Aulavik National Park

　　Aulavik National Park is situated on Banks Island in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Established in 1992, it spans 12,200 square kilometers and is an airplane-accessible park. Currently, there are four airstrips within the park, making flying the best way to get there.

　　Known as the “polar desert,” Aulavik National Park experiences strong winds, with sediment carried by the wind reaching up to 300 millimeters per year—proof of the wind’s intensity. This perpetually windy park is home to the world’s largest herd of muskoxen, an ancient species that has survived on Earth for 600,000 years since the Ice Age. While exploring the park, you may spot these massive creatures. In addition to muskoxen, the park also shelters endangered caribou and Peary caribou. There are 43 bird species that reside here seasonally, while ptarmigans and ravens live in the park year-round. Predatory birds such as ptarmigan, rock ptarmigan, gyrfalcon, and peregrine falcon can also be seen.

　　Aulavik National Park Reason to visit: The world’s largest gathering of muskoxen Continent: North America Country/Region: Canada Province/Territory: Northwest Territories