Aulavik National Park

August, 2021

From the Inuvialuktun for ‘place where people travel’, Aulavik National Park located on Banks Island in the Northwest Territories. It is known for its access to the Thomsen River, one of the most northerly navigable rivers in North America.

Aulavik is considered a polar desert and often experiences high winds. The park is completely treeless.

Prior to the arrival of the Thule culture in southern Banks Island there were some Pre-Dorset culture people living in this area. Due to the cooling climate brought on by the Little Ice Age, Banks Island was most likely deserted until the arrival of the Inuvialuit in the 17th century.