northwest territories canada tourist attractions

13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Northwest Territories

Written by Chloë Ernst Updated Sep 13, 2021

Almost six times the size of the United Kingdom, the Northwest Territories cover an immense tract of Canada that lies north of the 60th parallel and almost reaches the North Pole. This is the land of towering mountains, mighty rivers, and treeless tundra. It's a harsh land, but one that will make an everlasting impression on you long after your visit. This vast region extends from the high Mackenzie Mountains in the west to the tundra regions of the east (and the border with Nunavut Territory, established in 1999).

During the short summer, which lasts only a few weeks, the region bursts into a frenetic growth spurt with plants and animals (and humans) making the most of every warm day. Fortunately, this undertaking of doing as much as you can in the shortest period of time is aided by the fact that the sun barely sets. These extra long days have given the region its nickname, the "land of the midnight sun." Conversely, in winter it remains dark virtually around the clock, the so-called "polar night." Winter temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius are recorded in virtually all parts of the territories for days and sometimes weeks on end.

To help you get the most out of your visit to this beautiful part of Canada, refer to our list of the top tourist attractions in the Northwest Territories.

1. Nahanni National Park Reserve

2. wood buffalo national park, 3. yellowknife, 4. great slave lake, 5. hay river, 7. the northwest passage, 8. great bear lake, 9. mackenzie river, 10. victoria island, 11. banks island, 12. church of our lady of good hope, fort good hope, 13. norman wells historical centre, norman wells, map of tourist attractions in the northwest territories.

The remote Nahanni National Park Reserve is one of the treasures of northern Canada and one of the best places to visit in the Northwest Territories for outdoor adventurers. Here, the raging Nahanni River flows through the stunning canyon scenery of the Mackenzie Mountains, challenging experienced canoeists and rafters. The South Nahanni River also tumbles over the 90-meter precipice of spectacular Virginia Falls , creating one of the most impressive waterfalls in Canada.

The Rabbitkettle Hot Springs , which give life to a rich landscape of rare plants, are another sightseeing attraction in this immense national park. As tempting as it would be to take a dip in the hot springs, the fragile nature of this beautiful natural attraction means tourists can only visit as part of a guided tour.

• Read More: Exploring Nahanni National Park Reserve: A Visitor's Guide

Wood Buffalo National Park is the biggest national park in Canada, and the second largest on the planet. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses vast tracts of land in both Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

While the park was originally intended to protect the herds of wood buffalo that inhabit the area, it has also served as a safe haven for other important species, such as the extremely rare whooping cranes that nest in the delta region. Once a fur-trading post, Fort Smith is now the launching point for exploring the park, and bison are often spotted from the highway near town.

• Read More: Exploring Wood Buffalo National Park and Fort Smith

Yellowknife, capital of the Northwest Territories, grew up around a 1930s gold rush. While all of the miners tents of Old Town have long since been replaced, there is now a mix of wooden heritage buildings, arts and cultural institutions like the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre , and a bustling community life fueled by the mining industry.

Popular things to do are the boat tours and houseboating on Great Slave Lake . Other activities and attractions are the impressive falls at Hidden Lake Territorial Park , visiting galleries featuring local artists, and seeing the Bush Pilots Monument.

If you find yourself here in the winter, the stunning Aurora Borealis viewing that can be enjoyed here is second to none. The Snow King Festival and its huge snow castle is also something not to be missed. Don't be afraid to join in the fun, as the town lets loose in March.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Yellowknife

Great Slave Lake is North America's fifth largest lake and reaches depths of more than 600 meters in places. Though it's frozen for eight months of the year, it sees plenty of action. In summer, house boaters and sailors enjoy the freshwater. In fact, the lake is home to the Commissioner's Cup, the world's longest freshwater sailing race .

If you love to fish, don't miss the opportunity to head out onto the water and test your skills against one of the legendary giant trout, (some up to 40 pounds) lurking deep below. Bring your own boat and take your chances or take a charter and ensure success.

Come winter, dog sledders race on the frozen surface. Many of the major communities in the Northwest Territories front the lake, including Yellowknife , Fort Providence , and Hay River .

• Read More: Great Slave Lake: Top Things to Do

On the southern bank of Great Slave Lake, Hay River is the southernmost port on the Mackenzie River System. Here, freight (mainly building materials and fuel) destined for settlements along the Mackenzie River and in the Arctic is transferred to barges. During the four- to five-month summer season, the port is chock-a-block with barges, fishing boats, and coast guard launches.

Long a home to First Nations people, Hay River became the first Hudson's Bay Company trading post in the area in 1868. The little wooden houses of the old town lie at the mouth of the Hay River. This is also where the fishermen live, often returning home with rich catches from Great Slave Lake , or the Hay and Mackenzie rivers.

In the newer area of town, Diamond Jenness School is an outstanding example of northern architecture. Named after an anthropologist who, around 1910, was the first to study northern native culture, the school boasts a purple color that makes it the landmark of Hay River. Southwest of town, Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park features Hay River canyon and the Alexandra and Louise Falls, with trails and a viewing area.

"Place of Man" is the Inuit meaning of Inuvik, a modern settlement in the Arctic Circle and on the Mackenzie River. Built between 1955 and 1961 during the exploration for oil and gas, it replaced Aklavik, which was prone to flooding.

Today, Inuvik is the trading, administrative, and supply center for the western Arctic. It has an airfield, several schools, and a hospital. From here, the many supply planes set off for the exploration bases in the far north to destinations such as the Mackenzie delta and Beaufort Sea. Sightseeing flights over the Arctic also take off from here.

Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church, with its distinctive igloo shape, has become a landmark building of Inuvik. It contains a tabernacle (also igloo-shaped) and a remarkable "Way of the Cross" by Inuit artist Mona Thrasher. Aklavik , Inuit for "home of the polar bears" is west of Inuvik. The Hudson's Bay Company founded it in 1912 in the middle of the Mackenzie delta, an area prone to flooding. It is only accessible by a winter ice road.

Tuktut Nogait National Park, to the east of Inuvik was established in 1996, boasting some truly overwhelming arctic rock scenery with spectacular canyons and cliffs. Finds made at literally dozens of archaeological sites within the conservation area show that this now-inhospitable region was inhabited thousands of years ago. Access to the park is by air only, but well worth it if you can make it happen.

The Northwest Passage provides waterway access from the Atlantic Ocean through the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean. The search for the Northwest Passage began in the 16th century by Dutch and English navigators who hoped to find a favorable sea route for trade with the Far East and thus circumvent the Portuguese monopoly on trade round the Horn of Africa.

Martin Frobisher made the first attempt in 1576. He assumed that since saltwater never froze, this could not be the legendary sea of ice but just a frozen lake. In 1585-87 John Davis penetrated through the strait (later to bear his name) as far as Baffin Bay. Henry Hudson was looking for the Northwest Passage when he discovered Hudson Bay in 1609/1610. In 1616, William Baffin got as far as Lancaster Sound, but since he concluded that the Northwest Passage simply did not exist, there was no more exploration for another 200 years.

It was 1818 before John Ross resumed the search at the head of an English expedition, although the motive this time was scientific rather than commercial. In 1829, he discovered the magnetic north pole on the Boothia-Felix Peninsula.

The doomed expedition of John Franklin followed in 1845. After last being seen in July of that year in the Lancaster Sound, the members of the expedition were finally found dead on King Williams Island. They had succeeded in exploring much of the Arctic coast of North America.

McClure was the first, in 1850 to 1853, to be able to trace the passage on foot, coming over the iced up straits from the west. But the first person to finally manage to navigate the Northwest Passage from east to west was actually Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian polar explorer in 1900-03.

The eighth largest lake in the world, Great Bear Lake is 240 kilometers long and 400 kilometers across. It is covered with ice for eight months of the year, often as late as July. Its Great Bear River flows into the Mackenzie River. The shores of Great Bear Lake are rich in wildlife, with martens being particularly numerous. Grizzly bears roam the shores in summer, and the pinewoods are the haunt of elk in winter.

Great Bear Lake has achieved more angling records than any other lake in North America. It is especially famous for its trout, and some of the world's biggest (weighing up to 65 pounds) have been caught here, as well as top-weight grayling and whitefish. Arctic char can be found in the nearby Tree River. For a fishing tour of Great Bear Lake, hire a guide in Fort Franklin, now known as Deline.

With a length of 4,250 kilometers, the Mackenzie River is the second longest river in North America, and its catchment area covers a fifth of Canada. The river was already an important artery for the canoes of the fur trade in the 18th century, and is navigable today in summer by steamers as far upriver as Fort Smith .

The Mackenzie Highway was built shortly after the Second World War and is an all-weather road covering the 600 kilometers from Peace River in Alberta to Great Slave Lake and the territorial capital Yellowknife .

Fort Simpson is situated where the Liard runs into the Mackenzie River, west of Great Slave Lake. It is the oldest settlement on the Mackenzie River, founded by the North West Company in 1804 for the trans-shipment of skins and furs at this strategic junction. In the 19th century, trade came from the few trappers and fishermen who lived here from time to time, but in the first half of the 20th century the forests in the Mackenzie Valley attracted the attention of the paper industry.

This was followed by the discovery of oil at Norman Wells in the 1920s, pitchblende at Port Radium, and gold at Yellowknife in the 1930s, with mining becoming a thriving industry after the Second World War. It is possible to catch planes from Fort Simpson to Nahanni National Park Reserve .

The vegetation of this delta landscape is mostly low bushes and shrubs, juniper, lichens, and mosses, with magnificent displays of color from flowers and mosses during the brief but intensive summer (from June to late July this is the land of the midnight sun). To complete the picture, this very special environment also has a great variety of wildlife on water as well as on land.

Situated directly off the northern coast of mainland Canada, Victoria Island is the third largest island in the Canadian Archipelago. It lies well north of the Arctic Circle, where Ice-Age glaciers flattened everything into a rather monotonous terrain of moraines, drumlins, and glacial lakes. The creation of the new Territory of Nunavut in 1999 divided the island administratively into two.

Canada's central Arctic region is administered and supplied from Iqaluktuutiak (Cambridge Bay) on the island's southeast coast. Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) "discovered" Victoria Island in 1826, and European seafarers searching for the Northwest Passage, missionaries, and fur traders were among the earliest to call in at this remote spot. Until the 1950s, the Copper Inuit used the area mainly as a summer camp; "Iqaluktuutiak," as it was called in Inuktitut, meaning "good place to fish."

Iqaluktuutiak's main modern features are its stone-built Catholic church and modern wind-generation plant. The second place of any significance on Victoria Island is Ulukhaktok (formerly Holman) on the west coast. Located at the tip of the Diamond Jenness Peninsula , this small community is already quite well prepared for the burgeoning numbers of tourists attracted to the North. There is even a golf course with views of the Beaufort Sea.

Banks Island possesses rich tundra vegetation and is home to many animals, especially the more than 65,000 musk-oxen (Ovibus moschatus), the largest population anywhere in the world. The southwestern part of Banks Island, equal to about one-third of the whole land mass, is a bird sanctuary.

Although it had been used for hunting for perhaps 3,500 years, it was not until 1929 that Banks Island had a permanent settlement, when three Inuit families put down roots in Ikaahuk (Sachs Harbor) on the northwestern tip of the island. Its "European" name derives from the Canadian Arctic expedition of 1913-15 led by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, whose ship was called Mary Sachs .

Situated in the north of Banks Island, Aulavik National Park is home to numerous musk-oxen. During the summer months, it is also home to a large proportion of Canada's snow geese. A completely intact tundra flora is still to be found here. This extremely remote park attracts adventurers looking to hike, backpack, or paddle the Thomsen River.

There are no services in Aulavik National Park, so visitors are expected to be experienced in the outdoors and self-sufficient. Visitors get to the park by chartering aircraft, usually from Inuvik.

The Church of Our Lady of Good Hope in Fort Hope is a national historic site that was built in the mid 1880s. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings of this type with much of the spectacular interior decoration designed and carried out by Father Émile Petitot. The mission church was built in the Gothic Revival Style.

Around the left side of the church is a historical graveyard with interesting headstones, some dating from the turn of the century.

The Norman Wells Historical Centre is within twenty minutes drive of McKinnon Territorial Park. The center offers detailed information about the history of the area and the current condition of the CANOL Trail , including shipping and transportation on the Mackenzie River. Artifacts and photographs depict Dene history. Two highlights include a replica log cabin decorated in traditional Dene style and a salvaged WWII Quonset hut, which is now used for movie screenings.

The historical center also has extensive displays related to the industries of the region, including mining, oilfields, and aviation among others.

Official site: http://www.normanwellsmuseum.com/

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Exploring Canada's North : Canada's north is a vast region and encompasses many excellent things to do. Topping our list is visiting Nunavut , a vast region encompassing 1.9 million square kilometers (a fifth of the country) and home to vast stretches of treeless tundra and dramatic fiords. Begin your adventures in the gold rush city of Whitehorse , a great base from which to experience attractions such as the sternwheeler, the SS Klondike , and magnificent Miles Canyon. Farther to the east is Hudson Bay , an area famed for its stunning scenery and wildlife, including polar bears.

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The Best Things To Do In Northwest Territories

October 20, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

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Updated: January 18, 2021

With more than one million square kilometres of land area and a population of less than 50,000, the Northwest Territories are about as wild as it gets. It’s certainly not an easy area to visit (many places are fly-in, many roads are gravel, and distances are vast) but for those who make the effort, there are some incredible places to see and things to do in Northwest Territories.

Whether you’re looking to drive Canada’s only highway to the arctic ocean, fly over the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, sleep at a secluded fishing lodge, admire the Northern Lights, or visit some charming northern towns like Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk , the Northwest Territories is an adventurer’s paradise.

We also learned many new things, including:

• Nahanni National Park (and L’Anse aux Meadows) was the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The new highway to Tuktoyaktuk is the first Canadian highway to reach the Arctic Ocean.
• Virginia Falls in Nahanni National Park is almost twice the height of Niagara Falls .
• NWT is home to two of the largest freshwater lakes (Great Slave Lake and Great Bear) and river systems (Mackenzie River) in North America.
• North of the Arctic Circle, the “Midnight Sun” arrives in May and doesn’t depart until the end of July. Cool, eh!?

Table of Contents

Getting to the Northwest Territories

Although the Northwest Territories is part of Canada’s far north, there are a number of highways linking it up with the Yukon , British Columbia , and Alberta . The main options for getting there would be to drive or to fly.

However, due to the immense wilderness and isolation of the territory, some parts are divided. For example, if you’d like to drive from Yellowknife to Tuktoyaktuk, you’d have to drive through Northern BC and the Yukon, taking approximately 48 hours of drive time to get there!

Getting to the Northwest Territories by Car

If you’d like to take a road trip or get into some real adventure in the NWT, you’ll need your own car. In fact, you’d be better off with an SUV or a truck. The highway you take to the Northwest Territories will depend on where you’re coming from or where you want to go. For example, the distance between Edmonton and Yellowknife is 1,452 kilometres.

It’s a pretty straightforward drive, as you’d take highway 88 and 35 north for about 16 hours. You’ll pass numerous towns on the way, but when it comes to the NWT, you’ll want to be a little more cautious about drive times, as gas stations are more spread out than they are in Canada’s south.

If you’d like to drive to Canada’s arctic ocean, you’ll have to go through the Yukon, taking the Dempster Highway from Dawson City up to Inuvik. From there, you’d then drive another two hours north to Tukotyaktuk. If you’re hoping to explore both regions, expect to be in the vehicle for long periods of time.

Getting to the Northwest Territories by Plane

For maximum efficiency, you’ll want to take flights to the Northwest Territories. Car rentals are possible, so you could always rent a car and explore it from your home base. Most people visit Yellowknife, the territory’s capital city, or Inuvik, which is much farther north and only hours from Tuktoyaktuk and the arctic ocean.

However, since the area is home to many isolated communities and mines, there are a vast number of tiny airports in the Northwest Territories. Flights are limited, so you really want to know where you’re going. For example, if your objective is to simply explore Nahanni National Park Reserve, you’d want to fly into Fort Simpson and take a sightseeing tour from there.

Popular airports include:

• Yellowknife Airport (YZF)
• Inuvik Mike Zubko (YEV)
• Hay River Merlyn Carter Airport (YHY)
• Fort Simpson Airport (YFS)

Best Time to Visit the Northwest Territories

Unless you’re planning to do something specific in the wintertime like drive the ice road or admire the Aurora Borealis, the best time to visit the Northwest Territories would be in the summer, late spring, or early fall.

Considering its location in Canada, the Northwest Territories is home to some extreme weather and very cold winters. For road trips, you would really want to travel in the summer months when highways are in their best condition. Also, popular activities like watersports, fishing, hunting, and camping, are all done in the warmer months.

However, like most of Canada, the NWT is home to some awesome winter activities as well, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, northern lights viewing, and more. Therefore, your time of visit should depend on what you’re hoping to accomplish.

If you do visit during the winter months, make sure you check out our article about what to wear during the winter in Canada .

Road to 150 – Northwest Territories Episode

Back in 2017, we produced a travel series called the Road to 150 . Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, we drove across the country for 150 days, visiting each and every province and territory to experience the best things to do.

The Northwest Territories was our 9th stop during the trip, arriving via Alberta and spending approximately two weeks exploring places like Yellowknife, Nahanni National Park, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk. It’s the only territory that had its time divided because we had to drive through the Yukon to get to the upper half of it.

During our time there, we visited many beautiful waterfalls, took a floatplane to a secluded lodge nestled between two lakes, learned about the First Nations Peoples at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, took a spectacular trip over Nahanni National Park Reserve, and drove all the way up to  Tuktoyaktuk where we jumped into the Arctic Ocean.

We also toured Inuvik, took a boat tour through the narrow channels of the Mackenzie Delta, and saw heaps of wildlife, including beavers, bears and bison. We packed a lot of adventures into our short visit and can’t wait to return one day and explore the territory further.

Best Places to Visit in Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories are far more spread out than other provinces in Canada and so unless you’re planning on doing an extensive road trip, you’ll need to better plan what you want to do and where you’re going. To help you decide, we’ll list out some of the best things to do in the Northwest Territories below, divided into the most popular regions.

