Muskox in Aulavik National Park Canada Postcard

Aulavik National Park is a remote and largely untouched park located in the northern part of Banks Island, in Canada’s Northwest Territories. It covers an area of over 12,000 square kilometres and is one of the most isolated parks in the Canadian Arctic, accessible only by air. The landscape is characterized by arctic tundra, glaciers, and the meandering Thomsen River, which is considered one of the most northerly navigable rivers in the world. Visitors to Aulavik experience a pristine wilderness where polar bears, arctic foxes, and migratory birds roam freely, and the environment feels remarkably untouched by humans. The park is especially valued for its ecological significance, protecting fragile Arctic ecosystems and providing a refuge for a variety of species adapted to extreme conditions. One of the most iconic animals in Aulavik National Park is the muskox. These large, shaggy mammals are perfectly adapted to the harsh Arctic climate, with thick coats that insulate them from freezing temperatures. Muskoxen roam the tundra in small herds, grazing on grasses, mosses, and lichens. They are known for their distinctive curved horns and strong social behaviour, forming tight groups to protect themselves from predators like wolves. Aulavik offers one of the most reliable places in the world to see muskox in the wild, making it a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers interested in Arctic species and their survival strategies in extreme environments.