Few incentive rewards compare to a trip to Northern Canada. When your top performers reach this remote region, they will instantly be in awe as they stare out at untamed tundra that stretches as far as the eye can see, punctuated only by steep fjords and giant glaciers.

Otherworldly landscapes are only one aspect of its uniqueness. From encounters with the rarest wildlife on the planet, to the elusive ribbons of the northern lights, this is a place that will motivate your team like no other. 

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the top five adventures in the northern territories of Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories. 

Watch nature’s greatest show

Give your top performers the chance to check off one of the most enviable bucket list items there is: a night spent watching the northern lights in Northern Canada. Seeing this natural phenomenon in person with Indigenous aurora hunters is just the experience of a lifetime your top performers aim for as they push to reach their goals.

Many luxurious wilderness resorts in Canada’s North provide the perfect setting to see them. Fly on a 20-min bush plane from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to land alongside Blachford Lake Lodge & Wilderness Resort — an oasis of luxury in the remote wilderness that offers prime viewing. Or stay at the Indigenous-owned Aurora Village, a teepee village outside of Yellowknife designed for aurora observation. The teepees, which are surrounded by a picturesque lake, are equipped with warm wood stoves and fur-lined sofas.

As your group gazes up at the night sky with a warm drink, they’ll see the world’s greatest outdoor show as the aurora borealis sets the sky ablaze in a dance of vivid reds, blues and greens. They’ll also hear traditional stories of the region from Indigenous Elders, while enjoying a gourmet feast featuring locally sourced ingredients, such as northern lake fish chowder and slow-roasted smoked buffalo prime rib.

Soar to new heights

Extraordinary results call for rewards so exceptional that they have the power to transform outlooks — like a hot air balloon tour in Canada’s North. This is an adventure that few people have ever experienced in their lifetime, making it the sort of reward that your team will strive for all year long.

As your top performers ascend upward above the top of the world, with a glass of champagne in hand, they will fly across icecaps, tundra, large chunks of floating ice and giant glaciers. There's a good chance they’ll spot a range of wildlife too — from polar bears to narwhals.

Another advantage? Hot air ballooning is a low impact way of seeing the region, ensuring your incentive group’s successes doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.  

Run with your pack

Reward your peak performers with an exhilarating dog sledding adventure. After bundling up under a cozy blanket and settling into a traditional toboggan with their colleagues, their hearts will begin to race as they’re propelled entirely by the power of eager huskies.

As they’re awakened by the crisp morning air and wind on their face, they’ll be in awe of the passing boreal forests, rolling tundra and soaring mountains that surround them. The views are augmented with captivating stories about the history and practice of dog sledding from local guides. 

Dog sledding in Canada’s North is an incredibly unique way to take in the landscapes, and exactly the type of experience that brings teams together and strengthens corporate culture.  

Learn the traditional skill of igloo building

Team building takes on whole new meaning in Canada’s pristine frozen North. Inspire your top earners with an authentic igloo building workshop. They’ll gain a deeper understanding of the traditional methods for building the dome-like structures from Indigenous Peoples who have had this practice passed down for generations.

While bonding with colleagues, your team will learn everything from the best type of snow to use and best practices for placement of snow blocks. Once finished, they’ll celebrate and create new memories with a feast of traditional food and drink in their newly created dwelling. This experience is available at Blachford Lake Lodge and Aurora Village, among other destinations.

Unmatched wildlife watching

Canada’s northern territories are teeming with wildlife. For an unmatched corporate reward, give high achievers the chance to view some of the most exotic animals on the planet through a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic safari.

They’ll be amazed as they get a front row seat to legendary animals, including majestic polar bears, friendly beluga whales and tusked narwhals. The area is also home to caribou, seabirds, Artic fox and a host of other animals unique to the region.

Being immersed in nature and seeing wildlife in their habitat is an experience that will broaden your team’s perspectives and leave them feeling more energized than ever.

Legendary incentives that inspire

Canada’s North is vast and remote, a place where few incentive winners have trodden before — making it a reward that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on the heart of your organization. Interested in learning more about Canada’s incentive options? With over 200 experiences in its Canadian Signature Incentive Experience Collection, the Destination Canada Business Events team can help planners personalize incentives, offer advice, make introductions and much more.

For impartial insights, inspiration and introductions, planners can contact Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com