Ivvavik National Park Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ivvavik National Park with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, activities, hiking routes, and more.


Introduction to Ivvavik National Park

Located in the northernmost part of Canada, Ivvavik National Park is a vast, untouched wilderness that remains largely unexplored by mainstream tourism. This park is home to a range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and eagles, as well as a diverse natural landscape that includes glaciers, rivers, and mountains. With limited road access, visitors must journey to the park via a combination of flight or boat travel, making it a true adventure for those seeking a remote and untouched wilderness experience.

List of Places to Visit in Ivvavik National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Vuntut National Park: The primary cultural attraction in the area, this park is run by the First Nation members of the Vuntut Gwitchin community and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the traditional culture and way of life of the Northern Yukon.
  2. The Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park: Located on Herschel Island, this park is home to a range of historic sites, including an ancient whaling station and traditional Inuit hunting sites, as well as a visitor center with informative displays and exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Ivvavik National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Malamute Valley: This scenic valley offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers, as well as opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
  2. Firth River: A remote and challenging river that winds through the heart of Ivvavik National Park, providing adventurous rafting opportunities for experienced paddlers.
  3. Sheep Mountain: Located to the south of the park, this mountain offers excellent hiking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ivvavik National Park

With over 2,000 square miles of wilderness to explore, Ivvavik National Park offers a range of hiking and biking routes that vary in difficulty and distance. Some popular routes include:

  1. Sheep Creek Trail: A moderate 12-mile trail that takes visitors through a stunning river valley and past several historic mining sites.
  2. Firth River Trail: An advanced multi-day trek that follows the Firth River through remote wilderness areas, providing stunning views of glaciers and rugged mountain landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Ivvavik National Park: Activities and Tours

  1. Rafting on the Firth River: This challenging trip is not for the faint of heart, but offers experienced rafters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a remote and untouched wilderness area.
  2. Wildlife Viewing: Experience the thrill of spotting grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou in their natural habitats.
  3. Fishing: The park’s rivers and lakes offer excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts, with a range of species available to catch, including arctic grayling and northern pike.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ivvavik National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Old Crow and orientation

Day 2-3: Hiking and exploring the Malamute Valley

Day 4-6: Rafting on the Firth River

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Ivvavik National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bannock: A traditional First Nations bread made with flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Arctic Char: A freshwater fish found in the park’s rivers and lakes and served grilled or baked.

Local Beverages

  1. Specialty Tea: Made with local herbs and berries, this tea is a staple of the Northern Yukon.
  2. Kanuti’s Coffee: A local blend of coffee beans mixed with high-fat cream and sugar for a rich and creamy cup of joe.

Where to Stay in Ivvavik National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, there are no hotels or conventional accommodations within Ivvavik National Park. However, visitors can book accommodations in Old Crow, and the park offers several established campsites for overnight stays.

What to Buy in Ivvavik National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Traditional Beadwork: Unique handmade beadwork crafted by local artisans and members of the Vuntut Gwitchin community.
  2. Yukon Gold Nugget Jewelry: A favorite souvenir among visitors, featuring real Yukon gold.

Local Culture and Customs of Ivvavik National Park

The park is home to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation community, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, including practicing Leave No Trace principles and obtaining permission before entering traditional hunting areas.

Best Time to Visit Ivvavik National Park

The park is only accessible during the summer months, typically from June through August. The best time to visit is in July when the weather is the warmest, and the daylight hours are long.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ivvavik National Park

Do:

  • Practice Leave No Trace principles while exploring the park
  • Respect the local culture and traditions of the Vuntut Gwitchin community
  • Bring appropriate clothing and gear to prepare for the region’s unpredictable weather

Don’t:

  • Ignore established park regulations and guidelines
  • Approach or disturb wildlife in their natural habitats
  • Venture into unmarked or unknown territory without proper equipment and planning

Safety and Health

Safety in Ivvavik National Park

Visitors should stay alert while exploring the park, as grizzly bears and other wildlife are common in the area. Visitors should also bring adequate gear, including bear spray and first aid kits, and avoid risky behaviors, such as attempting to cross dangerous rivers or scramble up steep rock faces.

Health in Ivvavik National Park

Visitors should prepare for the harsh arctic climate by bringing warm clothing and taking steps to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Visitors should also bring adequate bug spray and take precautions against mosquito-born diseases, such as Zika virus.

Getting to Ivvavik National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ivvavik National Park

The nearest airport to Ivvavik National Park is in Old Crow, Yukon, which offers regular flights from Whitehorse, Yukon, and Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

Bus Stations Near Ivvavik National Park

There are no bus stations near Ivvavik National Park. The park is only accessible by air or water travel.

Other Options

Visitors can also access the park via boat travel down the Firth River from the nearby Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, or by booking a guided tour through one of the local tourism companies.

How to Get Around in Ivvavik National Park

There are no road systems within Ivvavik National Park. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, rafting, or booking a guided tour with a local operator.

Where to Go Next from Ivvavik National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Herschel Island-Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park: Located to the north of Ivvavik National Park, this park offers stunning hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as unique cultural attractions.
  2. Tombstone Territorial Park: Located to the east of Ivvavik National Park, this park features sprawling mountain ranges and provides visitors with some of the best hiking opportunities in the Yukon.

Conclusion

A visit to Ivvavik National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering visitors the chance to explore an untouched wilderness and experience the unique traditions and cultures of the Northern Yukon. With its diverse range of natural attractions, hiking routes, and outdoor activities, this park truly offers something for everyone, no matter their interests.

Looking up the mountain reach of the Firth River Looking up the mountain reach of the Firth River Tors behind Wolf Creek campsite on Firth River Tors behind Wolf Creek campsite on Firth River Mountains near Sluice Rapids Mountains near Sluice Rapids