CanNor investment of over $800,000 supports seven tourism projects across the North

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister of PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $800,000 in strengthening tourism sectors across the North. This funding, delivered by CanNor, will assist seven businesses and organizations to upgrade infrastructure and equipment, deliver eco-tourism and Indigenous cultural tourism experiences, provide more accommodation options, improve marketing and expand operations to provide year-round services. 

The projects included in today's announcement are:

Arctic Bay Adventures – Bringing the world to Arctic Bay (Nunavut)

CanNor is investing up to $250,000 in a one-year project for Arctic Bay Adventures (ABA), which provides eco-tourism adventures as well as logistical support for scientific expeditions and film productions. This funding will support upgrades to its equipment and staff training. ABA will purchase new shelters resistant to high winds, snow machines, ATVs, and safety equipment. Training will focus on first aid, firearms, guiding, culinary, and more. Project funding is also provided by the Government of Nunavut's Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Kakivak Association, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, and Travel Nunavut.

Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk – Tourism infrastructure (Northwest Territories)

CanNor is investing up to $237,509 in a two-year project for the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk to upgrade its tourism infrastructure. Tuktoyaktuk hosts tourists every year and is the only community in Canada that has a roadway leading to the Arctic Ocean. This project will further raise the community's profile as a unique tourism destination. Funding will support the hamlet to purchase signage, a warming shelter, modern campsite markers, refuse containers and a public restroom facility with showers and laundry. Project funding is also provided by the GNWT's Community Tourism Infrastructure Contribution Program.

Darrell's Welding Ltd. – Castaway Cottages expansion (Northwest Territories)

CanNor is investing up to $99,999 in a one-year project for Darrell's Welding Ltd. to expand Castaway Cottages' tourism offerings in Hay River during the winter season. Castaway Cottages is a locally-owned Indigenous business with cottages and camping on the southern coast of Great Slave Lake. Funding will support Castaway Cottages to purchase an amphibious vehicle for lake and land tours and two portable structures to facilitate aurora viewing and ice fishing on the frozen lake. Project funding is also provided by the GNWT's Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Wintergreen Travel – Online booking platform (Northwest Territories)

CanNor is investing up to $72,350 in a two-year project for Wintergreen Travel to build an online platform where users can book flights, hotels and add-ons, such as tours, taxis and restaurant vouchers, in a single transaction. Based in Fort Smith, Wintergreen Travel connects travellers with experiences and businesses in the Northwest Territories. This strengthen the local economy and help promote tourism across the territory. This funding will support contract and professional fees to build the platform and staff training. Project funding is also provided by the GNWT's Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Program.

Josie's Old Crow Adventures – Summer tour expansion (Yukon)

CanNor is investing up to $60,000 in a two-year project for Josie's Old Crow Adventures (JOCA) to expand its operations into the summer season. This business, located in Old Crow, offers authentic Indigenous cultural experiences to teach visitors about the Vuntut Gwitchin way of life. Through this project, JOCA will purchase a boat and transport it to Old Crow, buy materials and equipment to renovate the Edith Josie House guest accommodation and develop new marketing materials to promote its summer tours. Project funding is also provided by the Government of Yukon's (YG) Community Tourism Destination Development Fund in 2024 – 2026. 

Friends of Mt. Sima Society – Alpine Escape glamping (Yukon)

CanNor is investing up to $50,575 towards a two-year project for the Friends of Mt. Sima Society (FMSS) to develop Alpine Escape, a year-round glamping experience in Whitehorse, Yukon. This funding will support the non-profit society to set-up a new campsite on its property, including a geodesic dome and three tents, and expand its trail system. Through this project FMSS will be able to offer new experiences, expand its summer operations, and increase its accommodation capacity. Project funding is also provided by YG's Community Tourism Destination Development Fund in 2024 – 2025.

Terre Boréale Inc. – New winter tourism experience (Yukon)

CanNor is investing up to $57,331 in a one-year project for Terre Boréale Inc., located on a remote lake in the Yukon. This funding will support this family-owned adventure tourism business to purchase gear, upgrade its equipment and create promotional content to expand its winter tourism offerings. Project funding is also provided by YG's Community Tourism Destination Development Fund in 2024 – 2025.