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Gwich'in Territorial Park Reserve is a large area of pristine wilderness reserved for park development, much of it within the vast Mackenzie River delta.
Largely undeveloped, the 21,275 acres is managed as an Outdoor Recreation Territorial Park by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
There are four small sites within the park along the Dempster Highway, which forms one boundary of the park, that have day-use or limited camping facilities.
The park is about 12 miles south of Inuvik on the east and skirts the south shores of Campbell Lake.
The area is recognized internationally under the International Biological Program. The park and surrounding cliffs are a significant area for nesting peregrine falcons.The land and water bodies in this area contain many significant natural, cultural and recreational features.
A recent archaeological survey of the area uncovered evidence of past civilizations going back many centuries. Historically, the area has been used seasonally for hunting, trapping and fishing, as it is today.
Any proposed recreational developments will not impact areas associated with these past and present uses of the land by native people.
A botanical survey has also been completed identifying some sensitive species of plants, several at the northern limit of their range. This area is also the northern limit of the wood frog.
The botanical survey also documented Gwich'in names for these plants for use in future interpretive programs.
All existing sites within the park are being renamed in the Gwich’in language, including Nihtak Day-Use Area, Ehjuu Njik Day-Use Area, Gwich’in Campground, Vadzaih Van Tshik Campground and the Tithegeh Chii Vitaii lookout.
Development of a recreational vehicle campground has begun at an abandoned gravel pit. This provides road access to Campbell Lake. Hiking trails are planned for the future.
While there is public access year-round, services are provided only during summer.
There is a boat launch at the Nihtak Day Use Area and a dock/canoe launch at the Gwich'in Campground.
Outdoor Activities |
