Arctic · Yukon
Vuntut National Park
Old Crow Flats and the Porcupine caribou herd.
Province
Yukon
Established
1995
Size
4,345 km²
Coordinates
68.35°, -139.50°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Vuntut National Park
Wedged against the Alaska border above the Arctic Circle, Vuntut is co-managed with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. Old Crow Flats wetlands host millions of migratory birds, and the Porcupine caribou herd crosses each spring.
Why visit
- Porcupine caribou migration
- Old Crow Flats Ramsar wetland
- Vuntut Gwitchin cultural stewardship
- Truly off-grid travel
Things to do
Plan your days.
Charter from Old Crow with a guide
interpretive
Birding the Flats in spring
wildlife
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Wilderness camping; arrange through community
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: caribou migration, bird arrivals.
- Summer
- July–August: 24-hour daylight.
- Fall
- September: rapid freeze.
- Winter
- Aurora; extreme cold.
- Peak
- June through August.
- Shoulder
- Not really applicable.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Spring migration is the spectacle.
Common species
Caribou · Snow goose · Beaver
Signature species
Porcupine caribou herd · Grizzly bear · Tundra swan
Wildlife safety
Logistics-intensive; always travel with a guide.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Old Crow
Nearby attractions
- Ivvavik National Park
- Dempster Highway
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Vuntut expedition
Charter from Old Crow; community-led week.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Vuntut National Park.
Can I camp in Vuntut National Park?+
Yes. Vuntut 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 Vuntut 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 Vuntut 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 Vuntut National Park?+
June through August. 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 Porcupine caribou, grizzlies and tundra swans. 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
