Every year, more people summit Mount Everest than Ivvavik National Park. Promising sweeping views, remarkable wildlife encounters, and relative comfort for a remote backcountry trip, Parks Canada Fly-In Camping package offers hot showers, flush toilets, indigenous and naturist interpreters, and someone to cook hot meals. Day hikes into the mountains, rocky tors and along the turquoise Firth River serve up the Arctic outdoors at its very best. Camp in Ivvavik National Park, it’s one for the Bucket List.
Length of Trip : The fly-in camping trip is 5 days, so give yourself a week to get there and back
Cost : Click here for the latest prices from Parks Canada. Note that you have the option to choose a 7-day self catered trip as well.
Best time to go : Mid-June to Mid-July
Wheelchair friendly : No
Family friendly : Yes, if your kids like hiking and being off-grid!
Where to eat : All hearty meals are prepared on-site by a camp cook, with snacks and drinks provided.
Official Site : Read all about Ivvavik National Park, and download gear lists and info sheets at Parks Canada’s official site.
Where to Stay : 2 and 4-man tents are provided and set-up at Sheep Creek for fly-in campers. In Inuvik, I’d recommend the Mackenzie Hotel or the Nova Hotel.
Getting There : Ivvavik is accessed by and serviced through Inuvik, NWT. A return charter flight is included in your Fly-in Camping package. There are daily flights to Inuvik, the region’s capital, from southern Canada.
Note from Robin : “Are there bugs?” I hear you say. Even though you’re 200km north of the Arctic Circle, I’m afraid you’re not above the bug line. Mosquitoes can be plentiful and fierce, but not insurmountable. Bring bug dope and bug jacket. Fortunately, you’ll be hiking into the hills where winds take care of the bloodsuckers, with the option of eating and hanging out in-doors at base camp.