Northern Sky Corridor

"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 Corridor connects Edmonton as the gateway to Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, celebrating the region's Indigenous cultural heritage, art, and experiences surrounded by expansive natural beauty. This corridor aims to develop new export-ready products and itineraries to attract international visitation while enhancing the overall tourism visitor experience in Northern Canada.

• Alignment with Travel Trade and FIT Markets: The corridor capitalizes on its appeal to Free Independent Travelers (FIT), particularly RV enthusiasts, and offers significant potential for travel trade development through curated tour packages and itineraries.
• Gateway to the North: Edmonton serves as a strategic gateway to Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories - where experiences are in high demand - facilitating access to the region's unique attractions and experiences for both domestic and international visitors.
• Indigenous Tourism Opportunities: The corridor highlights the rich cultural heritage of 27 First Nations, as well as Inuvialuit and Métis communities, providing authentic Indigenous tourism experiences that align with growing global demand.
• Northern Lights Alignment: The corridor aligns with Destination Canada's recent Northern Lights promotion.

• Witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis at prime viewing locations
• Exploring vast dark sky preserves and participating in stargazing activities
• Engaging with Indigenous cultures through authentic experiences and cultural sites
• Traversing epic road trip routes connecting urban centers to remote northern destinations
• Participating in land-based nature activities and world-class fishing in pristine environments
• Experiencing unique northern phenomena like the Midnight Sun
• Discovering urban attractions that showcase northern heritage and culture
• Immersing in local festivals and events celebrating northern arts and traditions
• Connecting with Indigenous communities through lodges and cultural tourism initiatives

• Explore Edmonton
• Northwest Territories Tourism
• Indigenous Tourism Alberta
• Travel Alberta

Planning partners are developing the strategy, which aims for completion by December 2025.

Find the latest updates here.

"We're limited in our growth potential unless there's significant investment in infrastructure and tourism product development, including Indigenous tourism, which can attract visitors and promote cultural heritage."
- Keith Henry, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

"Not only will this corridor offer visitors an insight on the many vibrant and diverse Indigenous cultures that are distinctive of northern Canada, but it will also support the development of export ready products and unique itineraries, contributing to the wellbeing of the visitor economy in the NWT and Alberta."
- Donna Lee Demarcke, CEO NWT Tourism

"The corridor is rich with Indigenous culture and heritage, natural beauty and expansive opportunities to provide international and domestic travellers with unique, meaningful travel experiences."
- Paul Hawes, Explore Edmonton VP of Destination Development and Marketing

"The Northern Sky Corridor will... help foster our local economy through tourism and support Indigenous businesses and communities along the corridor."
- Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, City of Edmonton

"This initiative represents a significant step forward in shaping a vibrant and sustainable tourism future, appealing to both Canadian and global audiences."
- Darren Dalgleish, CEO of Fort Edmonton Management Company

"Our local and international Adventurers have exploring at their core, and we see this as an opportunity that will intrigue, inspire and enable a deeper connection with the region's rich Indigenous cultures that shape Canada and its people."
- Lineke Kereluk, VP Rental, Fraserway RV

"Access to the North and strong northern partnerships are essential for all Canadians, sustaining economic growth, fostering cultural exchange and creating tourism opportunities."
- James Jackson, Vice President, Air Service & Business Development, YEG

The Northern Sky Corridor presents significant potential for tourism growth and investment, particularly in Northern Lights tourism and Indigenous experiences. Key investment insights include:

• Northern Lights tourism in Canada is valued at approximately $119 million CAD and is expected to grow to $166.9 million CAD by 2028, with a 7% annual growth rate.
• Globally, polar travel marketing (including Northern Lights) is valued at approximately $830.5 million USD (2022) and expected to grow to $2.0 billion by 2031, with a 10.28% CAGR.
• 67.7% of international travellers to Canada are very interested in experiencing an Indigenous cultural experience or tourism activity.
• Northern Lights tourism supports an estimated 15,022 jobs in Canada.
• Edmonton and the surrounding area see twice the national average of tourism spend over two years.

Potential opportunities in this corridor include:

• Development of new and enhanced Northern Lights viewing experiences
• Creation of Indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses
• Investment in year-round tourism infrastructure and experiences
• Enhancement of transportation networks between Edmonton and Yellowknife
• Development of sustainable accommodation options in rural and remote areas
• Creation of cultural centers and interpretive facilities

Current Investment in the Corridor

• Implementation of the Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network.
• Implementation of the Alberta-Northwest Territories MOU on economic corridor projects, including critical infrastructure and improving interjurisdictional transportation networks.

The following additional opportunities are identified:

• Develop year-round fly itineraries between Edmonton and Yellowknife.
• Leverage and bolster existing direct air service routes from Edmonton to NWT return.
• Develop summer season RV itineraries.
• Establish a turn-around station for RV drop offs in Yellowknife or Hay River.
• Increase RV rental capacity at Edmonton International Airport.
• Product development along the Deh Cho Trail including accommodation and Indigenous experiences.
• Connect and share the Indigenous people's story of the North through new/enhanced export ready Indigenous experiences including culinary.
• Leverage and connect key experiences in/around Edmonton (i.e. Metis Crossing) with key experiences in the Northwest Territories (i.e. Aurora Village).

For detailed information on investment prospects in this corridor, please contact:

Erica D'Souza
Senior Director, Destination Development
Destination Canada
dsouza.erica@destinationcanada.com

1. Visit the Knowledge Hub for case studies and more
2. Find the latest updates
3. 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.

To contact the Corridor team directly:

Jennifer Horsnell
Senior Director, Destination Development
Destination Canada
horsnell.jennifer@destinationcanada.com
250-717-6732

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