Reimagining adventure-based incentives in Canada’s Far North
It’s only fitting that in a place like no other, incentive rewards take on a whole new meaning. Canada’s Far North is a region of striking landscapes — giant glaciers of virtually every blue imaginable, the most unique wildlife on the planet and a frozen tundra that stretches as far as the eye can see. A trip to this ultra-remote region makes for a truly legendary incentive reward.
Credit: Rich Stapelton
Credit: Michelle Valberg/Arctic Kingdom
“From the rich and diverse cultures of the region to the striking geography and iconic wildlife, Canada’s Arctic is second to none,” says Graham Dickson, founder of Arctic Kingdom, a luxury operator based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. “People fall in love with the region, and that’s because of the adventure, landscapes, remoteness and relationships that are formed here.”
Graham has been leading incentive groups on transformative trips around the Arctic for nearly a quarter of a century. Arctic Kingdom offers custom and private incentive trips that cover the entire region, from the Yukon to the Northwest Territories to Nunavut. As a true end-to-end provider, Arctic Kingdom handles the logistics for everything from private flights and charters to building and operating camps.
“The Arctic varies greatly from north to south and east to west — and what’s possible in Yellowknife is quite different from an experience in Baffin Island,” Graham explains. “So, we’ll work with organisations to look at their group size, the activities most special to them, where they are coming from, the level of comfort or challenge they’re looking for, and what their budget is. Then, we’ll plan the trip of a lifetime.”
Those in search of adventure-based incentives will have a variety of transformative options. Incentive groups can embark on one-of-a-kind wildlife tours, spotting bowhead whales, walrus, narwhals, polar bears, belugas and more in their natural habitat. For top performers seeking relaxation, they can unwind in a hot tub on the floe edge, where the sea ice meets the open ocean.
“Experiences like these get you out of your day to day,” adds Graham. “If you go way out of what you think is your comfort zone, into the Arctic above the tree line, mother nature may blow your senses in a good way.”
For organisations searching for the ultimate incentive reward, Arctic Kingdom also offers private jets that bring guests to the top lodges in the Arctic hemisphere, including Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Iqaluit and Churchill. This gives teams the chance to take part in memorable experiences, including watching the elusive northern lights dance across the night sky in complete remoteness. “In my opinion, that’s one of the world’s best northern lights experiences because you’re not limiting yourself to one place,” Graham says. “You’re actually sampling the best of the North.”
While many of these experiences take place in the winter months, Graham points out one misconception about the Arctic: the temperature. Contrary to common belief, it’s not always frigid — in fact, late summer is a special time in the region, as the temperatures are still pleasant. High achievers still have the chance to lock eyes with polar bears and marvel at icebergs floating by — while also taking part in adventures like, ice diving, hot air ballooning between giant ice formations, kayaking around Baffin Island and snorkelling on the floe edge.
Cultural experiences led by the Inuit, who have called the land home for thousands of years, are also woven into itineraries. Incentive groups can enjoy gourmet dishes like Arctic char sushi and caribou carpaccio; listen to throat singing (considered one of the world’s oldest forms of music); or learn the traditional craft of building an igloo from local Indigenous guides.
“A lot of our clients and visitors come for the wildlife and scenery,” Graham says. “But they leave with a much deeper Indigenous appreciation and new relationships. Everything we do is very authentic and one on one.”
For European travellers, it’s become significantly easier to reach this region. Arctic Kingdom is now able to charter flights straight from Iceland to Baffin Island in Nunavut. This means that those travelling from Europe can transit through Iceland and arrive the same day they left.
Credit: Noel Hendrickson
Canada’s rich diversity of incentive destinations offer unique experiences that will inspire and revitalize teams, reigniting their creativity and promoting collaboration to fuel future success. With over 250 unique legendary experiences available, Canada is a top choice for recognizing and rewarding high achievers. Destination Canada’s Business Events team can help design a program that’s specifically tailored to your group’s interests and needs.
For more information, connect with Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com or +1 403-923-5972