Yellowknife Attractions

Perhaps the most popular destination is the capital city of Yellowknife. Here you’ll find a variety of accommodation, shops, and amenities, as well as floatplanes ready to take you where you need to go. There’s a lot of cool modern architecture to check out and amazing views from Bush Pilot’s Monument. Yellowknife is also the perfect base for a night tour to experience the Aurora Borealis .

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Thanks to its exhibits and artifacts dedicated to the cultures and history of the NWT, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has become the top attraction in Yellowknife. The museum displays and preserves important documents, photos, sound recordings, artifacts, and other materials related to the history of this vast northern region.

You’ll learn about the minerals that are mined all around the territory as well as explore the culture of the Dene First Nations people and the pervasive influence of the fur trade. If you’re interested in learning about the place you’re exploring, make this a priority when visiting Yellowknife.

Cameron Falls Trail

Flightseeing Tours

Yellowknife and the surrounding area are one of those places that are best seen from above. Luckily, there are a number of operators offering flightseeing tours in floatplanes, and this makes for an excellent way to see the beauty of the area and get some incredible photos.

However, there’s another reason floatplanes are so popular in this area. Aside from flightseeing tours, they also take people to remote lodges for isolated fishing and hunting opportunities.

Old Town Yellowknife

Yellowknife is somewhat divided into a new town and an old town. As you may have guessed, the old town is where all the history is. With the discovery of gold in 1934 and Yellowknife’s first gold rush the following year, eager miners built their camps on the shores of Great Slave Lake.

These days, you’ll find some of those old heritage buildings in Old Town Yellowknife, as well as the popular Ragged Ass Road where you’ll find a good view of the city from “the Rock”, which is also known as Bush Pilot’s Monument.

Yellow Dog Lodge

Words can barely describe how awesome our stay was at Yellow Dog Lodge . It’s a beautiful Northwest Territories hotel, nestled between two secluded lakes, just a 15-minute flight from Yellowknife. When we were there, it was just us and the incredible staff.

They brought us around both lakes by boat, helped us catch lake trout and northern pike, made campfires for us on secluded islands, prepared a hot tub heated by wood fire, and cooked us delicious meals three times per day. As if that’s not perfect enough, there’s also a floating raft that you can spend a night on.

They parked it in a secluded bay and we were surrounded by complete silence. The only thing we could hear was our echo bouncing off the thick forest all around us. We made a wood fire on the barge and woke up to an eagle flying overhead. Simply incredible.

Alternatively, you could take a special week-long kayak trip , to see the sites and experience the Yellowstone area to the fullest.

Where to Eat?

Bullocks’ Bistro: If a restaurant can also be an attraction, this is it. We came in expecting fish n’ chips and left with a full tummy of grilled Arctic Char, fried halibut, curry seafood chowder, and caribou! It was incredibly delicious and the place has so much character. This is the most famous restaurant in Yellowknife and a must-visit when you’re here. Look for our Must Do Canada business card on the wall.

Things To Do In Hay River

Hay River, NWT is not a typical town for most tourists visiting the NWT but it’s just a 30-minute drive from Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park, which is home to two of the best waterfalls in the Northwest Territories. It’s also a great place to rest if you’re on the way to Yellowknife or Fort Simpson and is the first town you’ll see if you’re entering from Alberta.

Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park

Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park is home to both Alexandra Falls and Louise Falls, two of the most popular and spectacular waterfalls in the Northwest Territories. Both are incredible to see and you can get super close to Alexandra Falls if you’re looking for that classic adventure photograph.

Camping is also permitted in the park and you’ll also find the 8-kilometre Twin Falls Gorge Trail that follows the canyon rim through the forest for more stunning views. You can hike the trail yourself, or sign up for an interpretive walk with a local Dene storyteller and tour guide.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Did you know that Hay River is home to the largest shipping centre in the north? That’s right. The town resembles a seaport in many ways as it’s home to tugs, barges and commercial fishing operations. However, if you’re in Hay River on a Saturday, another popular thing to do is visit Fisherman’s Wharf for their outdoor market. This is a great chance to buy some fresh-caught fish, produce, baked goods, and local arts and crafts.

Visit the Beach

Spending time on a beach is probably the last thing you imagined while visiting Canada’s Northwest Territories but Hay River actually has the best beach in the north with miles of sand dunes stretching out along massive Great Slave Lake. On a hot summer day, it’s a great place to spend the day and is also a good spot for camping.

Where to Stay?

Ptarmigan Inn: This is the best place to stay in the town. It’s clean, comfortable, and has a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, pub, bank, a real full-size fitness centre, and a place to get a haircut. They also have a really massive and delicious breakfast that we truly looked forward to each and every morning. Highly recommended!

Things To Do Around Fort Simpson

Known as the base for exploring Nahanni National Park, that’s what most tourists come here for. However, there’s more than just the park, so we’ll give you some ideas of what to do below.

Nahanni National Park

This renowned park absolutely blew us away. In fact, the beauty and vastness of the park is hard to describe in words. Some describe Nahanni National Park as a combination of Jasper National Park , Banff National Park, the Columbia Icefields, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls all in one.

Sounds pretty incredible, eh? It’s not quite as large as the huge Wood Buffalo National Park, but it remains absolutely mind-blowing. If you’d like to visit, the best way to do so is with Simpson Air, which we’ll talk about below.

Simpson Air

There are basically two ways to see the park and Nahanni River. You can take a multi-week, very expensive canoe trip or you can take a 5-hour+ scenic flight tour with Simpson Air . We were so blown away by the beauty we witnessed from the air, and the owner, Ted, was a great person to guide us around.

After all, he’s been doing this for over 30 years! He’s full of stories and he’s incredibly passionate about what he does. This is an outstanding park and quite possibly the most diverse park in Canada. Add this to your Canadian bucket list for sure!

Fort Simpson Territorial Park

Located in the community of Fort Simpson at the confluence of the Mackenzie river and Liard river, this park is within walking distance to town and its amenities. It’s a popular spot for bird-watching and listening to the sounds of northern frogs.

Many different species of birds have been found here and it’s also popular with migratory waterfowl such as tundra swans and snow geese. It also links up with some of the historical sites in the area, is home to a golf course and is a good spot for camping.

MacPherson House

Built back in 1936, this one-and-a-half storey squared-log dwelling is an excellent example of Metis architecture and is located at the southern edge of the original Hudson’s Bay Company compound and is an icon of the fur-trade heritage of the community.

Ehdaa Historical Site

This National Historic Site of Canada, which is located at the southwestern end of Fort Simpson Island, is a traditional Dene meeting place. Here they would allocate land use, arrange marriages, resolve disputes, hold puberty rites, undertake ceremonies of healing and thanksgiving, and trade goods and knowledge. The site remains important to the local Liidlii Kue Dene and contains facilities built for the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II.

Janor Guest House: This lovely guesthouse might be one of the best we’ve stayed in. The rooms were very comfortable, the place was super clean, and everything was so well organized.

Basically, you make your own breakfast but everything is provided. They provided eggs, bread, cereal, yogurt, coffee, and more. The owners are friendly and the WiFi is good.

Alternatively, the Bannockland Inn is another great option.

Inuvik Northwest Territories Tourist Attractions

Located at the end of the Dempster Highway, Inuvik is a regional hub for the Arctic region of NWT. Here you’ll find a vibrant mix of Inuvialuit, Gwich’in and non-Native residents, all gathered in a town near the beautiful Mackenzie mountains.

Western Arctic Visitor Centre

Our short tour here provided us with so much history and knowledge about the area. The staff were so friendly and proud to share their culture with us. There’s a variety of exhibits about art, flora and fauna, neighbouring communities and wildlife. You can also pick up your official Arctic Circle Adventurer Certificate here, making it a great place to stop before exploring further.

Igloo Church

Quite possibly one of the North’s most photographed structures, the Our Lady of Victory Church is a bleach-white cylinder capped by a silvery dome, imitating the Inuvialuit snow-houses of old. It’s quite small but when inside, you’ll find paintings by local artist Mona Thrasher. This is one of the most popular attractions in Inuvik. I mean, where else can you find an igloo church!

Community Greenhouse

One thing we didn’t expect to see in Inuvik was a greenhouse, especially the largest of its kind in the world with over 16,000 square feet of space in an old hockey arena. Scheduled tours are available from June-September and we loved learning about how and why it got started and how it’s helping the community. It made us want to start our own greenhouse one day.

Midnight Sun Mosque

Explore the Mackenzie Delta

Considering Inuvik’s location alongside the magnificent Mackenzie Delta, there’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the area than a boat tour (or flight-seeing tour) around these narrow waterways.

We took a tour with Tundra North Tours, taking us out on his boat for some fishing. Along the way, we saw beavers making a dam and a flock of arctic swans frolicking in a nearby lake. It’s one of the most beautiful drone shots we got for our Road to 150 videos (see near the top of this article). During our boat ride back to town, we had a big bald eagle show up and lead the way. Beautiful.

Want more? Check out our full guide to things to do in Inuvik !

Alistine’s Restaurant: If you only visit one restaurant in Inuvik, make it this one. It’s such a fun-looking restaurant with the kitchen inside an old school bus. There’s also a rooftop patio for sunny days. We actually came here twice as we couldn’t get enough of the delicious fish tacos!

MacKenzie Delta Hotel: This was one of the best hotels we stayed at during our trip and a breath of fresh air after a long drive on the Dempster Highway. We had huge spacious rooms, great WiFi, and even a sink, fridge, and microwave. The hotel is beautiful and there’s also a popular restaurant and pub on-site. It’s also located in the heart of town, right across from the Igloo Church.

Tuktoyaktuk Northwest Territories Activities

Located right on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, Tuktoyaktuk is almost as far North as it gets. Once accessible only by plane, boat, and ice road, the new Mackenzie Valley Highway now offers Canada’s only road to the Arctic!

We were granted special permission to drive the new highway before it was open but due to weather, we had to drive up and down on the same day, giving us only 3-4 hours in the small hamlet. Luckily, we took a tour with a local elder, which gave us some good insight into the culture and of course, we jumped in the Arctic Ocean! As of late 2017, the road is now open to the public, making it one of Canada’s great adventures and a fantastic Northwest Territories road trip.

Admire the Pingo Canadian Landmark

In terms of natural attractions, our favourite thing about Tuktoyaktuk was the Pingos! Approximately 1350 pingos (ice-cored hills) dot the coastline around Tuktoyaktuk, with the largest one standing a whopping 16-stories high!

The Pingo Canadian Landmark is a natural area protecting eight of these pingos, all of which are remarkable to see. For many centuries, pingos were used as navigation points for the Inuvialuit people. What’s a pingo you ask? Good question. Pingos originate in drained lakes where the groundwater seeps below the frozen surface, forcing it upwards. Some are growing at a rate of two centimetres per year!

There’s one pingo in town you can hike up for views of Tuk, but there are also tours available from the community, including the chance to see the interior of a pingo, which has been hollowed out into storage lockers for frozen game through the summer.

Jump in the Arctic Ocean!

You can’t come all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and not take an arctic dip! Before you do, however, please note that this area is home to polar bears and it might be wise to ask some locals first, just to make sure there are none in the area.

We did the dip twice. First, we found a place where the water is about 4 feet deep just offshore, allowing us to do a quick dip right away. Another time, we found a beach that starts at just a couple of inches of depth. This is more for people looking to dip their toes, although you could continue walking out until it gets deeper.

The Tuktoyaktuk Sign

It’s not often we recommend getting a photo with the town’s welcome sign, but Tuktoyaktuk is just too unique of a place not to do so. It makes for a great photo opportunity to share with your friends.

Joanne’s Taxi and Tours

Not only does Joanne run a taxi business but they also offer local tours around the hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. It’s a great way to learn about the area, try some local food, climb a pingo, and step into the Arctic Ocean. They were so friendly and we can’t wait to return and learn more from them.

Want more? Check out our full guide to things to do in Tuktoyaktuk !

Exploring the Fun Things to do in Northwest Territories

We were so excited to explore this off-the-beaten-path territory and it did not disappoint! We got to fly to a beautiful lodge on a secluded lake, stand next to amazing waterfalls, drive to the Western Canadian Arctic, and fly over one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. There’s just so much WILDerness to see in the NWT and we can’t wait to return one day and explore further.

For more things to do in the area, check out the following articles…

• Things to Do in the Yukon
• Sailing with Adventure Canada to Nunavut
• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Things to Do in Alberta

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

May 11, 2021 at 7:13 am

My wife and I would love to visit these places in the future. Reading your article makes us want to go sooner.😀

May 12, 2021 at 8:05 am

My cousin lives in Yellowknife so have been able to visit her a couple of times. Experienced daylight at 3am (June) and the beautiful amazing northern lights (September).

May 12, 2021 at 9:48 am

haha isn’t it crazy

May 12, 2021 at 2:16 pm

May 12, 2021 at 8:23 pm

My daughter lives there so each time I go we find a new adventure.

June 10, 2021 at 7:29 am

On my bucket list and thank you for the ideas.

December 8, 2021 at 10:20 pm

Visit Inuvik in January and take in the Return of the Sun festivities.

Best northern lights views too on the Inuvik to Tuk Highway and on the ice road to Aklavik.

December 9, 2021 at 7:57 am

wow, that sounds amazing!

March 12, 2022 at 5:18 am

May 27, 2022 at 8:11 pm

Watch out for bison on the highway if you’re driving from Alberta to Yellowknife. Especially at night.

May 28, 2022 at 1:27 pm

Will be using this info (and other articles) next summer when we do a Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Anchorage driving trip from Edmonton and back.

June 8, 2022 at 10:00 am

Was born and raised in the NWT but still so much of the Territory I haven’t seen yet. Thanks for sharing

September 3, 2022 at 10:10 pm

NWT is on my bucketlist

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Must-see attractions in Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park Reserve

Northwest Territories

A place of unparalleled natural beauty in the southwestern NWT near the Yukon border, this 30,000-sq-km, Unesco World Heritage national park is bisected…

Virginia Falls

Yes, there is a higher set of falls in British Columbia, but for the sheer gushing power of two mighty torrents of water, falling from a height of 96m …

Wood Buffalo National Park

Established in 1922 to protect a large, dark and distinctly Northern subspecies of bison, and straddling the Alberta–NWT border, is Wood Buffalo National…

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Yellowknife

Acting as NWT's historical and cultural archive, this well-laid-out museum overlooks Frame Lake. Expertly assembled displays address natural history,…

Aulavik National Park

This seldom-visited park has the world's largest concentration of musk ox, as well as tundra and archaeological sites. This is true Arctic wilderness,…

Pingo Canadian Landmark

The Tuk Peninsula has the world's highest concentration of pingos. Some 1350 of these huge mounds of earth-covered ice, that form only in a permafrost…

Great Slave Lake

Yellowknife sits on the shores of Great Slave Lake – the 10th largest lake in the world and the deepest in North America. It takes its name from the…

Pelican Rapids

Twelve kilometers south of Fort Smith, an old road leads east towards the river, with a footpath dipping down to a creek and ascending a bluff overlooking…

Rapids of the Drowned

Named after a fatal 19th-century boat accident, these turbulent rapids are the northernmost pelican nesting site in the world. Walk 10 minutes from the…

Hidden Lake Territorial Park

At Hidden Lake Territorial Park you'll find the attractive Cameron Falls, reachable via a 15-minute walk through forest and over rocks.

Tuktut Nogait National Park

This wilderness is a major calving ground for bluenose caribou. It's an excellent place to observe birds of prey and has spectacular pingos, beautiful…

Glacier Lake

Flanked by the Britnell Glacier in the northwest reaches of the park, this spectacular lake is surrounded by the granite mountains of the Ragged Range and…

Ivvavik National Park

Spanning a chunk of northern Yukon, part of the Northwest Territories and bordering Alaska, the tundra and craggy British Mountains of 94,500-sq-km…

On the west side of the Mackenzie Delta, Aklavik ('Barrenground Grizzly Place') was the region's administrative center before Inuvik took over. This Gwich…

Legislative Assembly

In the impressive, igloo-shaped Legislative Assembly, you can learn about the territory's aboriginal-style government by joining their free hour-long tour…

Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park

Around 88km east of the turnoff for Fort Simpson and 138km west of the turnoff towards Yellowknife, this protected area is centered on the spectacular…

Many living people are older than Yellowknife but, despite the fact the Old Town only dates from the mid-1930s, its ramshackle streets wedged between Back…

Toward the northern end of Tuk are examples of the traditional Inuvialuit igluryuaq (sod houses), made from driftwood and covered with sod. With a tunnel…

Sitting on the shores of the Arctic Ocean on the western half of Victoria Island, Ulukhaktok (formerly Holman) is a small Inuvialuit community famous for…

Yellowknife Cultural Crossroads

On a huge boulder by the road there's a striking work of art: a soaring eagle, a whirl of colorful handprints and the skeletal outline of a tipi. In front…

Northern Life Museum

This museum has intriguing displays on local history, from the first Dene arrivals 10,000 years ago to the founding of the 19th-century fur-trapping post…

Salt Plains Lookout

Some 25km west of Fort Smith, along the road to Hay River, an unsealed 11km access road branches off toward a viewpoint overlooking the great salt…

Our Lady of Victory Church

The town landmark is the wooden Our Lady of Victory Church, also called the Igloo Church, designed to reflect the local Inuvialuit culture. It has a…

NWT Diamond Centre

A great place to buy your diamond bling, this gallery also provides a good overview of diamond mining in Canada's frigid north. The accompanying video…

Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park

South of Enterprise, the Mackenzie Hwy parallels impressive Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. The eponymous pair of falls are linked by a lovely 2km…

Cassette Rapids

The Slave River's southernmost rapids are in Fort Fitzgerald, part of Smith's Landing First Nation, 24km south of Fort Smith. Follow the road to the river…

Mountain Rapids

Eight kilometers south of Fort Smith, towards Fort Fitzgerald, these rapids are accessible via a 2.5km dirt road just past the golf course. There are…

The Icehouse is the community freezer. The entrance looks like an outhouse, but inside you descend into a tunnel system excavated 10m into the permafrost…

Our Lady of Lourdes

Beautifully restored and sitting off the main street by the Catholic mission, this schooner delivered supplies to far-flung Catholic missions in the…

At Reid Lake, 61km from Yellowknife, you can swim, canoe or fish. The campground has a beach, boat ramp and walking trail, plus campsites on the ridge…

Blackstone Territorial Park

Halfway between Checkpoint and Fort Liard, and well-situated on the Liard River, Blackstone Territorial Park is rich in wildlife, framed by mountains and…

Prelude Lake

There are two short nature trails at Prelude Lake, as well as a large and busy, full-service campground, boat rentals and activities for children.

