Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network Corridor

"Empowering Indigenous-owned accommodations across northern Canada through a collaborative network of resources and shared expertise."

The Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network Corridor aims to develop a fully Indigenous-owned lodging network that connects various lodges across the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern British Columbia. This corridor seeks to provide authentic cultural experiences, support Indigenous communities, and meet the growing demand for Indigenous tourism experiences through Indigenous-owned accommodation.

• Indigenous Ownership and Operation: This corridor features a fully Indigenous-owned and operated lodging network, supporting economic development and self-determination for Indigenous communities across northern Canada.
• Indigenous Tourism Market Growth: The corridor aligns with the rapidly growing global interest in Indigenous tourism experiences, positioning Canada as a leader in this sector.
• Cross-Territorial Collaboration: By connecting lodges across multiple territories and provinces, the corridor brings cooperation and shared economic benefits among diverse Indigenous communities.
• Addressing Accommodation Shortages: The network directly addresses the chronic shortage of accommodation in Canada's North, providing much-needed infrastructure to support tourism growth in the region.
• Economic Diversification: By developing tourism infrastructure, the corridor contributes to economic diversification in northern communities, reducing reliance on resource-based industries.
   

• Participating in Indigenous cultural workshops and activities showcasing traditional practices and knowledge
• Witnessing the Northern Lights at prime viewing locations
• Savouring traditional culinary experiences featuring local ingredients and Indigenous recipes
• Engaging in land-based nature activities that connect visitors with the surrounding environment
• Exploring Indigenous art and crafts, with opportunities to meet local artisans
• Immersing in storytelling sessions that share Indigenous oral traditions and histories
• Attending seasonal festivals and events celebrating Indigenous cultures and heritage

• Government of Yukon
• Northwest Territories Tourism
• Tahltan Central Government
• Local Indigenous communities and businesses

The planning team has developed the strategy, which is now receiving further engagement. The project continues to identify product gaps, explore transportation partnerships, and determine infrastructure needs to support the creation of new export-ready itineraries.

“Tahltan Territory has some of the most beautiful and wild landscapes on the planet, already drawing visitors from around the world... And now, more than ever, travelers are looking for unique places where they can reconnect with nature and experience authentic local interactions.”
– Alex Buri, Tourism Director of Tahltan Central Government

“We have an amazing destination… It’s beautiful and breathtaking and very much worth the trip because something here will change you.”
– Donna Lee Demarcke, CEO of Northwest Territories Tourism

“When we discover, collaborate and build relations it is so much more than building four walls of a physical structure of a ‘lodge’... It is building and strengthening a community as they discover their economic, educational and cultural growth opportunities, such as employment, infrastructure and investment, in so many ways.”
– Teena Dickson, owner of Who What Where Tours, Yukon

“The lodges will be interlinked not just by geography but by a shared vision and operational synergy… Looking ahead, the anticipated legacy of this project is one of empowerment, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation, setting a new benchmark for Indigenous tourism worldwide.”
– Jennifer Horsnell, Destination Canada

The Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network Corridor presents significant potential for tourism growth, including:

• Development of new Indigenous-owned lodges
• Enhancement of existing Indigenous tourism experiences
• Creation of cultural centers and interpretive facilities
• Investment in sustainable accommodation options
• Development of year-round adventure tourism products

Indigenous tourism is a rapidly growing sector. By 2032, the global Indigenous tourism market is expected to reach $88 billion, with a 4% CAGR. The Corridor supports Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s Vision 2030: to grow to 60,000 jobs in Indigenous tourism (up from 39,000 in 2019), 2,700 Indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses (up from 1,900 in 2019), and $6 Billion in contributions to Canada’s GDP (up from $1.9 Billion in 2019).

1. Explore the strategy here
2. Visit the Knowledge Hub for blog posts
3. Find the latest updates
4. Visit TourismScapes for information on this Corridor

To learn more about how you can be involved in the Corridor, including partnerships and investor opportunities, community engagement initiatives, and volunteer opportunities, please contact us.

Jennifer Horsnell
Senior Program Manager, Destination Development
Destination Canada
horsnell.jennifer@destinationcanada.com

Eduardo Lafforgue
Director of Tourism
Government of Yukon
Eduardo.Lafforgue@yukon.ca

Donna Lee Demarcke
CEO
Northwest Territories Tourism
executive@spectacularnwt.com