Northern Sky Corridor
Overview
“Inviting visitors to connect deeply with the land and sky through an epic journey across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, blending Indigenous cultural experiences and awe-inspiring celestial wonders.”
The Northern Sky Tourism Corridor is a 1,500-kilometre route from Edmonton, Alberta to the Northwest Territories, guiding visitors through boreal forest, Indigenous territories, and iconic northern landscapes. More than a scenic roadtrip, the Corridor is a regenerative tourism model focused on local economies, cultural sovereignty, and deep connections to place.
The Corridor is built on five pillars: Indigenous-led development, transformational experiences, foundational infrastructure, diversified accommodations, and industry advancement.
Overview
“Inviting visitors to connect deeply with the land and sky through an epic journey across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, blending Indigenous cultural experiences and awe-inspiring celestial wonders.”
The Northern Sky Tourism Corridor is a 1,500-kilometre route from Edmonton, Alberta to the Northwest Territories, guiding visitors through boreal forest, Indigenous territories, and iconic northern landscapes. More than a scenic roadtrip, the Corridor is a regenerative tourism model focused on local economies, cultural sovereignty, and deep connections to place.
The Corridor is built on five pillars: Indigenous-led development, transformational experiences, foundational infrastructure, diversified accommodations, and industry advancement.
Stretching from Edmonton through northern Alberta and into the Northwest Territories, the Corridor connects communities, cultures, and natural landmarks along a year-round route marked by expansive landscapes and storied heritage.
Stretching from Edmonton through northern Alberta and into the Northwest Territories, the Corridor connects communities, cultures, and natural landmarks along a year-round route marked by expansive landscapes and storied heritage.
Corridor approach
The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program (TCSP) helps communities, provinces and territories plan and grow resilient, inclusive and regenerative tourism economies from coast to coast to coast. In support of the Strategy, the goal for the Tourism Corridors is to bring people, places and industries together to strengthen local wellbeing and accelerate sustainable destination development.
Corridor approach
The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program (TCSP) helps communities, provinces and territories plan and grow resilient, inclusive and regenerative tourism economies from coast to coast to coast. In support of the Strategy, the goal for the Tourism Corridors is to bring people, places and industries together to strengthen local wellbeing and accelerate sustainable destination development.
Northern Sky corridor objectives
Guided by community leadership and local context, each Corridor defines objectives that reflect regional priorities while building on the shared goals of the Tourism Corridor Strategy Program.
Regenerative tourism model: Foster long-term cultural, environmental, and economic value through community-led, place-based tourism.
Premier northern destination: Showcase unique landscapes, diverse cultures, and natural wonders to attract purpose-driven travellers.
Indigenous leadership and sovereignty: Centre Indigenous communities in tourism planning, stewardship, and storytelling.
Transformational experiences: Offer immersive, corridor-wide experiences that inspire connection to land and culture.
Sustainable infrastructure: Invest in transportation, signage, and amenities while preserving the region’s natural character.
Diversified accommodations: Expand unique lodging options to support year-round travel and longer visitor stays.
Sector development & investment: Build workforce capacity and attract investment in high-impact, market-ready tourism initiatives.
Climate-resilient planning: Integrate climate adaptation, hazard-aware design, and sustainability into all development.
Key attractions and experiences
Participating partners
- Explore Edmonton
- Northwest Territories Tourism
- Indigenous Tourism Alberta
- Travel Alberta
- Government of the Northwest Territories
Participating partners
- Explore Edmonton
- Northwest Territories Tourism
- Indigenous Tourism Alberta
- Travel Alberta
- Government of the Northwest Territories
Climate resilience planning
By 2070, the Northern Sky Corridor is projected to experience a significant shift from historically cold conditions toward a warmer and drier climate that affects the reliability of winter conditions and snow-based activities. As part of the overall Northern Sky Corridor strategy, Destination Canada and partners have developed a Strategic Climate Resilience Roadmap specifically for this corridor.
Climate resilience planning
By 2070, the Northern Sky Corridor is projected to experience a significant shift from historically cold conditions toward a warmer and drier climate that affects the reliability of winter conditions and snow-based activities. As part of the overall Northern Sky Corridor strategy, Destination Canada and partners have developed a Strategic Climate Resilience Roadmap specifically for this corridor.
Understanding the risks and the roadmap will help partners and communities:
- Guide land-use, emergency planning, and infrastructure investment in high-risk areas.
- Leverage longer warm and shoulder seasons to expand year-round tourism, focusing on cultural, trail-based, and nature experiences.
- Prioritize investments aligned with climate risk analysis, focusing on resilient infrastructure and adaptable experience design.
- Align development with regenerative tourism and nature-based solutions to protect ecosystems and reduce long-term costs.
Climate resilience planning is an ongoing piece of the corridor strategy and will continue to evolve with community input and new data. Communities, operators, or investors who want to learn more about this work can contact Destination Canada for further information or support.
Understanding the risks and the roadmap will help partners and communities:
- Guide land-use, emergency planning, and infrastructure investment in high-risk areas.
- Leverage longer warm and shoulder seasons to expand year-round tourism, focusing on cultural, trail-based, and nature experiences.
- Prioritize investments aligned with climate risk analysis, focusing on resilient infrastructure and adaptable experience design.