Norman Wells Historical Centre

A labor of love, this small museum showcases regional history, geology, arts and crafts, and has information on the rivers and the Canol Heritage Trail…

Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park

Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park is 7km down the access road to tiny Kakisa from Hwy 1. There's a short path to the splendid 17m falls. There's a…

Fred Henne Territorial Park

Located opposite the airport off Hwy 3, Fred Henne Territorial Park is popular with campers, and in summer there's chilly swimming at Long Lake Beach.

Tibbitt Lake

In summer, the Ingraham Trail ends here, where locals come to fish. In winter, this is the beginning of the 570km ice road to the diamond mines.

OSC Gallery

This gallery, located in the town's library building, displays contemporary and traditional Dehcho art, some of it for sale.

Cameron River Ramparts

These small, pretty falls are reachable via a 400m stroll through the forest from the parking lot.

Bush Pilot's Monument

Perched atop 'The Rock,' a large outcrop in the middle of the Old Town, this simple needle pays homage to the gutsy bush pilots who opened up the NWT a…

Ragged Ass Rd

Named by prospectors who had gone stone-broke (ragged ass), this road was immortalized in a song and album by Tom Cochrane, himself the son of a bush…

More destinations you need to see

The top 10 attractions in the Northwest Territories

Things to do

Delve into the wild and out of your comfort zone in the Northwest Territories. 

Northern Lights

If the mystical dancing, shimmering aurora borealis External Link Title (Northern Lights) are high on your bucket-list, you're not alone. The Northwest Territories provide some of the best aurora vantage points of this natural phenomenon in the world. During autumn and winter when the sky is clear, wrap up, sit back, look up, and enjoy one of the greatest shows on earth. Rent out a lodge, cabin or teepee in the wilderness and you can enjoy the lights in style, or simply gaze out your hotel window. Witnessing the Northern Lights is one of those poignant life experiences that money just can't buy.

Great Slave Lake

Great Slave Lake, bordering the provincial capital Yellowknife, is the deepest lake in North America at 613 metres, and the tenth biggest lake in the world. Appreciate this enormous natural phenomenon on high in a floatplane, rent a kayak and paddle the shoreline, or opt for a larger boat and go fishing for lake trout and pike. Don't forget, there's ice on Great Slave Lake for eight months of the year, and during much of that time you can cross the water via snowmobile. Pick a spot, park out, and look up for the greatest light show on Earth.

Nahanni National Park Reserve

The remote northern wilderness of  Nahanni National Park Reserve External Link Title  is a paddler's dream. The rushing whitewater Nahanni River flows through the reserve, passing through four large canyons which can reach close to 1220 metres in depth. At one point, the river plunges 90 metres off a cliff forming the Virginia Falls, twice the height of their Niagara counterpart. Sulphur hot springs, mountain ranges, tundra, and forests can all be found within the boundaries of Nahanni. The reserve is remote, but visitors can camp throughout the summer months. Join a guide and ride the rapids for incomparable views and a serious adrenaline rush. Hiking and mountain climbing provides another perspective on the park. Look out for Dall's sheep, woodland caribou, wolves, and black bears. It's no wonder National Geographic named the park one of the best trips of 2014.

You might have seen the History Channel show "Ice Road Truckers"? The show was originally filmed on the ice roads of the Northwest Territories, home to the world's longest ice road. But why watch it from your lounge room when you can experience it firsthand? Drive these roads during the winter months, with the help of local tours. The ice roads, built on top of packed snow and a metre of ice, add 1400 kilometres to the territory's highways in the winter, connecting them to mines and more remote communities. The conditions can be dangerous, but a number of experienced tour operators will take visitors onto the ice roads for a drive they'll never forget.

Wood Buffalo National Park

Have you ever visited a national park that's bigger than Switzerland?  Wood Buffalo National Park External Link Title  is Canada's largest national park, at over 27,800 square kilometres. It's also home to the world's largest beaver dam, one of the world's largest herds of free roaming bison, and is the last remaining natural nesting area for the endangered whooping crane. Beyond the incomparable wildlife watching, the massive park is great for exploring on foot or via canoe. You could spend weeks camping in the park and barely scratch the surface. Make sure you stop by the curious Salt Plains, the dried remains of a 380 million-year-old seabed where salt-like minerals are pushed to the surface from below, resembling stalagmites above ground.

Canol Trail

Do you like to push yourself to the limit? Test your gumption out in the wild? The Canol Trail is your kind of attraction. A remnant of the Second World War, the trail was initially created as a road and pipeline route between Norman Wells in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. After being used for a year, it became too difficult to maintain, and rusting trucks, over-   ground stations, and other 'signs of man' still dot the route. The Canol Trail is no joke. It's 350 kilometres of unkempt paths, river beds, mountain tracks, and glacier-carved canyons, and is known as one of the most difficult trails in Canada. It takes the average hiker more than three weeks, in remote wilderness void of civilisation, to cover the entire Canol Trail, though most only do part of it. Some have tackled the trail a little faster on mountain bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, and dogsleds. For the rest of us, many tour companies offer aerial tours of this fascinating historical route.

Dempster Highway

The 720-kilometre  Dempster Highway External Link Title  was designed for the ultimate road trip. Roll from Dawson City, through the rugged mountain peaks of the Tombstone Range, across the Arctic Circle and into the Mackenzie River Delta, before parking in Inuvik. Along the way you can camp, fish, canoe, and generally enjoy the scenery of remote wilderness. The road, named for an RCMP inspector who would cross the route in a dogsled, is now most often driven in summer, where nearly 24 hours of sun can make for long, enjoyable driving days. Take on the top of the world from behind your steering wheel.

Great Northern Arts Festival

During 56 summer days, the Northwest Territories experience 24 hours of daylight. Rather than worry about how it might affect their sleep, locals jump at the opportunity to celebrate this unique setting. For more than a quarter of a century,  the Great Northern Arts Festival External Link Title  has showcased the works of 120 Northern painters, sculptors, musicians, and First Nations artists from across the country, under the Midnight Sun. Watch a Gwich'in woman create handmade Aboriginal dolls and see a polar bear gradually emerge from a soapstone in the hands of a native carver. Dance to Inuit hip-hop. Then dine surf-and-turf Arctic-style on char and caribou before kicking up your heels to Northern rock, throat singing, and traditional drumming in your brand new mukluk shoes.

Keele River

Paddlers from across the world regularly turn to the Keele River for their next adventure. The 345-kilometre river passes through alpine tundra, alpine plateaus, and the Mackenzie Mountains, offering incredible surroundings for the canoers and rafters who move along the waterway. The swift currents, swirling eddies, and fast-moving rapids make for challenging but exciting travel. Grab a floatplane, fly into the headwaters, stretch your shoulders, and grab a seat in the boat. For a more relaxed experience, the Keele also provides great fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The moose and beavers you might encounter have been hunted by the Dene Peoples along the Keele for 12,000 years. 

Acho Dene Native Crafts

The Deh Gah Gotie Dene (people who live by the river) have always inhabited the Northwest Territories. The history and culture of these First Peoples are carried on with the help of crafts, and it is from this tradition that Acho Dene Native Crafts External Link Title  was born. More than 40 cottage producers living in the community use ancestral techniques to make fur clothing, birch bark baskets, jewellery, moccasins, mukluks, and more. The store is a must-stop for those looking for a souvenir that tells an authentic story about the Northwest Territories.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Northwest Territories

Things to do in northwest territories, explore popular experiences, popular cities in northwest territories.

Ways to tour Northwest Territories

4- to 6-Hour Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife

4D3N Aurora Package Including 3-Nights stay Chateau or Explorer

Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

Yellowknife Tours - Aurora by bus

Yellowknife Aurora viewing at Aurora Lodge + Aurora Hunting

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour

Aurora Hunting Tours

The Best Aurora Tour

Top attractions in northwest territories.

Night Tours

Half-day Tours

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Multi-day Tours

Private and Luxury

What travellers are saying.

• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
• Cameron Falls Trail
• Bush Pilot's Monument
• The Legislative Assembly Building
• Frame Lake Trail
• Prelude Lake Territorial Park
• Cameron River Ramparts
• Pingo Canadian Landmark
• Yellowknife Tours
• Yellowknife Vacations
• My Backyard Tours - Day Tours
• Sean Norman
• Sundog Adventures

Top Things to Do in Northwest Territories

Things to do in northwest territories, explore popular experiences, popular cities in northwest territories.

Ways to tour Northwest Territories

4- to 6-Hour Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife

4D3N Aurora Package Including 3-Nights stay Chateau or Explorer

Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

Yellowknife Tours - Aurora by bus

Yellowknife Aurora viewing at Aurora Lodge + Aurora Hunting

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour

Aurora Hunting Tours

The Best Aurora Tour

Top attractions in northwest territories.

Night Tours

Half-day Tours

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Multi-day Tours

Private and Luxury

What travelers are saying.

• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
• Cameron Falls Trail
• Bush Pilot's Monument
• The Legislative Assembly Building
• Frame Lake Trail
• Prelude Lake Territorial Park
• Cameron River Ramparts
• Pingo Canadian Landmark
• Yellowknife Tours
• Yellowknife Vacations
• My Backyard Tours - Day Tours
• Sean Norman
• Sundog Adventures

Top Things to Do in Northwest Territories, Canada - Northwest Territories Must-See Attractions

Things to do in northwest territories, explore popular experiences, popular cities in northwest territories.

Ways to tour Northwest Territories

4- to 6-Hour Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife

4D3N Aurora Package Including 3-Nights stay Chateau or Explorer

Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

Yellowknife Tours - Aurora by bus

Yellowknife Aurora viewing at Aurora Lodge + Aurora Hunting

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour

Aurora Hunting Tours

The Best Aurora Tour

Top attractions in northwest territories.

Night Tours

Half-day Tours

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Multi-day Tours

Private and Luxury

What travellers are saying.

• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
• Cameron Falls Trail
• Bush Pilot's Monument
• The Legislative Assembly Building
• Frame Lake Trail
• Prelude Lake Territorial Park
• Cameron River Ramparts
• Pingo Canadian Landmark
• Yellowknife Tours
• Yellowknife Vacations
• My Backyard Tours - Day Tours
• Sean Norman
• Sundog Adventures

Top Things to Do in Northwest Territories, Canada - Northwest Territories Must-See Attractions

Things to do in northwest territories, explore popular experiences, popular cities in northwest territories.

Ways to tour Northwest Territories

4- to 6-Hour Northern Lights Tour from Yellowknife

4D3N Aurora Package Including 3-Nights stay Chateau or Explorer

Intimate Aurora Tours Cozy Cabin Bucket List

Yellowknife Tours - Aurora by bus

Yellowknife Aurora viewing at Aurora Lodge + Aurora Hunting

Northern Lights Tour Yellowknife

4-Day Guided Tour to Yellowknife Aurora Viewing

Yellowknife Sightseeing City Tour

Aurora Hunting Tours

The Best Aurora Tour

Top attractions in northwest territories.

Night Tours

Half-day Tours

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Multi-day Tours

Private and Luxury

What travellers are saying.

• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
• Cameron Falls Trail
• Bush Pilot's Monument
• The Legislative Assembly Building
• Frame Lake Trail
• Prelude Lake Territorial Park
• Cameron River Ramparts
• Pingo Canadian Landmark
• Yellowknife Tours
• Yellowknife Vacations
• My Backyard Tours - Day Tours
• Sean Norman
• Sundog Adventures

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Destinations , north america, 11 top tourist attractions in northwest territories, canada.

Covering an expansive area almost six times the size of the United Kingdom, the Northwest Territories encompass a vast region in Canada , situated north of the 60th parallel and extending toward the North Pole. This land is characterized by towering mountains, formidable rivers, and treeless tundra, creating a challenging yet unforgettable environment that leaves a lasting impression long after your visit. The territory spans from the high Mackenzie Mountains in the west to the tundra regions in the east, bordering the Nunavut Territory established in 1999.

In the brief summer, lasting only a few weeks, the region experiences a burst of frenetic growth as plants, animals, and humans seize the opportunity presented by the fleeting warm days. The continuous daylight, with the sun barely setting, facilitates the endeavor to make the most of this short-lived season, earning the region the nickname “land of the midnight sun.” Conversely, the winter brings extended periods of darkness during the “polar night,” with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees Celsius for days and sometimes weeks across the territories.

To enhance your experience in this captivating part of Canada, consult our guide to the top tourist attractions in the Northwest Territories.

1. Nahanni National Park Reserve

The remote Nahanni National Park Reserve stands out as one of northern Canada’s treasures and ranks among the premier destinations in the Northwest Territories for outdoor enthusiasts. Within this park, the tumultuous Nahanni River meanders through the breathtaking canyon scenery of the Mackenzie Mountains, presenting a challenge for experienced canoeists and rafters. Adding to the allure, the South Nahanni River cascades over the 90-meter precipice of the stunning Virginia Falls, forming one of the most remarkable waterfalls in Canada.

Among the park’s sightseeing attractions is the Rabbitkettle Hot Springs, which nurtures a diverse landscape of rare plants. While the idea of taking a dip in the hot springs may be tempting, the delicate nature of this beautiful natural feature mandates that tourists can only visit as part of a guided tour.

2. Yellowknife

Yellowknife, the vibrant capital of the Northwest Territories, flourished amidst the excitement of a gold rush in the 1930s. As you explore Old Town, you’ll notice a vibrant blend of wooden heritage buildings, arts and cultural institutions such as the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, and a lively community thriving on the energy of the mining industry. The miners’ tents that once stood here have been replaced, creating a unique travel experience.

One of the popular activities to enjoy while traveling is taking boat tours and experiencing the thrill of house boating on the magnificent Great Slave Lake. While exploring the beautiful Hidden Lake Territorial Park, don’t miss the breathtaking falls that will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting galleries that showcase the works of talented artists. And make sure to pay a visit to the iconic Bush Pilots Monument, a must-see attraction.

If you happen to visit this destination during the winter season, you will have the incredible opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Aurora Borealis, which is unparalleled in this area. The Snow King Festival and its magnificent snow castle are a must-see for travelers. Don’t hesitate to embark on an exciting adventure, as the city comes alive in March.

3. Hay River

Located on the southern bank of Great Slave Lake, Hay River stands as the southernmost port within the Mackenzie River System. This port serves as a crucial transfer point for freight, primarily consisting of building materials and fuel destined for settlements along the Mackenzie River and in the Arctic, which is loaded onto barges. Throughout the four- to five-month summer season, the port bustles with activity, hosting barges, fishing boats, and coast guard launches.

With a history deeply rooted in the First Nations community, Hay River gained prominence as the inaugural Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in 1868. The quaint wooden houses of the old town are situated at the mouth of the Hay River, serving as residences for the local fishermen who often return with abundant catches from Great Slave Lake or the Hay and Mackenzie Rivers.

In the more contemporary part of town, Diamond Jenness School stands as an exceptional example of northern architecture. Named after an anthropologist who, around 1910, pioneered the study of northern native culture, the school’s distinctive purple hue makes it a landmark in Hay River. To the southwest of town, Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park showcases the Hay River Canyon and the Alexandra and Louise Falls, offering trails and a viewing area.

4. Mackenzie River

Stretching over 4,250 kilometers, the Mackenzie River stands as the second longest river in North America, covering a fifth of Canada within its catchment area. During the 18th century, the river served as a vital waterway for fur trade canoes and remains navigable in the summer months, allowing steamers to travel upstream as far as Fort Smith.

Constructed shortly after World War II, the Mackenzie Highway is an all-weather road spanning 600 kilometers from Peace River in Alberta to Great Slave Lake and the territorial capital Yellowknife.

Fort Simpson, positioned at the confluence of the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers west of Great Slave Lake, holds the distinction of being the oldest settlement on the Mackenzie River. Established in 1804 by the North West Company, the fort served as a strategic junction for the trans-shipment of skins and furs. In the 19th century, sporadic trade occurred with trappers and fishermen, but the first half of the 20th century witnessed the burgeoning paper industry’s interest in the Mackenzie Valley forests.

The subsequent discovery of oil in Norman Wells in the 1920s, pitchblende at Port Radium, and gold at Yellowknife in the 1930s led to a thriving mining industry after World War II. Fort Simpson also serves as a departure point for flights to Nahanni National Park Reserve.

The delta landscape of this region is characterized by low bushes, shrubs, juniper, lichens, and mosses, with vibrant displays of flowers and mosses during the brief but intense summer (from June to late July, a period known for the midnight sun). Beyond the flora, the environment boasts a diverse range of wildlife both on water and land.

5. Banks Island

Banks Island boasts lush tundra vegetation and hosts a significant wildlife population, notably more than 65,000 musk-oxen (Ovibus moschatus), constituting the largest population worldwide. The southwestern section of Banks Island, encompassing about one-third of its total landmass, serves as a bird sanctuary.

While it had been utilized for hunting for approximately 3,500 years, Banks Island saw its first permanent settlement in 1929 when three Inuit families established themselves in Ikaahuk (Sachs Harbor) on the northwestern tip. The island’s “European” name originates from the Canadian Arctic expedition of 1913-15 led by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, whose ship was named Mary Sachs.

Aulavik National Park, located in the northern part of Banks Island, is home to a significant musk-oxen population and hosts a large number of Canada’s snow geese during the summer. The park preserves an entirely intact tundra flora. This extremely remote destination attracts adventurers seeking opportunities for hiking, backpacking, or paddling along the Thomsen River.

Given the absence of services within Aulavik National Park, visitors are expected to possess outdoor experience and self-sufficiency. Access to the park is typically facilitated by chartering aircraft, often from Inuvik.

