The Only Guide You Need To Northwest Territories & Nunavut Parks

Have you ever wanted to go to the very top of Canada? The Northwest Territories and Nunavut hold that spot, and it’s something you need to see once in your life. If you’re coming from outside of Canada, maybe Europe or the US and want to explore a completely different part of Canada, this is where you need to be.

The two provinces are absolutely stunning and will make for a trip of a lifetime. If you’re all about views, look no further. Unfortunately, the RV pickings are slim in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. However, you can rent one from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Alberta and drive it up. Take in the views and remember when you wanted to see the beauty that Canada has to offer.

You can even stop in Yellowknife and Iqaluit, which are the capitals of both provinces. While it’s completely different than capitals of other provinces, it will make for an amazing and unique trip.

Ovayok Territorial Park

Best time to visit: Ovayok Territorial Park is open all year round, which makes it so easy to plan a trip. However, in order to get the Cambridge Park where it is, you’ll have to take a flight from Yellowknife. The good news is that on RVezy, there are some listings for RVs in Nunavut, so you are good to go. Make it a trip of a lifetime and make sure you tour Yellowknife in your RV before jetting off to Ovayok Territorial Park!

RV hookups available: No.

Things to do in Ovayok Territorial Park: Basically, Ovayok Territorial Park is a hikers dream. Whether you’re coming alone, on a father son trip, or coming with some friends, you’ll want to bring all of your hiking gear. There are 5 hiking trails that are pretty difficult, but the Ovayok Trail gives you the most beautiful panoramic view of the park.

Tips: Breaking your trip up into an RV trip and spending a day or two in Ovayok Territorial Park will let you see the park as well as tour around Nunavut.

How to book: You do not have to book as you can camp anywhere in the park.

Ukkusiksalik National Park

Best time to visit: Ukkusiksalik National Park is open all year round, but you can only access the park for a few months out of the year. Like with Ovayok Territorial Park, the national park has to be accessed by plane, dog-sledding, snowmobile, or by a boat. Here is the breakdown of the months and how you can access the park:

March to April: By snowmobile or dog-sledding.

May: Snow and ice melting may make the weather unpredictable, so it’s not certain.

June to July: You can only access it by aircraft since the ice is breaking up.

Mid-July to October: You can access by aircraft or boat.

November to March: It is not advised to travel to Ukkusiksalik National Park during these months because of weather, darkness, and the amount of bears.

RV hookups available: No.

Things to do in Ukkusiksalik National Park: Just like in Ovayok Territorial Park, you cannot access the park by RV. This means spending some extra time touring around Iqaluit, which is the adorable capital of Nunavut. Take your RV around Iqaluit and see sites like you never have before. Don’t forget to try classic Inuit food, which is based around hunting for their food. Arctic char, Greenland shrimp, and local bannock are the main things you’ll want to try.

Tips: If you were wanting to make your trip mostly in your RV, don’t worry. You can tour around Nunavut in your RV, and take a few days off to camp in the national park. This will give you the best of both worlds!

How to book: Online here.

Nahanni National Park Reserve

Best time to visit: Nahanni National Park Reserve is home to the deepest canyons in Canada, which make for a breathtaking view. Dates vary for this park, as it depends on the weather. However, the park is guaranteed to be open from July 1st to August 31st every year. Camping is permitted through the park, however, it is hard to get a RV in there. However, you can always rent an RV and tour around Yellowknife or throughout the Northwest Territories, and for a few days camp in the park.

RV hookups: No.

Things to do in Nahanni National Park Reserve: If you’re coming from out of the country and are looking for an adventure, this is it. Nahanni National Park Reserve holds some of the most carved out canyons, and you’ll want to walk all the way to see them. You can mountain climb, kayak, fish, and even take a day flight excursion to see everything it has to offer.

Tips: There are some risks in visiting this national park, as it is home to black and grizzly bears. If you’re camping, be on the lookout.

How to book: Online here.

Aulavik National Park

Best time to visit: In Inuvialuktun, Aulavik means “place where people travel”, which is heartwarming and beautiful at the same time. Aulavik National Park is only open for a small amount of time during the summer, so if you have been wanting to take the trip, that would be your chance. Like most of the other parks, this one is only accessible through aircraft as it’s at the very top of Canada. However, if you rent an RV, you can tour around the cities in the Northwest Territories and see that first. Then, catch a flight out from Yellowknife and see Aulavik National Park for yourself.

RV hookups: No.

Things to do at Aulavik National Park: There are no campsites at this park, however, you can actually camp anywhere you’d like. If you’re there for a couple of days before heading back to your RV, pitch a tent and take a break from all the activities. You can hike throughout the entire park as there are no designated trails. Don’t let that scare you though, the terrain is gentle and not harmful. You can also bring your fishing rods and catch a couple of fish here.

Tips: There is no set date for when the park opens, so keep your eye open for when they announce it.

How to book: There is no booking as you can camp anywhere in the park.