Ivvavik National Park ( / ˈ iː v ə v ɪ k / EE -və-vik ) is a national park in Canada located in the Yukon. The park was first called "Northern Yukon National Park" but was renamed Ivvavik in 1992. The name Ivvavik comes from the Inuvialuktun word meaning "nursery" or "birthplace," which refers to the area's importance as a place where Porcupine caribou give birth. The park was created in 1984 because of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, a deal made between the Canadian Government and the Inuvialuit people of the Northern Yukon. Ivvavik is the first national park in Canada to be established through an aboriginal land claims agreement. Each year, about 100 people visit the park.

Geography and climate

Ivvavik National Park includes the British Mountains, which stretch east to west, parallel to the Arctic coast, and connect to the Brooks Range in Alaska. The Firth River, which flows north from the British Mountains through the park, is the oldest river in Canada and is considered one of the world's great rafting rivers. The river begins at year-round aufeis formations at its headwaters, then flows through deep canyons before creating a large delta as it enters the Beaufort Sea near Herschel Island. The first rafting descent of the river was completed by Martyn Williams, Alan Dennis, and Jim Boyde. Gold miners worked along the Firth River and Sheep Creek until the area became a national park. To the south, Ivvavik National Park borders Vuntut National Park, which was created in 1995 as part of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement.

Ecology

The park has many cultural sites that are still important to local indigenous people. To protect part of the caribou's calving grounds, the park allows only a small number of visitors each year. On the shore of the Beaufort Sea, many Yukon wolves, grizzly bears, and black bears live in the area. Other animals found here include two types of fox, Yukon moose, lemmings, Dall sheep, gyrfalcons, muskoxen, and wolverines. The area near Sheep Creek is the farthest north that Dall sheep live in Canada. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is just across the border in Alaska. The Firth River has some of the longest stocks of Dolly Varden char in western Canada.

Activities and access

The best way to reach Ivvavik National Park is by taking a private plane from Inuvik, which is 200 km (120 mi) away from the park. Visitors can enjoy activities such as rafting, fishing, watching wildlife, camping, and hiking. Rafting is available from late June to early August, and rafting on the Firth River is a popular choice. A permit is needed to fish in the park. Each day, visitors may catch and keep only one Dolly Varden char, but no more than three fish total. Camping is allowed in all areas of the park except archaeological sites. There are no marked hiking trails in the park.