The Ultimate Adventure at the Top of the World
It is not every day that we get a request for a high-end incentive trip to one of the most unique destinations in North America. Neither is every company prepared to underwrite a most exclusive incentive program—regardless of how valuable their participants may be.
So, when we were asked about the Yukon as a possible incentive destination, we were gleeful. After all, we have to confess, requests for this remote destination are few and far between. Imagine a place where pristine wilderness meets the allure of adventure; a destination where the Northern Lights dance across the sky and the spirit of the wild calls out to the explorer within. The Yukon, located in the northwestern part of Canada, offers just such an experience. An incentive trip to the Yukon is not just another incentive trip—it's an unforgettable journey that celebrates success and inspires greatness for the lucky few winners. Incentive trips are powerful tools for motivating employees and enhancing engagement. The promise of an extraordinary adventure in the Yukon can drive performance, boost morale, and foster a sense of loyalty and appreciation among team members.
We rolled up our proverbial sleeves and got to work. This was a unique opportunity for us to showcase not only how awesome this destination is but also how creative we could be in checking as many boxes as possible. The Yukon is different from any other incentive travel destination. Its unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vast array of outdoor activities make it a standout choice. From snow-capped mountains and expansive tundra to historic gold rush towns and indigenous communities, the Yukon offers a diverse and immersive experience.
Getting to the Yukon can be time-consuming for a group of European participants. It takes upwards of 16 hours on at least two flights (one stopover) to get to the top of the world. But once there, nothing can compete with the experience that awaits the lucky participants. We agonized about the “perfect” itinerary for this well-traveled group. We finally settled on the following itinerary and presented it to our client.
In our view, an ideal incentive trip itinerary should balance adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Here are the highlights of the program we prepared for this special VIP group:
Days 1-2: Arrival in Whitehorse (capital of the Yukon) and exploration of the city
Welcome dinner featuring local cuisine at Antoinette's Restaurant
Guided tour of Whitehorse, including visits to the MacBride Museum and the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
Days 3-4: Wilderness Adventure including:
Dog sledding or snowmobiling excursions
Overnight stay in a cozy lodge with opportunities to view the Northern Lights
North, the Takhini Hot Pools’ mineral springs—also with an opportunity to view the Northern Lights.
Days 5-6: Cultural Immersion consisting of:
Visit indigenous communities to learn about their history and traditions
Participate in a traditional native feast and storytelling session
Day 7: Kluane National Park & farewell:
Guided hike or flightseeing tour over the park's glaciers and mountains
Farewell dinner in a tent at the famous Miles Canyon—one of the most scenic sites on the Yukon River.
An incentive trip to the Yukon is more than just a reward—it's an inspirational journey that celebrates the success of a winning team while it ignites the spirit of adventure among participants. The unique and awe-inspiring experiences that we suggested to our client will likely create lasting memories for their participants. We assured our client that these memories will not only serve as a reminder of their team’s achievements but will also reinforce the value of striving for excellence in their team’s professional lives.
In need of fresh ideas for your team’s next incentive program? Let the event architects at GMS Events design that perfect incentive trip that both excites and motivates.