6. Wood Buffalo National Park

Wood Buffalo National Park holds the title of the largest national park in Canada and the second-largest globally. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this expansive protected area spans extensive landscapes in both Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Initially established to safeguard the herds of wood buffalo inhabiting the region, the park has evolved into a refuge for various significant species, including the highly endangered whooping cranes that find sanctuary in the delta region. Once a fur-trading post, Fort Smith now serves as the starting point for ventures into the park, with bison frequently observed from the highway near the town.

7. Norman Wells

Established in 1920 as an oil town, this small northern settlement, known as Tlegohli, meaning “Where There is Oil,” surprisingly accommodates a population of only 800 residents, yet boasts two remarkable museums. The Norman Wells Historical Society oversees an exhibit dedicated to the town’s history, the construction of the Canol Trail, unique fossils found in the area, and local Sahtu Dene crafts.

A must-see is the Historical Aviation Museum, offering insights into the early pilots and planes pivotal in opening up the entire region. Archaeology enthusiasts may explore Fossil Canyon to discover ancient artifacts from the Sahtu people.

For avid hikers with ample time, embarking on Canada’s longest hike, the 355 km Canol Trail, provides a challenging three-week adventure. Alternatively, day hikers can contact local guides for excursions into the Franklin Mountains. Even non-hikers can enjoy a flightseeing tour for breathtaking views of some of the most spectacular scenery.

8. Victoria Island

Situated just off the northern coast of mainland Canada, Victoria Island ranks as the third largest island in the Canadian Archipelago. It resides well north of the Arctic Circle, where the terrain, shaped by Ice-Age glaciers, unfolds into a somewhat monotonous landscape of moraines, drumlins, and glacial lakes. The island was administratively divided into two following the establishment of the Territory of Nunavut in 1999.

Iqaluktuutiak (Cambridge Bay) on the island’s southeast coast serves as the administrative and supply hub for Canada’s central Arctic region. Sir John Franklin (1786-1847) “discovered” Victoria Island in 1826, with European seafarers, missionaries, and fur traders being among the earliest visitors to this remote location. Until the 1950s, the Copper Inuit primarily used the area as a summer camp, referring to it as “Iqaluktuutiak” in Inuktitut, meaning “good place to fish.”

Modern features of Iqaluktuutiak include its stone-built Catholic church and a contemporary wind-generation plant. The second noteworthy location on Victoria Island is Ulukhaktok (formerly Holman) on the west coast. Situated at the tip of the Diamond Jenness Peninsula, this small community is well-prepared for the growing number of tourists attracted to the North. There’s even a golf course offering views of the Beaufort Sea.

9. Great Slave Lake

Great Slave Lake, North America’s fifth largest lake, plunges to depths of over 600 meters in certain areas. Although it remains frozen for eight months of the year, it remains a hub of activity. During the summer, freshwater enthusiasts such as houseboaters and sailors revel in its waters. Notably, the lake hosts the Commissioner’s Cup, the world’s longest freshwater sailing race.

For fishing enthusiasts, the lake offers a chance to venture onto the water and test their skills against the legendary giant trout that lurk in its depths, some weighing up to 40 pounds. Whether bringing your boat for a chance encounter or opting for a charter to ensure success, the fishing experience is unmatched.

In winter, the frozen surface becomes a racetrack for dog sledders. Numerous major communities in the Northwest Territories line the lake, including Yellowknife, Fort Providence, and Hay River.

The Inuit translation of “Place of Man” is Inuvik, a contemporary settlement located in the Arctic Circle and along the Mackenzie River. Constructed between 1955 and 1961 during the search for oil and gas, Inuvik replaced Aklavik, which was susceptible to flooding.

Presently, Inuvik serves as the trading, administrative, and supply hub for the western Arctic. It features an airfield, multiple schools, and a hospital. Numerous supply planes depart from here, heading to exploration bases in the far north, including the Mackenzie Delta and the Beaufort Sea. Sightseeing flights over the Arctic also originate from Inuvik.

The distinctive igloo-shaped Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church has become an iconic structure in Inuvik, housing an igloo-shaped tabernacle and an impressive “Way of the Cross” by Inuit artist Mona Thrasher. Aklavik, translating to “home of the polar bears,” is located west of Inuvik. Founded by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1912, it sits in the heart of the Mackenzie Delta, an area prone to flooding and accessible only by a winter ice road.

To the east of Inuvik, Tuktut Nogait National Park was established in 1996, showcasing breathtaking Arctic rock landscapes with impressive canyons and cliffs. Archaeological findings at numerous sites within the conservation area reveal that this now-challenging region was inhabited thousands of years ago. Access to the park is exclusively by air, but the experience is worthwhile if feasible.

11. Fort Good Hope

The national historic site of the Church of Our Lady of Good Hope in Fort Hope was constructed in the mid-1880s. It stands as one of the oldest surviving buildings of its kind, featuring a spectacular interior decoration designed and executed by Father Émile Petitot. The mission church was erected in the Gothic Revival Style.

Adjacent to the left side of the church, there is a historical graveyard with intriguing headstones, some of which date back to the turn of the century.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Northwest Territories for Aurora Borealis viewing?

A: The best time to witness the Northern Lights is during the winter months, from late September to early April.

Q: What safety precautions should be taken on the Dempster Highway road trip?

A: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, carry essential supplies, and check weather conditions before embarking on the Dempster Highway.

Q: Are there guided tours available for exploring Wood Buffalo National Park?

A: Yes, various guided tours provide insights into the park’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.

Q: What is the significance of the Mackenzie River in the history of Northwest Territories?

A: The Mackenzie River played a vital role in the exploration and development of the region, serving as a key transportation route.

Q: How can tourists contribute to sustainable tourism in Northwest Territories?

A: Travel responsibly, support local conservation projects, and engage in cultural exchanges to ensure a positive impact on the region’s sustainability.

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Could These Incredible Places Become Canada's Next National Parks?

Posted: August 17, 2023 | Last updated: August 17, 2023

Nearly national parks

Canada is home to 37 national parks, including world-famous attractions from Alberta's Banff to the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia. But in addition to those heavy hitters, did you know the country has 10 National Park Reserves? These reserves look like national parks and are protected and managed in the same way, but are yet to be granted full national park status as they lie in areas with unresolved Indigenous land claims, which are being negotiated between Indigenous and federal governments. Indigenous communities continue to use the land for traditional activities such as hunting and fishing. Here we shine a light on Canada's gorgeous 10 national park reserves.

Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador

Located in the far reaches of Canada on the banks of the Labrador Sea, this 4,131-square mile (10,700sq km) reserve is the largest in Eastern Canada . The remote locale means that there isn’t much in the way of infrastructure or services, but determined visitors can take in the bare-faced beauty of the glacier-rounded Mealy Mountains, ice-cold Lake Melville and vast swaths of pristine boreal forest full of wolves, bears and foxes.

Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador

The reserve is a sacred place for Innu, Inuit and NunatuKavut peoples, which is why its official name includes both Innu and Labrador Inuit words. The lands were brought into the national park system in 2015 with the park being co-managed by the Innu Nation and the Canadian Government. The Nunatsiavut Government and Innu of Québec also hold land claims on portions of the park.

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Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, British Columbia

British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands are like jewels in the Strait of Georgia, the body of water which runs between Vancouver Island and mainland Canada’s southwest coast. The islands' mild weather and stirring landscapes made them popular targets for development, prompting the Canadian government to establish a National Park Reserve in 2003 – the Reserve stretches over portions of 15 islands and many more smaller islets, home to lush vegetation and an array of sea life, such as killer whales.

The Gulf Islands are of tremendous importance to the Coast Salish peoples, both currently and historically. The cooperative relationships between Indigenous nations and Parks Canada have not always been smooth since the reserve was established: some local Indigenous groups argue that, while the park may protect ecosystems, it also obstructs their land use rights. The government continues to work with an Indigenous Management Board to consult with Coast Salish groups that wish to be involved.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, British Columbia

Further north up the British Columbia coast sits Haida Gwaii, a chain of islands that's home to the Haida people. In addition to ancient rainforests and waters teeming with wildlife, the Gwaii Haanas reserve sits on 1,800 wild undeveloped islands and islets. It acts as a living museum – its historic Haida village sites feature weathered totem poles, partially-carved canoes and the remnants of longhouses. Visitors can explore the sites by kayak while looking out for humpback whales.

The establishment of the reserve  began with a dispute in the 1970s, when residents protested plans for logging developments on traditional Haida lands on Moresby Island. In 1993, the Government of Canada signed an agreement with the Council of the Haida Nation that led to the formation of a management board including equal Government of Canada and Haida Nation representation. It’s widely viewed as a top example of how Parks Canada and Indigenous groups can manage a park together.

Kluane National Park Reserve, Yukon Territory

Behemoth glaciers and the impossibly jagged peaks of the St. Elias Mountains dominate  this otherworldly park in the southwest corner of the Yukon. In fact, the reserve is home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. It's not all about ice and snow, though: in the summer months visitors can hike or bike in Kluane’s immense wild areas or paddle along the crystal-clear waters of Kathleen Lake.

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As the traditional land of the Southern Tutchone people, Kluane consists of two parts: an official national park that's the result of successful land settlement, and another section that remains a reserve while the Government of Canada tries to reach an agreement with local First Nations . The park is managed in partnership with Kluane First Nation and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations with ongoing efforts to ensure that the nations’ rights, cultural resources and interests are protected.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Québec

One of Canada’s most visually recognisable National Park Reserves, Mingan Archipelago is home to the country’s largest concentration of limestone monoliths. The park sits on the banks of the widest part of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Québec, the waters which shaped these natural sculptures. The monoliths are astonishing to look at (especially by boat tour) and they also provide a unique habitat for a variety of seabirds and other marine animals.

Mingan Archipelago remains a National Park Reserve due to land claims on behalf of the Nutashkuan and Ekuanitshit First Nations. The Nutashkuan plus the Québec and Canadian governments have signed an Agreement-in-Principle, which gives the First Nation certain rights over the land that makes up Mingan Archipelago, as well as a special role in park management. The Ekuanitshit First Nation were also consulted on the park’s management plan.

Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Encompassing the Mackenzie Mountains near the Northwest Territories’ western border, Nááts'įhch'oh is named after a mountain within the park that takes its name from the Shúhtaot’ine phrase for “sharp like a porcupine”. This is rugged country – most visitors reach the park via floatplane and even the most avid adventurers looking to canoe on the rivers are advised to go out with a guide. But once you get here, there are also plenty of awe-inspiring hiking opportunities and natural hot springs to soak in.

Nááts'įhch'oh is an incredibly sacred area for the Shúhtaot’ine (Mountain Dene) people, who believe that the park’s namesake mountain has a prehistoric power that gives their community strength and resilience. As a result, the Sahtu Dene and Metis of the Tulita District are deeply interested in park management. The park’s management plan  helps ensure that their traditions are preserved and that Indigenous peoples are given employment opportunities within the park.

Nahanni National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Nahanni National Park Reserve sits on the South Nahanni River alongside Nááts'įhch'oh, its sister park reserve. Even though the parks sit side-by-side, they each have their own flavor. Nahanni’s greatest claim to fame beyond the river itself is the Cirque of the Unclimbables, a collection of granite spires, as well as Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), a gorgeous waterfall that's twice as high as the famed Niagara Falls.

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Similar to Nááts'įhch'oh, Nahanni has been a key cultural area for the Dene people for over 10,000 years. Dehcho First Nations, the public government for Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories, has been working with the Canadian Government on land negotiations involving the park for many years. Together they created the Nahʔą Dehé Consensus Team, which cooperatively addresses issues concerning the management of the park.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

The Pacific Ocean beaches along the west coast of Vancouver Island may not be the most tropical of shores, but they're some of the most beautiful and calming in the world. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve includes many of these beaches, including the majestic Long Beach near the popular town of Tofino, plus swaths of lush rainforest and tiny islands to explore. The West Coast Trail, one of Canada’s most famous multi-day hiking trails, is also part of this park.

Pacific Rim sits on the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, who retain certain rights within the park . The Nations work in collaboration with Parks Canada to protect both the natural and cultural resources on the park reserve’s land and to make sure an Indigenous perspective is represented in all management decisions. The relationship is guided by Nuu-chah-nulth principles of ʔiisaak (respect) and hišukʔiš c̓awaak (everything is one), as per Nuu-chah-nulth tradition.

Sable Island National Park Reserve, Nova Scotia

This sandy crescent-shaped island sits 109 miles (175 km) off the coast of mainland Nova Scotia, making it one of the most isolated parks in Canada. While the beach-lined landscape is beautiful, the real draw here is the 500 wild horses that roam around the narrow island, whose ancestors may have been introduced here in the late 1730s by a Boston clergyman. The island is also known as “the graveyard of the Atlantic,” with over 350 ships being wrecked near its shores in the past.

It's also an important slice of land for Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq peoples. The Mi’kmaq retain a land claim over the island, earning it its reservation status. The Mi’kmaq ask all visitors to tread lightly and respect the island, to honor its sacred status and to learn from the delicate balance of life and environment that exists on this incredibly unique part of the globe.

Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve, Northwest Territories

Known as the “Land of the Ancestors,” this huge swathe of land in the eastern part of the Northwest Territories was established as a National Park Reserve in 2019, making it Canada's  newest National Park Reserve . Thaidene Nene’s main feature is its combination of subarctic boreal forest and proximity to the massive Great Slave Lake. This makes for excellent fishing (under the midnight sun in the summer) and the chance to spot plenty of protected wildlife.

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Indigenous consultation was important when the Government of Canada set to establishing Thaidene Nene, since the area is a traditional and present-day fishing and hunting ground and also has spiritual significance. The park’s management is shared between Parks Canada and Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Deninu Kųę First Nation and Yellowknives Dene First Nation, working collaboratively in the best interest of the land.

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Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of Alberta

From: Department of Justice Canada

News release

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016.

April 15 , 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

The Honourable Tamara Friesen , a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Alberta in Edmonton. Justice Friesen replaces Justice F.L. Schutz (Edmonton), who resigned effective October 12, 2023.

The Honourable Joshua B. Hawkes , a Judge of the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Alberta in Calgary. Justice Hawkes replaces Justice B.L. Veldhuis (Calgary), who retired effective May 1, 2023.

Maureen J. McGuire, K.C ., Counsel at the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in Edmonton, is appointed a Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in Edmonton. Justice McGuire replaces Justice R.P. Belzil (Edmonton), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective December 31, 2023.

Kelsey L. Brookes , Partner at Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP in Edmonton, is appointed a Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in Edmonton. Justice Brookes replaces Justice T. Friesen (Edmonton) who was elevated to the Court of Appeal of Alberta effective April 12, 2024.

Shane Parker, K.C., Senior Prosecutor at the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in Calgary. Justice Parker replaces Justice K.D. Yamauchi (Calgary), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective December 13, 2022.

M. Oliver Ho , Partner at Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in Calgary. Justice Ho replaces Justice D.B. Nixon (Calgary), who was elevated to the position of Associate Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta effective October 5, 2023.

Derek Jugnauth , Partner at Wolch Wilson Jugnauth in Calgary, is appointed a Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta in Calgary. Justice Jugnauth replaces Justice A. Woolley (Calgary), who was elevated to the Court of Appeal of Alberta effective October 20, 2023.

“I wish Justices Friesen, Hawkes, McGuire, Brookes, Parker, Ho, and Jugnauth every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve Albertans well as members of the Court of Appeal and the Court of King's Bench of Alberta.”

— The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Biographies

Justice Tamara Friesen was appointed to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in 2019. She attended the University of Alberta for her undergraduate degree and received an M.A from the University of Guelph in 1997. She studied law at the University of Alberta and clerked with both the Alberta Court of Appeal and Court of King’s Bench before being called to the Alberta Bar in 2002.

Justice Friesen practiced criminal law as a Crown prosecutor for Alberta Justice from 2002 to 2010, where she worked in each of the General, Specialized, and Appellate branches. Her legal career included positions as legal counsel with the Law Society of Alberta and as a Director of Legal Research and Writing at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. From 2013 to 2019, she practiced labour, employment, constitutional and administrative law at Nugent Law Office. She has appeared before a variety of administrative tribunals and at all levels of court, including appearing at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Justice Joshua B. Hawkes obtained his LLB from the University of Alberta in 1990. He was called to the Alberta Bar in 1991.

Justice Hawkes was appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice in 2017 and was named Assistant Chief Justice for the Calgary Criminal and Regional Division of that court in 2020. He is committed to continuing judicial education, having served both as the Chair of the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges’ Committee on the Law, and as a faculty member at the national Newly Appointed Provincial and Territorial Judges’ Skills Seminar. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he had extensive experience in criminal appellate law as appellate counsel, and later as the Director and subsequently Executive Director over what was then the Appeals, Education and Prosecution Policy Branch of the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. In those capacities he appeared regularly in the Alberta Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada.

Justice Hawkes was actively involved in law reform, having served for 20 years as Alberta’s Jurisdictional Representative to the Criminal Law section of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada, and later as the Chair of that section, and, finally, as President of the Conference.  He served on the executive of the National Criminal Law section of the Canadian Bar Association, and as an elected Bencher with the Law Society of Alberta.

Justice Hawkes was one of the first members of the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service with a significant physical disability. He takes pride in his commitment to improve access to justice and accessibility in the justice system, and to contribute to making that system more representative of the community it serves.

Justice Maureen J. McGuire, K.C ., holds a B.A. (1990) from Wilfrid Laurier University, and an LL.B. (1997) from University of Manitoba. She was called to the bar in Ontario in 1999, in the Northwest Territories in 2006, and in Alberta in 2010. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2020. 

At the time of her appointment to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, Justice McGuire was a Crown Counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in Edmonton. She has extensive criminal trial and appellate experience, having practiced both as a defence counsel and as a prosecutor. She began her legal career with the criminal defence firm, Gold & Fuerst, in Toronto. In 2006, she joined the Public Prosecution Service in Yellowknife, where her work included cases in small communities throughout the Northwest Territories. After a brief return to Toronto, she spent the past 14 years practicing in Edmonton. She has been a counsel in many legally significant cases before the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.  

