Vuntut National Park in Yukon Territory, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Vuntut National Park protects wetlands, tundra, and mountains in northern Yukon. It is part of the Vuntut Gwitchin homeland, with strong connections to the Porcupine Caribou Herd. Old Crow provides the nearest community services. A visit to its cultural center and a journey into the park are different trips: the latter requires permits, independent wilderness skills, and carefully arranged transport.

Highlights of Vuntut and the Old Crow region

• Learn about Vuntut Gwitchin culture at the John Tizya Centre in Old Crow.
• Plan an approved backpacking expedition through northern tundra and mountain terrain.
• Explore the relationship between the Old Crow Flats wetlands and local ways of life.
• Watch for caribou and other wildlife without approaching or disturbing animals.

Know before traveling to Vuntut

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Confirm the current northern permit charges before arranging a trip. Allow time for weather delays in both directions.

Prepare for an isolated Arctic expedition

Rescue can take days. Your party must be able to manage medical incidents, difficult weather, and wildlife encounters while waiting for help. Bring suitable equipment, relevant wilderness experience, and enough supplies to remain independent.

Parks Canada advises carrying more than one communication device with backup power. Discuss the route with staff and experienced people in Old Crow. Grizzly bears, black bears, muskox, and protective moose or caribou can create hazards. Review the official safety advice before committing to the expedition.

Respect a living homeland

Leave natural and cultural objects in place. Caribou fences and other archaeological features are protected, even when they appear weathered or incomplete. Pack out all garbage and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Park waters are closed to visitor fishing, and visitor firearms are prohibited. Open fires and food or fuel caches require authorization. Indigenous rights under the applicable agreements have a different context from ordinary visitor permissions.

Arrange permits before booking your access

All visitors must register before entering and deregister immediately after the trip. The registration and permit order applies to all travel, not only overnight camping.

Camping needs a permit. Aircraft landings and takeoffs need separate approval. The park asks visitors to apply for landing permits three months ahead. Landings in the Declared Wilderness Area can also require an environmental assessment, with a separate review period. Read the permit instructions before paying for a charter.

Provide your route and itinerary during registration. Agree on the return-reporting process and ask about known hazards. Confirm that the aircraft operator has the required Parks Canada business license.

Northern Yukon location and access

Vuntut lies north of Old Crow, above the Arctic Circle. Old Crow itself has no road connection. Flying to the community does not complete the journey into the park; onward access requires a separate plan.

There are no established park access routes or designated landing sites. Work with Parks Canada and the charter operator to identify an approved approach. The mailing address in Old Crow is not a park entrance.

The official map directory identifies overview mapping and topographic sheets. Use appropriate 1:50,000 mapping for route finding rather than relying on a general park outline.

Other northern Yukon parks

No connecting road trip is available. These options require their own transport and permits.

• Ivvavik National Park: Another northern Yukon wilderness destination, commonly reached by charter aircraft through Inuvik.
• Herschel Island–Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park: An island off Yukon's north coast, reached by seasonal boat or aircraft charter, often through Inuvik.

Choose culture in Old Crow or backcountry travel

The John Tizya Centre introduces the area's natural history and Vuntut Gwitchin culture through exhibits and recorded stories. It offers a way to learn about the region without undertaking a park expedition.

Experienced travelers can arrange backpacking in the park's tundra valleys and mountains. There is no developed trail network to follow. Choose a route with appropriate local advice and the skills to navigate independently.

Caribou Days takes place in Old Crow around the May long weekend. Confirm the event arrangements locally. It is a community cultural event, not evidence that summer park access or charter services have begun.

Community services and a fully independent camp

Vuntut has no visitor facilities or services. Bring a complete backcountry camp and arrange all food, fuel, equipment, and onward transport before leaving the community.

The John Tizya Centre houses interpretation and Parks Canada offices in Old Crow. Arrange local accommodation separately. Discuss mobility and transfer requirements before booking.

About Vuntut National Park

Vuntut Gwitchin homeland and shared management

The park was established in 1995 under the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement. It protects land that remains important for cultural teaching and traditional use.

Parks Canada, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government, and the North Yukon Renewable Resources Council manage it cooperatively. Protection includes wetlands, migration habitat, archaeological places, and the continuing relationship between people and the land.

Wetlands, mountains, and migrating caribou

The park spans part of the Old Crow Flats and the British Mountains. Wetlands and open uplands support different habitats. The Porcupine Caribou Herd is central to the region's ecology and to Vuntut Gwitchin culture. Peregrine falcons also occur here.

Wildlife movements vary with season. Observe from a distance and keep routes flexible rather than expecting a guaranteed encounter.

Contact Vuntut National Park

For planning, call 867-966-3622 or email [email protected]. The park also lists 867-667-3910 for permit arrangements. Parks Canada emergency dispatch is 1-780-852-3100, including calls from satellite phones.