- Align development with regenerative tourism and nature-based solutions to protect ecosystems and reduce long-term costs.
Climate resilience planning is an ongoing piece of the corridor strategy and will continue to evolve with community input and new data. Communities, operators, or investors who want to learn more about this work can contact Destination Canada for further information or support.
Investment opportunity in the corridor
The Northern Sky Corridor offers a forward-looking investment opportunity in Canada’s tourism landscape. Encompassing regions between Edmonton and the Northwest Territories, the Corridor is anchored in regenerative development and designed to meet global demand for Indigenous-led, nature-based, and culturally immersive travel.
With five catalyst projects identified and a climate-resilient foundation, the Corridor offers a scalable model that delivers both economic returns and community impact.
Potential investment opportunities in this corridor include:
Indigenous & regenerative tourism
- Partner with Indigenous communities to grow Indigenous-owned tourism businesses.
- Invest in cultural centres, storytelling hubs, and experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
- Scale export-ready offerings like culinary, guided, and land-based experiences.
Northern experiences
- Expand aurora viewing and year-round northern tourism.
- Develop seasonal, nature-based experiences to extend travel beyond peak seasons.
- Advance tourism along key routes like the Deh Cho Trail and other corridor itineraries.
Accommodations & infrastructure
- Introduce eco-lodges, cabins, and glamping in rural and remote communities.
- Improve year-round infrastructure to enhance comfort and safety.
- Support RV tourism with expanded rentals, drop-off hubs, and service facilities.
Transportation & connectivity
- Strengthen connections between Edmonton and Yellowknife with year-round flights.
- Expand air capacity and multi-stop travel options along the Corridor.
- Develop RV itineraries and link flagship destinations across Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Current investment in the corridor
Several initiatives are already underway or planned:
- The Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network, supporting Indigenous-led accommodation and experience development.
- The Alberta–Northwest Territories Economic Corridor Memorandum of Understanding, advancing infrastructure investment and interjurisdictional connectivity.
Investment opportunity in the corridor
The Northern Sky Corridor offers a forward-looking investment opportunity in Canada’s tourism landscape. Encompassing regions between Edmonton and the Northwest Territories, the Corridor is anchored in regenerative development and designed to meet global demand for Indigenous-led, nature-based, and culturally immersive travel.
With five catalyst projects identified and a climate-resilient foundation, the Corridor offers a scalable model that delivers both economic returns and community impact.
Potential investment opportunities in this corridor include:
Indigenous & regenerative tourism
- Partner with Indigenous communities to grow Indigenous-owned tourism businesses.
- Invest in cultural centres, storytelling hubs, and experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
- Scale export-ready offerings like culinary, guided, and land-based experiences.
Northern experiences
- Expand aurora viewing and year-round northern tourism.
- Develop seasonal, nature-based experiences to extend travel beyond peak seasons.
- Advance tourism along key routes like the Deh Cho Trail and other corridor itineraries.
Accommodations & infrastructure
- Introduce eco-lodges, cabins, and glamping in rural and remote communities.
- Improve year-round infrastructure to enhance comfort and safety.
- Support RV tourism with expanded rentals, drop-off hubs, and service facilities.
Transportation & connectivity
- Strengthen connections between Edmonton and Yellowknife with year-round flights.
- Expand air capacity and multi-stop travel options along the Corridor.
- Develop RV itineraries and link flagship destinations across Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Current investment in the corridor
Several initiatives are already underway or planned:
- The Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network, supporting Indigenous-led accommodation and experience development.
- The Alberta–Northwest Territories Economic Corridor Memorandum of Understanding, advancing infrastructure investment and interjurisdictional connectivity.
Get involved
To learn more about this Corridor, including partnerships, investment opportunities, community engagement initiatives and volunteer opportunities, please contact us:
Jennifer Horsnell
Senior Director, Destination Development
horsnell.jennifer@destinationcanada.com
Melissa Radu
Executive Director, Destination Development
Explore Edmonton
mradu@exploreedmonton.com
780-224-1314
Donna Lee Demarcke
Chief Executive Officer
Northwest Territories Tourism
executive@spectacularnwt.com
867-876-1200
Get involved
To learn more about this Corridor, including partnerships, investment opportunities, community engagement initiatives and volunteer opportunities, please contact us:
Jennifer Horsnell
Senior Director, Destination Development
horsnell.jennifer@destinationcanada.com
Melissa Radu
Executive Director, Destination Development
Explore Edmonton
mradu@exploreedmonton.com
780-224-1314
Donna Lee Demarcke
Chief Executive Officer
Northwest Territories Tourism
executive@spectacularnwt.com
867-876-1200
Resources and downloads
Strategy: Northern Sky Corridor Strategy Summary
Insights: Access the Tourism Data Collective for national and regional insights, including market profiles, current tourism assets and capacity, and forecasting.
Investment Readiness: Find a project to invest in , or download tools to help your region attract and manage investment.
Destination Development Toolkits: Practical guides for communities building their first tourism plan.
Resources and downloads
Strategy: Northern Sky Corridor Strategy Summary
Insights: Access the Tourism Data Collective for national and regional insights, including market profiles, current tourism assets and capacity, and forecasting.
Investment Readiness: Find a project to invest in , or download tools to help your region attract and manage investment.
Destination Development Toolkits: Practical guides for communities building their first tourism plan.