Justice McGuire has been a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Law since 2010, teaching Legal Research and Writing, and Appellate Practice and Procedure. She has volunteered with several charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, LitFest Alberta, and Wellspring Alberta.  She is a strong advocate for continuing legal education and regularly contributes her time as a speaker or facilitator in professional development programs.

Justice Kelsey L. Brookes received her Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from the University of Alberta in 1996 and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction from the University of Alberta in 1999.  She was admitted to the Bar of Alberta in 2000. 

Justice Brookes started as an associate with Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP in 2000. Over the next 24 years, she developed a practice in the area of Municipal Law and Employment Law. As Co-Chair of the firm’s Municipal Law team, she provided advice to urban and rural municipalities on Council issues, municipal elections, planning and development, tax recovery, enforcement, bylaws, pecuniary interests, Codes of Conduct, expropriation, inter-municipal disputes and assessment. In addition, she helped municipalities with the more traditional issues faced by all corporations, including litigation and employment issues.

Justice Brookes was particularly interested in planning and development and working with Subdivision and Development Appeal Boards and has taught and lectured extensively on the topic, including teaching Planning Law at the University of Alberta in the School of Urban and Regional Planning for 6 years.

Justice Brookes enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, one grandchild, and two dogs in Alberta and British Columbia.  She is a devoted runner, but dabbles in cycling, swimming, and cross-country skiing when time permits.

Justice Shane Parker, K.C ., received his Bachelor of Science with a major in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, his MPE from University of New Brunswick, and his LL.B. from Dalhousie Law School in 2000. He was admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in 2001 and Law Society of Alberta in 2006.

Justice Parker was a Senior Prosecutor with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service based in Calgary. He took on high-profile and complex homicides. Previously, he was a Special Prosecutor for seven years in the Organized Crime Unit. He has prosecuted in Nova Scotia, and practiced with the criminal firm, Pink Murray Graham in Halifax. He was designated King’s Counsel in 2013 and was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2018 and worked on several of their committees. 

Justice Parker was a contributing author in the criminal law textbook, "From Crime to Punishment".  He was the founder of the Alberta Prosecution Service’s intensive wiretap training course and lectured on search and seizure law.

Justice Parker coached university and junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League. He and his wife, Frances, are very proud of their adult sons Jackson, Keegan and Cole. 

Justice M. Oliver Ho is a born and raised Calgarian. He obtained his B.A. and LL. B concurrently in 2002, and his MBA in 2016, from the University of Calgary. He was called to the Alberta bar in 2003, and the Ontario bar in 2022.

Justice Ho commenced his career at Gowlings but spent the next nearly 20 years practicing at JSS Barristers, including multiple years on JSS Barristers’ Executive Committee and a term as JSS Barristers’ Managing Partner. Justice Ho’s practice included a wide variety of commercial disputes, shareholders disputes, and estate litigation.

Justice Ho is passionate about sharing his time with a variety of communities that are close to him. He has been an active volunteer with the Legal Archives Society of Alberta, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Pro Bono Law Alberta, the Calgary Zoo, the University of Calgary, a number of local fine arts organizations, and has been a mentor to many law students and lawyers. In 2020, he was awarded The Advocates’ Society Alberta Excellence in Mentoring Award. He has been recognized by publications including Lexpert, Benchmark Litigation, and Best Lawyers.

Justice Ho enjoys running, making music, travelling, and above all else spending time with his wonderful wife and their lovely children.

Justice Derek Jugnauth remains forever proud of his small-town Saskatchewan heritage, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (with distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997. Following ten years with one of the world’s leading technology and consulting organizations, he changed direction in 2007 to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a trial lawyer. He earned his law degree from the University of Calgary in 2011 where he graduated with a host of academic awards, scholarships, and achievements. He was called to the Alberta bar in 2012.

Justice Jugnauth completed his articles with the national firm of Blakes Cassels & Graydon LLP after clerking for the Court of King’s Bench. He began his career as a criminal defence barrister under the tutelage of the legendary Hersh Wolch K.C. and alongside industry heavyweight Willie deWit K.C. (now of the Alberta Court of Appeal). After Hersh’s untimely passing in 2017, he helped to carry the torch of his legacy by continuing the firm in his name; continuing to represent clients charged in some of Alberta’s largest and most complex criminal investigations; and passing on the accumulated wisdom of the office by mentoring other lawyers newly into their careers.

Justice Jugnauth and his wife enjoy living in Calgary with their two wonderful children and two delightful dogs. When not at the office, he can be found volunteering on the Board of Directors for the KidZinc School Age Care Society of Alberta; running his kids to their various sports and activities; walking the pups; and taking advantage of Alberta’s incredible outdoors.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada has appointed more than 715 judges since November 2015. This includes 88 appointments since the Honourable Arif Virani became Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada on July 26, 2023. These exceptional jurists represent the diversity that strengthens Canada. Of these judges, more than half are women, and appointments reflect an increased representation of racialized persons, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+, and those who self-identify as having a disability.

To support the needs of the courts and improve access to justice for all Canadians, the Government of Canada is committed to increasing the capacity of superior courts. Budget 2022 provides for 22 new judicial positions, along with two associate judges at the Tax Court of Canada. Along with the 13 positions created under Budget 2021, this makes a total of 37 newly created superior court positions. Since Budget 2017, the government has funded 116 new judicial positions.

Changes to the Questionnaire for Federal Judicial Appointments were announced in September 2022. The questionnaire continues to provide for a robust and thorough assessment of candidates but has been streamlined and updated to incorporate, among other things, more respectful and inclusive language for individuals to self-identify diversity characteristics.

Federal judicial appointments are made by the Governor General, acting on the advice of the federal Cabinet and recommendations from the Minister of Justice.

The Judicial Advisory Committees across Canada play a key role in evaluating judicial applications. There are 17 Judicial Advisory Committees, with each province and territory represented.

Significant reforms to the role and structure of the Judicial Advisory Committees, aimed at enhancing the independence and transparency of the process, were announced on October 20, 2016 .

The Government of Canada is committed to promoting a justice system in which sexual assault matters are decided fairly, without the influence of myths and stereotypes, and in which survivors are treated with dignity and compassion. Changes to the Judges Act and Criminal Code that came into force on May 6, 2021, mean that in order to be eligible for appointment to a provincial superior court, candidates must agree to participate in continuing education on matters related to sexual assault law and social context, which includes systemic racism and systemic discrimination. The new legislation enhances the transparency of decisions by amending the Criminal Code to require that judges provide written reasons, or enter them into the record, when deciding sexual assault matters.

For more information, media may contact:

Chantalle Aubertin Deputy Director, Communications Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General 613-992-6568 [email protected]

Media Relations Department of Justice Canada 613-957-4207 [email protected]

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Chapter 1: More Affordable Homes

On this page:, solving the housing crisis, 1.1 building more homes, 1.2 making it easier to own or rent a home, 1.3 helping canadians who can't afford a home.

Fairness for every generation means making housing affordable for every generation.

For generations, one of the foundational promises of Canada's middle class dream was that if you found a good job, worked hard, and saved money, you could afford a home. For today's young adults, this promise is under threat.

Rising rents are making it hard to find an affordable place to call home and rising home prices are keeping homes out of reach for many first-time buyers. The ability of an entire generation of Canadians to achieve the promise of Canada is at risk, despite their sheer grit and hard work. Millennials and Gen Z are watching the middle class dream become less and less achievable. They worry that they won't ever be able to afford the kinds of homes they grew up in. They deserve the same opportunity to own a place of their own as was enjoyed by generations before them.

The government is taking action to meet this moment, and build housing at a pace and scale not seen in generations. We did it when soldiers returned home from the Second World War, and we can build homes like that again. And we can make sure that Canadians at every age can find an affordable home.

On April 12, the government released an ambitious plan to build homes by the millions, Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada's Housing Plan. It includes our plan to make it easier to afford rent and buy a home, and makes sure that the most vulnerable Canadians have support, too. At the heart of our plan is a commitment that no hard-working Canadian should spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs.

Tackling the housing crisis isn't just about fairness, it's also about building a strong economy. When people can afford housing, they can also invest in their local community, supporting local businesses and jobs. When workers can afford to live near their jobs, short commutes turn into high productivity. Businesses want to establish new headquarters in cities where workers can afford to live. When people can more easily save for a down payment, they can pursue their dreams, like starting a business. Housing policy is economic policy.

Budget 2024 and Canada's Housing Plan lay out the government's bold strategy to unlock 3.87 million new homes by 2031 , which includes a minimum of 2 million net new homes on top of the 1.87 million homes expected to be built anyway by 2031. Of the 2 million net new homes, we estimate that the policy actions taken in Budget 2024, Canada's Housing Plan, and in fall 2023 would support a minimum of 1.2 million net new homes.

Given the significant provincial, territorial, and municipal levers that control and influence new housing construction, we call on every order of government to step up, take action, and achieve an additional 800,000 net new homes, at minimum, over this same period.

To get this done, the government will work with every order of government, with for profit and non-profit homebuilders, with Indigenous communities, and with every partner necessary to build the homes needed for Team Canada to restore fairness for every generation.

Working together, we will reach at least 3.87 million new homes by the end of 2031.

Immigrants built Canada. And when new Canadians arrive today, our society is enriched. Canada, like other advanced economies, needs immigrants today more than ever, given our aging population. Immigrants are essential to maintaining a young and capable workforce, to ensuring we can find the doctors, construction workers, nurses, and early childhood educators that we need.

But our ability to successfully welcome new Canadians depends on having the physical capacity to do so properly—in particular having enough homes. That is why current housing pressures mean that Canada is taking a careful look to make sure immigration does not outpace our ability to supply housing for all.

It is important to note that Canada's immigration system has two parts: permanent and temporary.

Throughout Canada's history, permanent immigration has become subject to extensive consultation with communities, provinces, territories, and employers. It is planned and designed in collaboration with Canadian society.

However, temporary immigration, which includes our student and temporary worker programs, has traditionally been demand-driven, determined by the requests from international students and workers, and from employers in Canada.

Canada has recently undertaken a review process for our temporary resident programs, to better align with labour market needs, to protect against abuses in the system, and to match our capacity to build new homes. We will also be setting targets both for the number of permanent residents we welcome, and for temporary residents.

Starting this fall, for the first time, we will expand the Immigration Levels Plan to include both temporary resident admissions and permanent resident admissions.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure a well-managed, responsive, and sustainable immigration system to help balance housing supply with housing demand. We also need to be sure that our temporary worker programs do not create a disincentive for businesses to invest in productivity, or drive down wages in Canada, especially for low-wage workers.

The federal government's plan starts with turbocharging the construction of new homes across the country because the best way to bring down home prices is to increase supply—and quickly. The government is already making the math work for homebuilders by breaking down regulatory and zoning barriers, providing direct low-cost financing, and making more land available. To ensure we have the workers and innovative construction methods needed to build more homes, faster, the government is training and recruiting the next generation of skilled trades workers, and transforming how homes are built to increase construction productivity.

Second, to make it easier to own or rent a home, Budget 2024 announces new action to support renters and lower the costs of homeownership. For renters, new action will help protect them from unfair practices like steep rent increases and renovictions, and unlock new pathways for them to become homeowners, including ensuring they get credit for rental payments. For first-time homebuyers, new support will make it easier to save for their down payment faster and get their first mortgage. And, existing homeowners with mortgages will benefit from new protections from rising payments through the strengthened Canadian Mortgage Charter.

Third, because everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, this plan is unlocking more homes for Canadians in need. This includes building more affordable units for low- and middle-income Canadians by investing in affordable housing projects and partnering with non-profits, co-ops, the private sector, and other orders of government. This also means offering immediate support for Canadians without shelter and Canadians at risk of becoming homeless.

At the crux of this effort is ensuring that fiscal policy works in tandem with monetary policy, and that Canada's immigration policy works in tandem with housing policy. The government recently announced plans to adjust immigration programming which would lead to about 600,000 fewer temporary residents in Canada compared to current levels. These efforts are critical to creating the necessary conditions to lower interest rates, lower housing demand, and restore housing affordability.

Building enough homes to restore fair prices and make sure everyone has a place to call home is going to take a Team Canada effort. All orders of government—federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal—need to work together to remove all barriers that often slow down the construction of new homes. This includes working together to overcome financial, zoning, and regulatory barriers.

Already, the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund is cutting red tape across the country, with 179 agreements with municipalities, provinces, and territories enabling the construction of over 750,000 new homes over the next decade. It is working, so we are topping it up with $400 million to build more homes, faster, in more communities.

Under a new Canada Builds approach, the federal government is offering to partner with provinces and territories that launch their own ambitious housing plans, with federal financing to help rapidly increase housing supply for Canadians in every province and territory.

We must use every possible tool to build homes at a scale and pace not seen since the Second World War. The federal government is announcing a range of new measures to make the math work for homebuilders, unlock the lands needed to build new homes, cut red tape that holds back new construction, attract and train skilled workers, and accelerate the implementation of innovative ways to build more homes, faster.

Key Ongoing Actions

• The Affordable Housing and Groceries Act , which is making it less expensive to build new homes by removing the GST on new purpose-built rental housing projects.
• Over $40 billion through the Apartment Construction Loan Program, which is providing low-cost financing to build more than 101,000 new rental homes across Canada.
• Over $14 billion through the Affordable Housing Fund to build 60,000 new affordable homes and repair 240,000 additional homes.
• $4 billion through the Housing Accelerator Fund, which is incentivizing municipalities to make transformative changes by removing zoning barriers and ramping up housing construction. The Housing Accelerator Fund is already fast-tracking the construction of at least 100,000 homes over the next three years, and more than 750,000 homes across Canada over the next decade.
• Unlocking $20 billion in new financing to build 30,000 more rental apartments per year by increasing the annual limit for Canada Mortgage Bonds from $40 billion to up to $60 billion.

Building Homes on Public Lands

The high cost and scarcity of land present key barriers that prevent key homes from being built. These barriers also contribute to higher costs of building, which are then passed on to Canadians.

Today, governments across Canada are sitting on surplus, underused, and vacant public lands, such as empty office towers or low-rise buildings that could be built on. By unlocking these lands for housing, governments can lower the costs of construction and build more homes, faster, at prices Canadians can afford.

Since 2016, Canada Lands Company has enabled the construction of more than 10,300 new homes on underused federal land, including more than 1,100 affordable homes. Over the next five years, Canada Lands Company currently aims to enable the construction of over 29,200 new homes, with a minimum of 20 per cent affordable units. Canada Lands Company is working to unlock new homes each day, but we need to do more, faster.

To ensure every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home, the government will transform its approach to federally owned land and lead a national, Team Canada effort to unlock public lands for housing.

Whenever possible, public land should be used for homes. Moving forward, the federal government will partner with the housing sector to build homes on every possible site across the federal portfolio. By leveraging new approaches to building homes on public lands, such as leasing, the federal government will also be able to maintain the strengths of its balance sheet.

By building homes on public lands,the federal government will lead a Team Canada effort to unlock federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal public lands across the country. The federal government will partner with homebuilders and housing providers to build homes on every possible site across the public portfolio.

With the new Public Lands for Homes Plan , the federal government is announcing an historic shift in its approach to unlock 250,000 new homes by 2031.

To get this done, Budget 2024 announces:

• The federal government will use all tools available to convert public lands to housing, including leasing, acquiring other public lands for housing, and retaining ownership, whenever possible. Keeping land under public ownership and leasing it to builders—instead of selling to the highest bidder—will enable new homes to be affordable, forever. This effort will help housing providers avoid unnecessary upfront capital costs, allowing them to build more affordable housing, all while strengthening the federal government's balance sheet to unlock more homes.
• Review the entire portfolio of federally owned land and properties to rapidly identify sites where new homes can be built;
• Require departments and agencies to offer up specific parcels of land according to specified targets;
• Consult with municipal, provincial, and private sector partners to identify the most promising lands to be made available for housing;
• Publish a new Public Land Bank, encompassing an inventory of available lands, before fall 2024 to accelerate construction on public lands;
• Release a new geo-spatial mapping tool to help homebuilders more easily access and navigate public lands; and,
• Introduce legislation, as required, to facilitate the acquisition and use of public lands for homes, in partnership with other orders of government.
• Cut approval times in half, while abiding by constitutional obligations;
• Initiate redevelopment processes early;
• Bundle multiple properties to be transferred at once;
• Provide leases, including long-term, low-cost leases, for housing providers;
• Transform underused government offices into multi-use properties;
• Transfer land from the federal government to Canada Lands Company for $1, whenever possible, to support more affordable housing;
• Enable housing development on actively used federal properties; and,
• Work with Crown corporations to redevelop their surplus, underutilized, or actively used properties for housing.
• $500 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, on a cash basis, to Public Services and Procurement Canada to launch a new Public Lands Acquisition Fund, which will purchase land from other orders of government to help spur sustainable, mixed-market housing.
• $112.6 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, and $4.3 million in future years, for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to top up the Federal Lands Initiative to unlock more federal lands for affordable housing providers. This investment, which is expected to unlock a minimum of 1,500 homes, including 600 affordable homes, will also prioritize new approaches, such as leasing, to make federal lands available to affordable housing providers;
• $20 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for Public Services and Procurement Canada to scale-up its centre of expertise on public lands; and,
• $15 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for Public Services and Procurement Canada to work with Infrastructure Canada on delivering the new Public Land Bank and geo-spatial mapping tool.
• Nearly 100 homes at Currie in Calgary, Alberta;
• Nearly 500 homes at Wateridge Village in Ottawa, Ontario;
• Over 40 homes at the Village at Griesbach in Edmonton, Alberta;
• 100 homes at Arbo Neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario; and,
• Over 100 homes at 3155 Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse in Montréal, Quebec.
• Shannon Park, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia;
• Village at Griesbach, Edmonton, Alberta;
• Downsview, Toronto, Ontario; and,
• Wellington Basin, Montréal, Quebec.
• The Public Lands Action Council will bring all players together to identify specific parcels of land across Canada with high potential for housing and take concerted action to accelerate construction on these lands. This group will also help shape the federal government's approach to building homes on public lands, including the design of the Public Lands Acquisition Fund.
• To support this work, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $1.8 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, for the Privy Council Office to create a Public Lands Action Council Secretariat.

