Vuntut National Park

July, 2023

Vuntut National Park is located in northern Yukon, Canada. The Park is carefully managed through a partnership between the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Parks Canada. Visiting requires permits and extensive planning well ahead of time. Access to the park most often begins from the tiny village of Old Crow, which is only accessible by boat or aircraft. Visitors receive a warm welcome, and from there the effort required to reach the park makes it very exclusive.

Vuntut National Park was established in 1995 as part of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement. It conserves and protects a portion of the North Yukon Natural Region. The park also recognizes and protects Vuntut Gwitchin history and culture. The name ‘Vuntut’ comes from the Gwich’in for ‘among the lakes’. Fewer than 25 people visit the park each year.

Accessing the park can be challenging due to its remote wilderness. During the summer the park is commonly accessed by air or boat. In the winter it is commonly accessed by air or land. The best time to visit the park is from June to August. The park is open year-round and there are no facilities or developed trails. A permit is required for backcountry use and camping. Sport-fishing is not allowed in the park.