solid human waste in an arctic tundra environment presents some unique difficulties. It is human nature to conduct toilet functions in privacy, and in a treeless landscape such as Aulavik National Park this often means finding a small drainage. However, by using a drainage you may affect water quality downstream.
Instead, select a level site well away from any water sources. Dig a small hole within the active layer of the soil. If possible, choose an organic area and afterwards burn the toilet paper before carefully burying what remains. If your group is large, it may be best to choose a communal location as opposed to many scattered sites.
Hiking
Although there are no designated routes or trails within Aulavik National Park, the terrain is gentle enough that hiking is possible practically anywhere. The prime hiking season is from late June until mid August. During this period the weather is at its warmest, the wildflowers are blooming and there is continuous daylight.
A highlight of any trip to the park is the wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities, especially along the Thomsen River corridor. Here you will come across a variety of arctic species and encounter the highest concentration of muskoxen in the world. Hikers can also visit archaeological sites that reflect the regions fascinating history.
Your intended hiking route should be thoroughly investigated using topographic maps. You must supply a detailed description of your planned route on 1:50,000 scale before your departure to the park. Contact the Park Office in Inuvik for route suggestions and more information.
Plan Your Guided Trip
A journey on the Thomsen requires extensive planning and back country experience. Plan your guided river trip with a licensed commercial operator.
Contact Parks Canada regarding the current licensed commercial operators and more information.
Email: infoinuvik-inuvikinfo@pc.gc.ca
Organise your own trip (experienced paddlers only).
Contact Parks Canada for more information: licensed commercial operators, available dates, how to obtain a permit, and safety requirements.
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