The federal government recognizes that connecting existing federal financing to public lands can accelerate home construction and ensure deeper housing affordability. The federal government will explore leveraging its low-cost financing initiatives, including its new Canada Builds partnership and its new Canada Rental Protection Fund, to encourage housing providers to build more homes on public land.

Building homes on public lands will enable new non-profit housing

Housing Society Co. is a non-profit housing provider and homebuilder that wants to build an apartment building of 125 homes in Edmonton, with at least 30 per cent of its units to be affordable. However, the property Housing Society Co. wants to purchase costs $9 million—representing 25 per cent of total development costs.

Between the land, construction costs, and interest rates, the math just doesn't work to make the project viable. By building homes on public lands, Housing Society Co. will now be able to lease a parcel of land from the federal government at little to no cost upfront and can use rent proceeds to repay the lease over time.

As a result, Housing Society Co. will be able to go forward with the project, and charge affordable rents on a higher percentage of units than initially anticipated.

Building Homes on Canada Post Properties

Canada Post manages a large portfolio of land, including more than 1,700 post offices, in over 1,700 communities across the country. Many of these sites often house one-storey Canada Post buildings, which could be leveraged to build new homes across the country, while maintaining Canada Post services.

The following six Canada Post properties are being assessed for housing development potential:

• 1285 rue Notre-Dame Centre, Trois-Rivières, Quebec;
• 37 rue Saint-Laurent, Beauharnois, Quebec (recently listed for sale);
• 4 rue du Centre Commercial, Roxboro, Quebec;
• 9702 Hardin Street, Fort McMurray, Alberta (recently listed for sale);
• 120 Charles Street, North Vancouver, British Columbia; and,
• 45 Mary Street, Port Moody, British Columbia.

These six properties are just the start. Across Canada Post's portfolio, many more properties could be unlocked for housing, while maintaining high service standards for Canadians, including in rural communities.

• Budget 2024 announces that Canada Post will continue to be a "service first" organization focused on delivering the mail. Additionally, the government will now consider leveraging Canada Post's portfolio of federal properties to contribute to housing supply. This strengthens the expectation that Canada Post embraces innovation to meet the needs of Canadians and their communities.
• As part of its work to build homes on public lands, Budget 2024 announces that the government will take steps to enable Canada Post to prioritize leasing or divestment of post office properties and lands with high potential for housing, where doing so maintains high service standards for Canadians.
• Budget 2024 also announces the government's intention to launch a new Canada Post Housing Program to support affordable housing providers to build on disposed or leased Canada Post properties. Details will be available later this year.

Building Homes on National Defence Lands

National Defence owns 622 properties across every province and territory, totaling 2.2 million hectares, in addition to providing housing to many members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Many of these National Defence properties in cities and communities across Canada are not fully utilized and could be unlocked to build more homes for Canadian Armed Forces members, and civilians, to live in.

• As part of its work to build homes on public lands, Budget 2024 announces that the government is exploring the redevelopment of National Defence properties in Halifax, Toronto, and Victoria that could be suitable for both military and civilian uses.
• The Amherst Armoury in Amherst, Nova Scotia;
• 96 D'Auteuil and 87 St-Louis in Québec City, Quebec;
• The National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa, Ontario;
• The HMCS Armoury in Windsor, Ontario; and,
• The Brigadier Murphy Armoury in Vernon, British Columbia.

The review of federally owned lands and properties announced as part of the government's work to build homes on public lands is also expected to identify additional National Defence properties with a high potential for housing development.

Those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) stand ready to deploy and relocate in order to defend Canada. Wherever they are posted, service members and their families shouldn't have to worry about finding a suitable home.

Budget 2024 also proposes additional investments for the Department of National Defence to build and renovate housing for CAF personnel on bases across Canada. This would support the construction of up to 1,400 new homes and the renovation of an additional 2,500 existing units for CAF members on base in communities such as Esquimalt, Edmonton, Borden, Trenton, Kingston, Petawawa, Ottawa, Valcartier, and Gagetown. See Chapter 7 for additional details.

Building more on-base housing will not only help meet the housing needs of military personnel but also help address housing demand in surrounding communities, since fewer military personnel will require rentals in these areas.

Converting Underused Federal Offices Into Homes

Sparked by the pandemic, like many organizations in Canada and around the world, the federal government shifted to hybrid work. Today, Public Services and Procurement Canada has over 6 million square metres of office space, of which an estimated 50 per cent is underused or entirely vacant. This is not an effective use of resources, particularly at a time when Canada is facing a shortage of homes.

The federal government is moving forward with a significant disposal effort to reduce its office footprint. This would enable more office buildings, particularly in urban areas, to be converted into homes for Canadians, while also ensuring the responsible use of government resources.

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $1.1 billion over ten years, starting in 2024-25, to Public Services and Procurement Canada to reduce its office portfolio by 50 per cent. This funding, which is expected to be fully recovered through substantial short- and long-term cost savings, will help to accelerate the ending of leases and disposal of underused federal properties, and address deferred maintenance. Where applicable, the government will prioritize student and non-market housing in the unlocking of federal office properties.

Reducing the federal office footprint will generate substantial savings, expected to reach $3.9 billion over the next ten years, and $0.9 billion per year ongoing.

Taxing Vacant Lands to Incentivize Construction

At a time when we need to build as quickly as possible, it makes no sense that good land, in good areas, is sitting there, underused. As all orders of government put in place policies to tackle housing supply shortages, there is a concern that some landowners in Canada may be sitting on developable land, hoping to profit from rising land values when the land could instead be used for immediate residential development. Vacant land needs to be used, and it is best used to build homes.

The government is taking significant action to resolve Canada's housing crisis, and the federal government believes owners of vacant land in Canada must also do their part to unlock unused land for homes.

• Budget 2024 announces that the government will consider introducing a new tax on residentially zoned vacant land. The government will launch consultations later this year.

Building Apartments, Bringing Rents Down

Building rental homes requires significant investment, even more so when interest rates and land prices are high, as in recent years. Access to low-cost financing can help homebuilders move a rental project from being financially unfeasible to feasible. To help more apartment buildings break ground, the government is investing heavily in its low-cost construction financing programs, ensuring homebuilders have the financing needed to keep building.

The Apartment Construction Loan Program plays a crucial role in filling Canada's housing supply shortage by providing developers with the necessary capital to build rental homes. This support accelerates the development of apartments in neighbourhoods where people want to live and work. This is good for people, good for communities, and good for our economy.

• Of this amount, at least $100 million will be used to build homes above existing shops and businesses, especially in big cities where land is scarce and where density is key.
• Extending the terms of the loans offered;
• Extending access to financing to include housing projects for students and seniors;
• Introducing a portfolio approach so builders can move forward on multiple projects at once;
• Providing additional flexibility on affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility requirements; and,
• Launching a new frequent builder stream to fast-track the application process for proven home builders.

These measures will make it easier, cheaper, and faster to build homes in Canada. For students, it will mean getting the keys to their first home and living close to campus. For young families, it will mean getting a good home near work, opportunity, and in a vibrant neighbourhood. And for seniors, it will mean an affordable place where you can downsize with security and dignity.

Federal financing is complemented by the government's community-building funding, from more early learning and child care spaces to housing-enabling infrastructure funding. This is how we build more affordable, liveable communities.

Lowering costs to build more apartment buildings

Camille Homes Corp. is interested in building a 20-story rental building in Winnipeg, which is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars. Loans for such developments are typically not available through private lenders, unless syndicated through several lenders to diffuse risk, a process which adds significant complexity and time. Private financing, with a prime rate above 7 per cent, is just too costly to make this project viable. Camille Homes Corp. is considering abandoning this project, but instead decides to apply for low-cost financing from the Apartment Construction Loan Program.

The Apartment Construction Loan Program's favourable financing terms, which include competitive interest rates, insurance premiums covered by the program, and longer terms and amortization periods are reducing borrowers' building costs by millions of dollars when compared to private financing.

Low-cost financing and flexible terms, combined with tailored support to meet the project's needs, as well as CMHC's ability to act as a single lender, is making the math on rental buildings work for builders such as Camille Homes Corp. and helping to build more homes across Canada.

Launching Canada Builds

To build homes across the country, we need a Team Canada approach. Provinces and territories control a number of critical levers to unlocking more housing supply, such as zoning rules, development approvals, lands and land use planning, rules for tenants and landlords and the adoption of building codes and regulations.

The federal government is supporting a number of provincial and territorial-led initiatives through cost-shared bilateral housing agreements. Most recently, this includes partnering with British Columbia in support of the BC Builds initiative with $2 billion in low-cost financing through the Apartment Construction Loan Program.

The federal government's partnership with BC Builds is a testament to the progress possible when multiple orders of government work collaboratively to deliver thousands of new rental homes for people in communities across Canada.

• Building on this momentum, Budget 2024 announces Canada Builds , the federal government's intention to leverage its $55 billion Apartment Construction Loan Program to partner with provinces and territories to build more rental housing across the country.
• Complementing federal funds with provincial or territorial investments;
• Building on government, non-profit, community-owned, and vacant lands;
• Considering access to early learning and child care, and the expansion of non-profit child care, in the development process;
• Streamlining the process to cut development approval timelines to no longer than 12 to 18 months; and,
• Meeting the criteria of the Apartment Construction Loan Program, including affordability requirements.

The federal government will initiate discussions with provincial and territorial governments as soon as possible. This transformative approach links portfolios of underused land, homebuilders, and federal and provincial investments. This Team Canada mission will help pave the way for new housing supply across the country.

Topping-Up the Housing Accelerator Fund

In March 2023, the government launched the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund to work with municipalities to cut red tape and fast-track the creation of at least 100,000 new homes across Canada. Through 179 agreements signed to date, the government has committed nearly $4 billion to spur the construction of 750,000 new homes across the country over the next decade.

• Building on this success, Budget 2024 proposes to provide an additional $400 million over four years, starting in 2024-25, to the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation, to top up the Housing Accelerator Fund. This will help fast track 12,000 new homes in the next three years.

Enabling Communities to Build More Homes  

Building more homes in communities that people want to live in requires building more essential infrastructure, like power lines, transit stations, water and wastewater facilities, internet cables, libraries, and recreation centres. Without this infrastructure, communities have trouble growing, and new homes cannot get built.

The federal government is providing support to help growing communities build the infrastructure needed to build more homes, including through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Budget 2024 also proposes new support for growing communities through a new Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Further details on the federal government's infrastructure funding programs are outlined in Chapter 5.

A New Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund  

Building more homes requires putting in place the essential infrastructure to support growing communities and denser, more vibrant, and liveable neighbourhoods.

In particular, communities must invest in effective and reliable water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in order to keep pace with growth and encourage densification. These investments are critical as all orders of government work together to unlock more housing, faster.

• $1 billion available directly to municipalities to support urgent infrastructure needs that will directly enable housing supply.
• Legalize more housing options by adopting zoning that allows four units as-of-right and that permits more "missing middle" homes, including duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and small multi-unit apartments;
• Implement a three-year freeze on increasing development charges from April 2, 2024, levels for municipalities with a population greater than 300,000;
• Adopt forthcoming changes to the National Building Code to support more accessible, affordable, and climate-friendly housing options;
• Provide pre-approval for construction of designs included in the government's upcoming Housing Design Catalogue; and,
• Implement measures from the forthcoming Home Buyers' Bill of Rights and Renters' Bill of Rights.
• Provinces will have until January 1, 2025, to secure an agreement, and territories will have until April 1, 2025. If a province or territory does not secure an agreement by their respective deadlines, their funding allocation will be transferred to the municipal stream. The federal government will work with territorial governments to ensure the actions in their agreements are suitable to their distinct needs.

To ensure this funding reaches communities of all sizes and needs, provinces must dedicate at least 20 per cent of their agreement-based funding for northern, rural, and Indigenous communities.

Leveraging Transit Funding to Build More Homes

Many Canadians rely on public transit to go to school, to get to work, to see their friends, and to explore their communities. More homes need to be built closer to the services that Canadians count on. Transit that is more accessible and reliable means Canadians can spend more time with their friends and family. It's crucial that all orders of government work together to achieve this.

• Eliminating all mandatory minimum parking requirements within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line;
• Allowing high-density housing within 800 metres of a high-frequency transit line; and,
• Allowing high-density housing within 800 metres of post-secondary institutions.
• Completing a Housing Needs Assessment for all communities with a population greater than 30,000.

These are long overdue changes that will mean more people can live near transit to access the services and opportunities in their communities, and will allow home construction to happen faster and at more affordable prices.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank's Housing Initiative

As Canada's cities and towns build more homes, they need to build more infrastructure. From water and sewer infrastructure to public transit to high-speed internet, the federal government is providing municipalities with the tools they need to grow.

That is why, since 2017, the Canada Infrastructure Bank has made investment commitments of over $11 billion in more than 50 projects, and catalyzed over $31 billion in total investment, to address critical infrastructure gaps across the country. These include:

• $1.28 billion for the Réseau express métropolitain in Montréal;
• $1.3 billion for rural broadband internet in Ontario;
• $165 million for the City of Calgary to buy zero-emission buses;
• $138.2 million for energy storage to enable increased renewable electricity in Nova Scotia; and,
• Up to $80 million for the Atlin Hydroelectric Expansion in Yukon.

The 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced that the Canada Infrastructure Bank would be exploring further opportunities to support the needs of growing communities by helping to finance the infrastructure needed to build more homes.

In March 2024, the Canada Infrastructure Bank announced the launch of its Infrastructure for Housing Initiative to provide low-cost financing to enable municipalities and Indigenous communities to build housing-enabling infrastructure. Funding for this initiative is sourced from the CIB's existing funding envelope.

Building the infrastructure communities need to build more homes

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has already made its first investment commitment under its Infrastructure for Housing Initiative, committing up to $140 million in financing for new and enhanced water and wastewater infrastructure in five communities in Manitoba, including the City of Brandon. The project will support cleaner water and better wastewater treatment, which will provide the enabling infrastructure to support an estimated 15,000 new housing units.

Fast growing communities, like the City of Brandon, require not only significant new home construction but also investments in water and wastewater systems and other local infrastructure. Paying for this new infrastructure can be challenging, especially where the up-front costs would burden existing residents. By lowering the cost of borrowing and taking on some of the risk associated with new development, the CIB's investment can help municipalities build the infrastructure needed to support thousands of new homes across the country. 

Changing How We Build Homes

We have to build homes smarter, faster, and at prices Canadians can afford. That means investing in ideas and technology like prefabricated housing factories, mass timber production, panelization, 3D printing, and pre-approved housing design catalogues. We need to bring the same spirit of innovation that we are investing in across the economy, and build homes in a 21st century way.

• To spur the development of innovative housing technologies, Budget 2024 proposes $50 million over two years, beginning in 2024-25, for Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)—one of Canada's Global Innovation Clusters—to launch a new Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund. NGen will seek to leverage an additional $150 million from the private sector, and other orders of government, to support a targeted $200 million investment in housing innovation in Canada. The first projects will aim to be announced this summer.
• Grand River Modular Ltd., in Kitchener, Ontario, to support commercialization efforts to bring modular housing units to market, supported with $188,485 from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario;
• Structures KSM in Gatineau, Quebec, to acquire innovative, automated production equipment and software to improve the production capacity of roof truss manufacturing, supported with $200,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions;
• Nunafab Corp., in Nunavut, to create a modular home production plant in the community of Cambridge Bay where homes can be rapidly built for local housing needs and shipped to other Nunavut communities, supported with $2.15 million from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency;
• Island Structural Systems, in Kensington, PEI, an automated facility that will improve the productivity of the PEI residential construction sector, supported with $2 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; and,
• Landmark Group of Companies Inc. and Promise Robotics Inc. in Edmonton, Alberta, to establish a mobile, robotic micro-factory to construct housing components, supported with $1 million from Prairies Economic Development Canada.

Any new innovative housing designs funded through the Regional Development Agencies and NGen will feed into the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's work on the Housing Design Catalogue.

• To help simplify the way Canada builds homes, Budget 2024 announces that the National Research Council will launch consultations with provinces, territories, industry, and fire safety experts to address regulatory barriers, including point block access and single egress designs, and streamline the inspection process. In addition, the National Research Council will identify ways to reduce duplication between factory inspections of modular home components and on-site building inspections, and support efforts to address regulatory barriers to help scale up factory-built housing across the country.
• Budget 2024 also announces that the Apartment Construction Loan Program will earmark at least $500 million to homebuilders that use innovative construction techniques, such as modular housing, for new rental projects.

In the coming months, the government will engage with housing, construction, and building material sectors, along with labour unions, Indigenous housing experts, and other relevant stakeholders, to co-develop a Canadian industrial strategy for homebuilding. Together, we will explore all essential inputs into building homes in Canada, including raw and manufactured materials, supply chains, and building techniques to ensure that all orders of government and industry can achieve our ultimate goal of building homes smarter, faster, and at prices Canadians can afford.

Strengthening innovation and increasing productivity in the residential construction sector is critical to building more homes, faster. In addition to new measures in Budget 2024, the federal government is supporting homebuilders who use new, innovative ways to build more homes, faster.

Existing support to advance innovative construction includes:

• Over $600 million through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund to support innovative solutions for the next generation of housing in Canada.
• $300 million through the Housing Supply Challenge to develop solutions to remove barriers that hinder housing supply.
• $191.8 million over seven years and $7.1 million per year ongoing to conduct research and development on innovative construction materials and to revitalize national housing and building standards to encourage low-carbon construction solutions.
• $38 million through the Green Construction through Wood program to encourage the use of innovative wood-based building technologies in construction projects.
• $13.5 million per year to make the National Building Codes free to access and to modernize codes, including by reducing barriers to internal trade and aligning building codes across the country.

Further support available for housing and construction innovation and productivity includes:

• The Industrial Research Assistance Program, which helps Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
• The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which helps businesses scale-up new innovative technologies. 
• The Strategic Innovation Fund, which helps attract and spur private investment in innovative projects across all regions and sectors of the economy.

Housing Design Catalogue

The government is reviving and modernizing its post-war housing design catalogue, which will provide blueprints that can be used across the country to speed up the construction of new homes.

