June 29, 2026 – Iqaluit, Nunavut – Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
This information adds to the news release issued today Northern businesses expand to attract tourism in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon about CanNor’s support, the businesses and organizations that received funding, and their projects.
The Government of Canada, through CanNor, is providing $2,209,505 to eight projects that will support tourism infrastructure, attract visitors, and enhance local tourism offerings across the North.
Project information
Project: Visitor centre renovation and repair
Recipient: Government of Nunavut
Location: Iqaluit, Nunavut
Details: A three-year project to renovate and repair the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre and Iqaluit Centennial Library building, so it can stay open for visitors and the community. The building provides space for visitors to learn about Nunavut and take part in activities.
CanNor contribution: Up to $825,000
Additional contributions: $825,000 from the Government of Nunavut
Funding program: IDEANorth
Project: Building on 30 years of Nunavut Tourism
Recipient: Nunavut Tourism (Travel Nunavut)
Location: Nunavut
Details: A two-year project to produce short videos telling the stories of tourism operators in Nunavut over the past 30 years, including a video to showcase different elements of Nunavut’s tourism industry. The videos will be marketed in Canada and around the world and include captions in Nunavut’s four official languages.
CanNor contribution: Up to $200,000
Funding program: IDEANorth
Additional contributions: $60,000 from the Government of Nunavut
Project: 2026 into the future
Recipient: Arctic Bay Adventures Ltd.
Location: Arctic Bay, Nunavut
Details: A two-year project to grow the business and meet increasing visitor demand. Funding will support staff training, storage, new equipment, and website design to help Arctic Bay Adventures deliver safe, modern and consistent tourism services. Arctic Bay Adventures is Inuit owned and operated.
CanNor contribution: Up to $249,033
Funding program: IDEANorth
Additional contributions: $469,505.53 from the Government of Nunavut
Project: 2026 Arctic Bay Adventures – Plan for the future
Recipient: Arctic Bay Adventures Ltd.
Location: Arctic Bay, Nunavut
Details: A one-year project to develop a comprehensive business plan for attracting investment, expanding operations, and creating local jobs. Arctic Bay Adventures is Inuit owned and operated.
CanNor contribution: Up to $29,722
Funding program: Tourism Growth Program
Project: Spectacular horizons – Expanding NWT’s global reach
Recipient: Northwest Territories Tourism (Spectacular NWT)
Location: Northwest Territories
Details: A two-year project to target new international markets and promote Indigenous tourism. This project will expand international reach for Indigenous tourism in the NWT, working to help visitors access and celebrate the region’s rich cultural experiences.
CanNor contribution: Up to $500,000
Funding program: IDEANorth
Project: Spark Tourism Micro-grant expansion
Recipient: Government of Yukon, Department of Tourism and Culture
Location: Yukon
Details: A three-year project to increase the capacity of the existing Spark Tourism Micro-grant program, which provides grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to new and emerging Yukon tourism businesses. These grants are used to develop new tourism products, services, and ideas. With increased funding, the Department of Tourism and Culture can support up to 30 applicants annually, doubling its annual reach of 15 applicants.
CanNor contribution: Up to $225,000
Funding program: IDEANorth
Additional contributions: The Government of Yukon is providing $225,000
Project: Peel watershed wilderness tourism expansion
Recipient: Nahanni Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (Nahanni River Adventures)
Location: Mayo, Yukon
Details: A three-year project to establish and market a new tourism facility for the Peel watershed region, which will open new opportunities in Mayo’s resource-based economy. The project will include building tourism infrastructure and purchasing equipment. Nahanni Wilderness Adventures will partner with Dinjii Zhuh Adventures to represent Indigenous perspectives. The project anticipates generating $650,000 in annual visitor spending with over 30 percent remaining in Mayo’s economy through local services, such as accommodations, flights, and guiding.
CanNor contribution: Up to $99,999
Funding program: IDEANorth
Additional contributions: The Government of Yukon is providing $20,000.
Project: Dzënu nay bus project – ‘A day’s journey’ bus
Recipient: Dickson Outfitters Ltd. (division Who What Where Tours)
Location: Yukon
Details: A two-year project to buy a 24-passenger bus to strengthen and expand Dickson Outfitter’s Who What Where Tours across the Yukon. The new bus will address growing visitor numbers and the demand for year-round tourism, improve visitor experience, and increase visitor spending. Dickson Outfitters is Indigenous owned and Who What Where Tours is woman operated.
CanNor contribution: Up to $80,751
Funding program: IDEANorth