Arctic · Northwest Territories
Tuktut Nogait National Park
Calving grounds of the Bluenose-West caribou.
Province
Northwest Territories
Established
1996
Size
18,890 km²
Coordinates
69.25°, -122.60°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Tuktut Nogait National Park
Tuktut Nogait ('the place of young caribou') protects the calving habitat of the Bluenose-West caribou herd along the Brock and Hornaday Rivers. Visitation is rare and exclusively by charter from Paulatuk.
Why visit
- Caribou calving grounds
- Hornaday River canyon waterfalls
- Co-managed with Inuvialuit
Things to do
Plan your days.
Charter from Paulatuk with Parks Canada
interpretive
River-side wilderness backpacking
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Wilderness camping only
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Snowbound.
- Summer
- Late June to early August.
- Fall
- Quick freeze.
- Winter
- Closed.
- Peak
- July.
- Shoulder
- Late June or early August.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Caribou are the headline event.
Common species
Caribou · Arctic fox
Signature species
Bluenose-West caribou · Grizzly bear · Wolverine
Wildlife safety
Charters can be delayed days by weather.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Paulatuk
- Inuvik
Nearby attractions
- Aulavik (Banks Island)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Wilderness charter week
Parks Canada orientation in Paulatuk, then fly-in.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tuktut Nogait National Park.
Can I camp in Tuktut Nogait National Park?+
Yes. Tuktut Nogait National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Tuktut Nogait National Park?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Tuktut Nogait National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 3/10. Better suited to teens and adults — expect remote conditions and limited services.
When is the best time to visit Tuktut Nogait National Park?+
July. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include Bluenose-West caribou, grizzly bears and wolverines. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
RV access is limited or unavailable; this park is best explored by tent, backcountry travel or day trips from nearby communities.
How many days should I spend here?+
Seven to ten days.
Nearby parks