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $11.6 million in 2024-25 to support the development of its Housing Design Catalogue for up to 50 housing designs, such as modular housing, row housing, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units, that provinces, territories, and municipalities could use to simplify and accelerate housing approvals and builds.

This first phase of the catalogue will be published in fall 2024.

Modernizing Housing Data

To better understand the needs of local housing markets, we need better data. Every order of government should be committed to a data-driven response to the housing crisis.

• To help modernize housing data, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $20 million over four years, starting in 2024-25 for Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to modernize and enhance the collection and dissemination of housing data, including municipal-level data on housing starts and completions.

Adding Additional Suites to Single Family Homes

Many homeowners have extra space they could convert into rental suites, such as an unused basement, or a garage that could be converted into a laneway home. Historically, the cost of renovating, combined with municipal red tape, has made this both difficult and costly.

Recent municipal zoning reforms in Canada's major cities, including reforms through Housing Accelerator Fund agreements, are creating new opportunities for homeowners to add additional suites to their properties in support of densification. New rental suites would provide more homes for Canadians and could provide an important source of income for seniors, who would be able to afford continuing to age at home. New suites can also be purpose-built to be barrier-free, to accommodate physical impairments of an aging family member or a child with a disability.

The government is taking action to make it easier for homeowners to increase Canada's supply of housing by adding additional suites to their home.

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $409.6 million over four years, starting in 2025-26, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to launch a new Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, enabling homeowners to access up to $40,000 in low-interest loans to add secondary suites to their homes. Details of this program will be announced in the coming months.
• Budget 2024 announces the government's intention to make targeted changes to mortgage insurance rules to encourage densification and support the efficient functioning of the housing finance market, by enabling homeowners to add more units to their homes. The government will consult stakeholders on proposed changes to regulations, including for refinancing, maximum loan and home price, as well as other mortgage insurance rules where homeowners are adding additional units.

Low-cost loans to build more secondary suites

Amena and Kareem are young working professionals looking to purchase their first home in Burnaby, British Columbia. They find a single-family home with a separate garage out back. With a single car between them, they think about converting the garage into a laneway home to generate additional income to help pay down their mortgage.

In addition to new flexibilities in mortgage insurance rules to enable Amena and Kareem to access mortgage insurance, for a property value that exceeds the current limit of $1 million, the new secondary suite loan program will help them convert their garage into an adjacent laneway home after the home is purchased.

They apply to the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program for a low-cost loan of $40,000, to help cover their renovation costs, and once they find a tenant, are able to use new rental income to cover the cost of the loan.

New mortgage flexibilities to add secondary suites

Yuval owns a single-family home in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite having accumulated significant equity in his home, Yuval is feeling the strain of mortgage payments, property taxes and other expenses from higher living costs.

Targeted changes to mortgage insurance rules could allow Yuval to refinance his insured mortgage to access his home equity to convert part of his home into a rental suite. This could allow Yuval to earn rental income to offset his mortgage expenses and property taxes, while also providing a much-needed rental accommodation in his neighbourhood.

Accelerating Investment to Build More Apartments

Building on the success of removing 100 per cent of GST from new rental housing projects and providing more low-cost financing to move more apartment building projects forward, the government is taking further action to make the math work for homebuilders.

• Budget 2024 proposes to introduce a temporary accelerated capital cost allowance, at a rate of 10 per cent for eligible new purpose-built rental projects that begin construction on or after Budget Day, and are available for residents to move in before January 1, 2036.

Increasing the capital cost allowance rate from 4 per cent to 10 per cent will incentivize builders by moving projects from unfeasible to feasible, through increased after-tax returns on investment.

The measure does not change the total amount of depreciation expenses being deducted over time, it simply accelerates it. Allowing homebuilders to deduct certain depreciation expenses over a shorter period of time allows homebuilders to recover more of their costs faster, enabling further investment of their money back into new housing projects.

This measure would cost an estimated $1.1 billion over five years, starting in 2024-25.

Building More Student Housing

As universities and colleges expand and attract more students, the demand for student housing is going up. Not every campus is equipped, and that means some students are struggling to afford local rents. And, student demand puts pressure on locals. Building more student housing is good for young people, and makes sure there is a fair rental market for everyone.

To encourage the construction of a wide variety of much needed long-term rental housing that meets the needs of Canadians, the federal government removed 100 per cent of GST from new rental housing built specifically for long-term rental accommodation. However, student residences, given their typically shorter-term and transient nature, may not currently meet the conditions for this rebate.

• Budget 2024 announces that the eligibility conditions for the removal of GST on new student residences will be relaxed for not-for-profit universities, public colleges, and school authorities. This will incentivize Canada's educational institutions to build more student housing by ensuring they benefit from the removal of GST on new student residences. This measure is expected to cost $19 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, and $5 million per year ongoing.

The relaxed eligibility will apply to new student residences that begin construction on or after September 14, 2023, and before 2031, and that complete construction before 2036. Private institutions will not be eligible for this support.

This measure builds on the government's new reform to allow on- and off-campus student housing projects to access the $55 billion Apartment Construction Loan Program.

More Skilled Trades Workers Building Homes

People in the skilled trades are proudly stepping up as part of this generational effort to build housing. But to meet this challenge, Canada needs even more workers and it needs apprenticeships to remain affordable for young people starting their new careers. According to BuildForce Canada, the construction sector faces a shortage of over 60,000 workers by 2032, due to many hard-working construction workers reaching retirement age, combined with demand from accelerating home construction.

To encourage more people to pursue a career in the skilled trades, the federal government is creating apprenticeship opportunities to train and recruit the next generation of skilled trades workers.

• $90 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, for the Apprenticeship Service to help create placements with small and medium-sized enterprises for apprentices. Of this amount, $10 million in 2025-26 would be sourced from existing departmental resources.
• $10 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, for the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program to encourage Canadians to explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades. This funding would be sourced from existing departmental resources.

To make it easier for young people who hope to start a career in the skilled trades, in addition to interest-free Canada Apprentice Loan and Employment Insurance Regular Benefits for apprentices on full-time technical training, the government will continue explore options to make apprenticeships more affordable.

Further investments to build Canada's residential construction workforce, such as the recently launched Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, will help young workers gain the specialized skills needed to retrofit homes to increase energy efficiency and lower the costs of homeownership.

Training the next generation of construction workers

Emily is a high school student thinking of pursuing a career as a construction electrician. Through the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program, Emily can get access to career fairs, mentorship, and job shadowing to explore and prepare for a career in the construction industry.

Jai is a plumbing apprentice seeking to obtain Red Seal Certification. Jai can receive innovative, hands-on training designed to remove accessibility barriers at a small and medium-sized enterprise receiving support through the Apprenticeship Service to offer apprenticeship training opportunities. 

Recognizing Foreign Construction Credentials and Improving Labour Mobility

Newcomers with the skills and experience needed to build new homes should be able to join the Canadian labour market without delays.

To enable skilled newcomers to maximize their potential as they build a new life in Canada, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program helps provide training, work placements, wage subsidies, and mentoring to newcomers. For six years, the program has helped over 9,000 skilled newcomers receive work placements and wage subsidies, and another 20,000 workers received low-cost loans and support services to minimize the costs and requirements associated with practicing their trade in Canada.

Building on Budget 2022's five-year $115 million investment in the Foreign Credential Recognition Program:

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $50 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to Employment and Social Development Canada for the Foreign Credential Recognition Program. At least half of this amount will be to streamline foreign credential recognition in the construction sector to help skilled trades workers build more homes, and the remaining funding will support foreign credential recognition in the health sector. Similar to a recent agreement between federal, provincial and territorial health ministers to recognize foreign credentials for health care professionals, the federal government is calling on provinces and territories to expedite removal of their barriers to foreign credential recognition.

To reduce internal barriers for skilled workers in Canada, the federal government is also calling for provinces and territories to urgently streamline their trades certification standards for interprovincial consistency. This includes streamlining requirements in trades, or sub-trades, that have no or limited equivalents in other jurisdictions. The federal government will continue to collaborate with provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities to improve labour mobility for workers in these trades.

Ensuring newcomer construction workers can help build more homes

Emmanuel is a newcomer to Canada, with significant experience in the construction sector abroad. Through investments made by the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, Emmanuel can access construction-related training and work opportunities to help him get his education and experience recognized, integrate into the residential construction sector in his province, and contribute to alleviating the housing crisis.

Homeownership is a big part of the middle class dream. If you work hard, and save your money, you should be able to buy a home. That was the deal for generations. But young adults feel like the possibility of owning a home like the one they grew up in is less and less likely, as increases in home prices continue to outpace their salaries and wages. The prospect of owning a home in Canada needs to be as real for young people today, as it was for any other generation.

And for the millions of Canadians who rent, including many who prefer the flexibility that comes with renting, drastic rent increases have pushed what was once an affordable option out of reach.

Canadians need help now, and Canada will work to make homeownership a reality for young Canadians and to protect renters, many of whom are Millennial and Gen Z, and are paying a much higher portion of their earnings towards rents than previous generations.

Budget 2024 takes action to unlock new pathways for young renters to become homeowners, and to protect middle class homeowners from rising mortgage payments.

• The Canadian Mortgage Charter, which details the tailored mortgage relief that the government expects banks to provide borrowers who are facing financial difficulty with the mortgage on their principal residence.
• The new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, which is a registered savings account that allows Canadians to contribute up to $8,000 per year (up to a lifetime limit of $40,000) for their first down payment.
• The recently doubled First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit, which provides up to $1,500 in direct support to home buyers to offset expensive closing costs involved in buying a first home.
• Ensuring the profits from flipping residential real estate are subject to taxation, to unlock more homes for Canadians to live in—because homes are not a speculative financial asset class for investors.
• Making assignment sales fully taxable to ensure homes remain available for Canadians to buy.
• Over $750 million for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program, which has to date provided support for over 1,500 low- to median-income households to help them transition from expensive oil heating to more energy efficient, cost-saving electric heat pumps.
• Over $6.7 billion, on a cash basis, for the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan programs, which to date have provided over 172,000 grants of up to $5,000 and 58,000 interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to help Canadians save money by making their homes more energy efficient.

Aligning Immigration With Housing Capacity

Immigration enriches Canada's society, our culture, and our economy, but the combination of temporary and permanent immigration experienced last year put strains on Canada's ability to properly welcome and integrate newcomers into Canadian society. The government has taken steps to better manage temporary migration pressures while moderating the pace of its levels plan.

Under the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, the government has carefully moderated the intake of new permanent residents, moving towards a long-term approach that seeks to strike a balance between meeting the economic imperatives and enhancing the ability of communities to effectively welcome and integrate immigrants.

The government has also recently announced that it will reduce the share of temporary residents to 5 per cent of the overall population over the next three years. This will lead to approximately 600,000 fewer temporary residents in Canada compared to current levels.

Normalizing permanent and temporary immigration levels is critical to ensuring that newcomers have the opportunities and social supports they need to succeed when coming to Canada.

Further, these changes will ensure that newcomers, and all Canadians, have an affordable place to call home. The scale of this reduction is significant in the context of housing demand: in recent years, Canada has built about 220,000 housing units annually. 

The government has also taken steps to reduce the volume of asylum claims. In March 2023, Canada and the United States announced the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires asylum claimants to request protection in the first safe country they arrive in, unless they qualify for an exception to the Agreement. This has resulted in significantly fewer individuals claiming asylum at irregular crossings in between Canada's land ports of entry.

Also, on February 29, 2024, the government adjusted the travel requirements for Mexican citizens, who represented 17 per cent of all asylum claims in 2023. While the majority will continue to be able to travel visa-free to Canada, some Mexican nationals will now need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn, or abandoned. In recent years, Mexican nationals represented the top source of asylum claims in Canada.

Stabilizing International Student Intake to Alleviate Housing Pressures 

To ensure every Canadian student can find an affordable place to live while pursuing their education, the federal government is taking action to stabilize international student intake across the country. By better aligning temporary immigration pressures to a moderate pace, Canada can ensure a better capacity to welcome newcomers.

In January 2024, the government announced a new cap on the number of study permit applications, which is expected to decrease approved study permits by up to 28 per cent in 2024 for the groups included under the cap. The government also announced new eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. This will help ease housing demand growth, while also protecting international students from fraudulent institutions and unsafe living conditions.

This builds on the government's announcement last fall to reform the International Student Program. As committed in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, by fall 2024, the government will launch a new Recognized Institutions Framework to reward post-secondary institutions with high standards around selecting, supporting—including by providing access to housing—and retaining international students.

Taken together, the measures aim to ensure post-secondary students receive the support they need for success, and balance the pressures on student housing by aligning the number of students arriving in Canada with the number of available homes. By alleviating student housing pressures, generations of Canadians and international students today, and tomorrow, will have a more affordable pathway to getting a good education.

Credit for Paying Rent

Every month, millions of Canadian renters pay their rent in full and on-time. The government thinks that should count towards their credit worthiness when applying for their first mortgage, seeking to refinance a mortgage and in many other situations that require credit evaluations. For young Canadians and newcomers to Canada, this is even more important as they have a more difficult time establishing credit history.

More Gen Z and Millennials are renting today than the generations that came before them, with over 54 per cent of people between 25 and 34 years old being renters—and that number jumps to 81 per cent for people under 24 years old. In comparison, 25 per cent of Canadians between 55 and 64 years old are renters today. By making renters' payments count, we can help younger Canadians get ahead.

In Budget 2024, the government is setting a firm expectation with lenders, through its strengthened Canadian Mortgage Charter, to take a renter's on-time payment history into account when performing credit evaluations for mortgage applications.

• Budget 2024 announces that the government is calling on banks, fintechs, and credit bureaus to prioritize launching tools to allow renters to opt-in to reporting their rent payment history to credit bureaus, to strengthen their credit scores and unlock pathways for more renters to become homeowners.

Together, this ability to strengthen one's credit score with on-time rental payment history—and make it easier to qualify for a mortgage, or even a lower rate—works in parallel to the government's efforts to advance consumer-driven banking. Further details on Canada's Framework for Consumer-Driven Banking are in Chapter 3.

Protecting Renters' Rights

Renters face unique challenges to ensuring their homes are properly maintained and that their landlords follow provincial laws. Renters can have a hard time navigating different provincial laws and lack resources to fight disputes with landlords—whether it concerns faulty heating, an illegal rent increase, or an illegal eviction. Tenant organizing and legal services can help renters.

When renters' rights are upheld, it gives people stability and housing security. They can stay in their homes and in their community—taking their kids to the same schools, being close to the same parks, and staying in the same job. It also gives them bargaining power, helping them keep their rent affordable.

The federal government is committed to protecting tenant rights and ensuring that renting a home is fair, open, and transparent.

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $15 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, for a new Tenant Protection Fund, which will provide funding to organizations that provide legal and informational services to tenants, as well as for tenants' rights advocacy organizations to raise awareness of renters' rights.
• Budget 2024 also proposes a new Canadian Renters' Bill of Rights, to be developed and implemented in partnership with provinces and territories, to protect renters from unfair practices, make leases simpler, and increase price transparency. The government intends to crack down on renovictions, introduce a nationwide standard lease agreement, and require landlords to disclose historical rent prices of apartments.

Free legal support and advocacy for renters

The heating system in Patrick's apartment breaks down during the winter, threatening his health and safety, but his landlord refuses to arrange urgent repairs because they are on extended vacation. Patrick pays for emergency repairs, but his landlord refuses to fully reimburse his expenses after returning from vacation.

Patrick accesses free, federally funded legal information and advice to navigate his province's tenant dispute resolution process and succeeds in being fully reimbursed for his expenses.

30-Year Amortizations for First-Time Buyers Purchasing New Builds

The high cost of mortgage payments is a barrier for many younger Canadians hoping to buy that first time. Extending mortgage amortizations for first-time buyers purchasing new builds brings that monthly cost down, making it more affordable for first-time buyers, many of whom are young people still working their way up the salary ladder.

To restore generational fairness in the housing market for younger Canadians, the government is strengthening the Canadian Mortgage Charter with new measures to unlock pathways for Millennials and Gen Z to get the keys to their first home.

• Budget 2024 announces the government is strengthening the Canadian Mortgage Charter to allow 30-year mortgage amortizations for first-time home buyers purchasing newly constructed homes. Extending the amortization limits by five years for first-time buyers purchasing new builds will enable more younger Canadians to afford a mortgage and will encourage new supply. This new insured mortgage product will be available to first-time buyers starting August 1, 2024. The government will bring forward regulatory amendments to implement this proposal. Further details will be released in the coming months.

The government will monitor whether housing inflation and supply conditions permit expanding access to 30-year insured mortgage amortizations more broadly.

Combined with the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account to save for a down payment faster and helping renters build their credit score with their on-time rental payment history, new access to 30-year mortgage amortizations will help first-time buyers purchasing new builds to access mortgages with lower monthly payments, making it easier to unlock the door to their first home.

Enhancing the Home Buyers' Plan

As home prices go up and the cost of living rises, saving for a down payment is more and more difficult. The federal government is enhancing the tax savings plans that help young Canadians save for their first home.

Across the country, and particularly in Canada's major cities, home prices have gone up—steeply. Support to help first-time buyers save must keep pace with market prices. That is why the government launched the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, and why in Budget 2024, it is enhancing the Home Buyers' Plan. While home prices have risen—and building more new homes will help to lower prices—the government is unlocking pathways to a down payment so more Canadians can buy a home and build a good middle class life.

• Budget 2024 announces the government's intention to amend the Income Tax Act to increase the Home Buyers' Plan withdrawal limit from $35,000 to $60,000, enabling first-time home buyers to use the tax benefits of an RRSP to save up to $25,000 more for their down payment, faster. The newly increased limit would be available to first-time buyers after April 16, 2024.
• Budget 2024 also announces the government's intention to amend the Income Tax Act to temporarily extend the grace period during which homeowners are not required to repay their Home Buyers' Plan withdrawals to their RRSP by an additional three years. This grace period extension would apply to Home Buyers' Plan participants who made a first withdrawal between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, who will now only have to begin repaying their Home Buyers' Plan withdrawals in the fifth year after the year in which they withdraw. For a couple who withdrew the maximum in 2023, extending the grace period could allow them to defer annual repayments as large as $4,667 by an additional three years.

This measure would reduce federal revenues by an estimated $90 million over six years, starting in 2023-24, and $5 million per year ongoing.

The new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account is a registered savings account that allows Canadians to contribute up to $8,000 per year, and up to a lifetime limit of $40,000, towards their first down payment. To help Canadians reach their savings goals faster, Tax-Free First Home Savings Account contributions are tax deductible on annual income tax returns, like a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). And, like a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), withdrawals to purchase a first home—including any investment income on contributions—are non-taxable. Tax-free in; tax-free out.

As of April 16, more than 750,000 Canadians have already opened a Tax-Free First Home Savings Account to save for their first down payment—putting homeownership back within reach across the country and helping them reach their savings goals sooner.

Tax-Free First Home Savings Account

Darya is planning to buy a first home in 2029 in Saint John, NB. Starting in 2024, she began contributing $667 per month in her Tax-Free First Home Savings Account. These contributions can be deducted from her income at tax time, providing an annual federal tax refund of $1,640. After five years, Darya has saved $44,000 in her Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, including tax-free investment income, which she uses to make a 10-per-cent down payment on a $350,000 home and pay associated expenses. She can withdraw the full $44,000 tax-free, saving thousands of dollars that can be put towards her new home. In addition, she will claim the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit for $1,500 in tax relief.

Tax-Free First Home Savings Account and Home Buyers' Plan

Mark and Mathieu want to buy a condo in Vancouver this year. They both make between $70,000 and $100,000 annually and contributed the maximum amount in their Tax-Free First Home Savings Account in 2023 and 2024 ($667 per month each), for a total of $32,000 between the two of them. These contributions were deducted from their income at tax time, providing total federal tax refunds of $6,560. Mark and Mathieu also both have $60,000 in their individual RRSPs.

Mark and Mathieu would like to make a 20 per cent down payment on a $760,000 condo to save on mortgage loan insurance premiums and interest payments. The couple is planning to use their Tax-Free First Home Savings Accounts and RRSPs for their $152,000 down payment. With the increased Home Buyers' Plan withdrawal limit, Mark and Mathieu can now withdraw $120,000 from their RRSPs without having to pay $15,000 in taxes, which they would have paid on the amount in excess of the previous Home Buyers' Plan withdrawal limit of $35,000 ($70,000 per couple). They will now have until 2029 to start repaying the $120,000 back to their RRSPs, instead of 2026 as per current rules. They will also claim the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit for an additional $1,500 in tax relief.

The combined value of federal-provincial tax relief offered by the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, compared to a taxable account for a couple living in Ontario, earning about $80,000 and each contributing $8,000 annually is detailed in Chart 1.4. Also shown is the maximum down payment a couple could make when combining the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, Home Buyers' Plan, and the Home Buyers' Tax Credit.

Enhancing the Canadian Mortgage Charter

The government launched the Canadian Mortgage Charter to help ensure Canadians know about the fair, reasonable, and timely mortgage relief they can seek and receive from their financial institutions.

Mortgage lenders have a range of tools available for providing tailored relief. Lenders will communicate with borrowers facing mortgage hardship to discuss possible approaches based on the borrower's individual circumstances and criteria set by lenders and mortgage insurers.

The federal government and its financial sector agencies, particularly the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, are closely monitoring the mortgage relief being offered by financial institutions. While Canadians are continuing to manage the impacts of higher mortgage rates, it is essential that borrowers and lenders remain proactive in identifying and addressing mortgage hardship.

• Using rent payment history for mortgage applications, to help more renters become homeowners by improving their credit score;
• Up to 30-year mortgage amortizations for first-time home buyers purchasing new builds, to make it easier to afford a first mortgage; and,
• More detailed expectations for lenders to proactively contact borrowers, including making permanent mortgage relief measures available, where appropriate; and providing information to help borrowers make informed decisions, such as before renewal.

The Canadian Mortgage Charter sets out the following expectations:

• Proactively contacting homeowners well in advance of their mortgage renewal to inform them of their renewal and refinancing options (e.g., in some circumstances, lenders should contact borrowers at least 24 months in advance to begin discussing options).
• Allowing temporary extensions of the amortization period for mortgage holders at risk and, where appropriate, permanent amortization extensions for those that meet additional criteria set by mortgage insurers and lenders.
• Providing information about additional interest that mortgage holders will pay, over the total length of the mortgage, as a result of amortization extensions.
• Waiving fees and costs that would have otherwise been charged for relief measures, or when mortgage holders take action (e.g., increasing payments) to reduce an extended amortization as their financial situation improves.
• Not requiring insured mortgage holders to requalify under the insured minimum qualifying rate when switching lenders at mortgage renewal.
• Giving borrowers at risk the ability to make lump sum payments to avoid negative amortization or sell their principal residence without any prepayment penalties.
• Not charging interest on interest in the event that mortgage relief measures result in a temporary period of negative amortization.
• Calling on landlords, banks, credit bureaus, and fintech companies to make sure that rental history is taken into account in your credit score.
• Permitting up to 30-year mortgage amortization for first-time buyers purchasing new builds.

Switching mortgage lenders without requalifying for the stress test

Jessica, a new homeowner in Charlottetown, PEI, is nearing the completion of her first five-year term on a $350,000 mortgage for her townhouse. The Mortgage Charter sets an expectation for her bank to send an early notice informing her of her renewal options, which gives her plenty of time to shop around for a better rate. Jessica works with a mortgage broker to evaluate her options and finds a more competitive mortgage rate at a different lender. As a borrower with mortgage insurance, Jessica is able to switch lenders at renewal without needing to requalify under the minimum qualifying rate (the stress test).

Because the Mortgage Charter helped inform Jessica that she could switch lenders without another stress test, Jessica is able to reduce her mortgage rate from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent and save around $1,000 per year.

Extending amortization and not paying interest on interest

Éric and Maya are new parents in Québec City, Quebec who purchased their first home two years ago. The fixed monthly payment of around $2,300 that they make on their $550,000 variable rate mortgage is no longer covering their mortgage interest costs at the current interest rate, creating a situation where their mortgage balance is growing and interest is being charged on interest.

Éric and Maya receive a letter from their bank informing them of the situation. After discussing options with their bank, Éric and Maya take into account their budget constraints and decide to temporarily extend their amortization by an additional five years to help make their payments more manageable. Because the Mortgage Charter sets expectations for lenders to proactively contact borrowers facing mortgage hardship, Éric and Maya are able to get back to paying down their mortgage balance and avoid about $400 in interest on interest.

When interest rates fall, the bank will work with Éric and Maya to help them return to their original amortization schedule.

Halal Mortgages

Canada is home to a vibrant and growing market of alternative financing products, including halal mortgages, that enable Muslim Canadians, and other diverse communities, to further participate in the housing market.

• Budget 2024 announces that the government is exploring new measures to expand access to alternative financing products, like halal mortgages. This could include changes in the tax treatment of these products or a new regulatory sandbox for financial service providers, while ensuring adequate consumer protections are in place.

In March 2024, the government began consulting financial services providers and diverse communities to understand how federal policies can better support the needs of all Canadians seeking to become homeowners. The government will provide an update in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement .

Strengthening Mortgage Income Verification

Financial institutions maintain rigorous policies to verify borrower income when determining someone's ability to repay their mortgage. Independently verifying borrower income helps financial institutions detect and deter the types of fraud or misrepresentation that can increase the costs of mortgages for all borrowers. However, fraud risks are always evolving—and so too are the tools to combat these risks.

• Budget 2024 announces the government's intention to consult with the mortgage industry on making available a tool through the Canada Revenue Agency to complement the existing strategies of financial institutions to verify borrower income for mortgages.

Banning Foreign Buyers of Canadian Homes

For years, foreign money has been coming into Canada to buy up residential real estate, increasing housing affordability concerns in cities across the country, and particularly major centres. To address this, the government introduced a two-year ban on the purchase of residential property by foreign investors, effective January 1, 2023.

To help ensure that homes are used for Canadians to live in, not as a speculative asset class for foreign investors, on February 4, 2024, the government announced it intends to extend the ban on foreign buying of Canadian homes by an additional two years, to January 1, 2027.

Foreign commercial enterprises and people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents will continue to be prohibited from purchasing residential property in Canada.

Cracking Down on Short-Term Rentals

Homes are for Canadians to live in, not speculative assets for investors. The short-term rentals listed on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO are keeping 18,900 homes off the market in Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver alone, based on estimates from 2020, meaning families, students, workers, and seniors are having to compete for fewer homes.

To unlock Canada's housing supply for Canadians to live in, in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the federal government proposed tax changes to incentivize the return of non-compliant short-term rentals to the long-term market and to support the work of provinces and territories that have restricted short-term rentals.

These changes would apply as of January 1, 2024, to deny income tax deductions on income earned from short-term rentals that do not comply with the relevant provincial or municipal laws. By denying income tax deductions, the government is removing the profit incentive for short-term rental operators.

Some provinces, including Quebec and British Columbia, and municipalities such as Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, have already taken action to return short-term rentals to the long-term market for Canadians to live in. To support the work of municipalities to unlock homes for Canadians, the federal government is committed to launching a $50 million short-term rental enforcement fund. The government is currently engaging with stakeholders to design a program that will be responsive to municipal needs, and will announce further details later this year.

Cracking Down on Real Estate Fraud

Cracking down on real estate tax fraud protects home buyers and levels the playing field for those who play by the rules. The government is committed to reinforcing the fairness of the tax system and combatting tax non-compliance across the housing sector.

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $73.1 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, and $14.7 million per year ongoing to the Canada Revenue Agency to continue addressing tax non-compliance in real estate transactions. By ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, the government is protecting home buyers from artificial market distortions that increase home prices. 

Advancing National Flood Insurance

Unlike previous generations, homeownership now comes with the burdens of paying for the costs of climate change, due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. Put simply, Millennial homeowners have to worry if they can afford flood insurance, or if they can access it at all. This wasn't a common concern for their parents and grandparents.

As announced in Budget 2023, the government intends to deliver a flood reinsurance program and a separate insurance subsidy for households at high risk of flooding.

• Budget 2024 announces the government's intention to establish a subsidiary of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to deliver flood reinsurance.
• To advance this commitment, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $15 million to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in 2025-26 to advance implementation of a national flood insurance program by 2025.

The government is advancing work with provinces and territories, in partnership with the insurance industry, to stand-up a low-cost flood insurance program for high-risk properties within the next twelve months.

Flood insurance to protect Canadians' homes

Joaquin and Kariné own a home in an area with a high flood risk. Because there are limited private insurance options available to cover homes in high flood risk areas, they face challenges insuring their home.

Like many Canadian homeowners, their home is a large part of their life savings. Joaquin and Kariné still have a mortgage, which adds to their worries about potential disasters, such as a flood, damaging their property. This situation leaves them with limited financial flexibility and poses a risk to their financial security, should their home suffer damage.  

Canada's flood insurance program will help Joaquin and Kariné access insurance coverage and protect their home in a way that is affordable.

Confronting the Financialization of Housing

Housing should be treated as homes for people, instead of a speculative asset class. When purchasing a home, Canadians might expect to be bidding against other potential buyers, not a multi-billion-dollar hedge fund. The role of large, corporate investors in our single-family housing market needs to be addressed.

• Budget 2024 announces that the government intends to restrict the purchase and acquisition of existing single-family homes by very large, corporate investors. The government will consult in the coming months and provide further details in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement .

When you have a home, you have stability, security, and an increased sense of well-being. Everyone deserves this. One of the most heart wrenching realities of the housing crisis is the increase in people struggling to find housing, especially since the pandemic. Making sure everyone has a place to live is the right thing to do, and it's the Canadian thing to do.

A strong and growing community housing sector supports vulnerable people, including those making low incomes, those fleeing violence, and those experiencing homelessness. It also keeps affordable housing affordable, builds new affordable options that meet everyone's needs, and supports strong, diverse communities. Everyone has a right to decent housing, regardless of income.

Budget 2024 will invest to increase the amount of affordable housing in Canada so we can restore what was lost over the past few decades, and help bring chronic homelessness in Canadian communities to an end.

• Over $4 billion towards preventing and reducing homelessness, through Reaching Home, Canada's Homelessness Strategy—including $100 million to support communities in responding to unsheltered homelessness this winter.
• $4 billion through the Rapid Housing Initiative, which is building more than 15,500 affordable homes for people experiencing homelessness or in severe housing need by 2026.
• Nearly $960 million provided since 2017 via the Interim Housing Assistance Program to support provinces and municipalities offering transitional housing support to asylum claimants.
• Over $458 million for the new Greener Affordable Housing stream of the Canada Greener Homes Loan program to provide low-interest loans and grants for energy efficient retrofits of affordable housing, which reduces operational costs for non-profit housing providers.
• Over $4 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy and to establish a National Indigenous Housing Centre.

Enhancing the Affordable Housing Fund

Canada's affordable housing stock is too small to meet growing demand, resulting in too many people living in unaffordable and inadequate housing. More affordable housing is particularly needed to ensure persons with disabilities and low-income families can find an affordable place to call home.

This is why the government is investing billions of dollars to support affordable housing providers, to repair existing affordable homes, and to build new ones, through programs such as the $14 billion Affordable Housing Fund.

The 2023 Fall Economic Statement provided an additional $1 billion for the Affordable Housing Fund to support non-profit, co-op, and public housing providers in building more than 7,000 affordable homes.

• To build and maintain more affordable housing, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $976 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, and $24 million in future years, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to launch a new Rapid Housing stream under the Affordable Housing Fund to build deeply affordable housing, supportive housing, and shelters for our most vulnerable.

Protecting and Expanding Affordable Housing

In the last decade, hundreds of thousands of affordable homes have been lost in Canada—by being destroyed after a lack of maintenance and upkeep, turned into more expensive rental units, or converted into luxury condos. Today, our community housing sector accounts for only 4 per cent of Canada's housing market, while 10 per cent of Canadians are low-income and in need of affordable housing. More must be done. We must protect our affordable housing supply for low- and modest-income families.

The government is committed to expanding and transforming this sector by 2030 and beyond to further support Canadian households, including young Canadians.

• This new Fund will be co-led and co-funded by the federal government and other partners.
• This program will help mobilize investments and financing from the charitable sector, private sector, and other orders of government.

Keeping Non-Profit and Co-op Homes Affordable

In recognition of the financial challenges facing community and social housing providers, such as co-ops, the federal government provides support to affordable housing providers to ensure existing affordable housing can be maintained. To date, the Federal Community Housing Initiative has already delivered nearly $150 million to ensure 47,000 homes can remain affordable for vulnerable Canadians, including persons with disabilities, single-parent families, seniors, and newcomers.

• Budget 2024 announces the government's intention to introduce flexibilities to the Federal Community Housing Initiative to ensure that eligible housing providers can access funding to maintain housing affordability for low-income tenants and co-op members.

Lower Energy Bills for Renters and Homeowners

To address the twin challenges of energy affordability and climate change, the government will launch a Canada Green Buildings Strategy. The strategy will help lower home energy bills and reduce building emissions by supporting energy efficient retrofits. This represents an important next step in meeting Canada's climate targets and helping Canadians save money on their energy bills.

• $800 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, to launch a new Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program that will support the direct installation of energy efficiency retrofits for Canadian households with low- to median-incomes. This program represents the next phase of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative and will be co-delivered with provincial and territorial partners. It will also be complemented by CMHC's Greener Homes Loan program, which provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 for energy efficiency home retrofits.   
• $73.5 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to renew and modernize existing energy efficiency programs that offer tools to building owners like the ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard and the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. This funding will also spur the development of better, more ambitious building codes to further reduce emissions and lower energy bills. The federal government will encourage provinces and territories to adopt these top-tier building codes.
• $30 million over five years, starting in 2024-25, to continue developing a national approach to home energy labelling, which will empower prospective home buyers with information about the energy efficiency of their new home, with the support of energy auditors.

Natural Resources Canada will announce further details on the Canada Green Buildings Strategy in the coming weeks. 

Lowering energy bills for homeowners

Maya and Sophie are homeowners with low incomes and are struggling to afford their energy bills. They want to make their home more cost efficient. Through the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), an assessment determines that the most effective energy efficiency upgrades for their home are attic insulation and air sealing. At no cost to Maya and Sophie, CGHAP arranges the direct installation of these upgrades, which will prevent heat from leaking out, improve the comfort of their home, save them money on their energy bills, and reduce their home heating emissions.

Lowering energy bills for renters

Sierra rents an apartment where she faces high heating bills from her baseboard heaters and does not have air conditioning. With the agreement of her landlord, an assessment through CGHAP determines her apartment would be a good candidate for a heat pump. At no cost to Sierra, CGHAP arranges the direct installation of a heat pump that reduces her heating costs and provides air conditioning, leaving her more money at the end of the month, and with a more comfortable home, too.

Addressing Homelessness and Encampments

Homelessness and encampments impact every community in Canada, affecting some of the most vulnerable Canadians, including 2SLGBTQI+ youth, Black and racialized people, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous people. To help ensure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home, the government has committed over $4 billion through Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy, for communities to provide services, transitional housing, and shelter to those who need it most. This is double the funding originally provided for Reaching Home in Budget 2017.

To respond to the urgent needs that communities are facing, the government provided an additional $100 million in 2023-24 to Infrastructure Canada for Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy to support emergency funding over the winter for those experiencing or at risk of unsheltered homelessness—including those living in encampments.

• $1.0 billion over four years, starting in 2024-25, to stabilize funding under the program. Recognizing the enduring nature of this challenge, this investment reflects the government's commitment to support organizations that do vitally important work across the country to prevent and reduce homelessness. Of this investment, $50 million will focus on accelerating community-level reductions in homelessness. This investment will support communities across Canada as they adopt best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions to reduce the time it takes to move individuals and families into more stable housing.
• $250 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness. This funding will require provinces and territories to cost-match federal investments, leveraging a total of $500 million. This will help communities scale-up their efforts to train homelessness support workers, respond to the unique experiences of those affected by unsheltered homelessness, including those living in encampments, and renovate and build more shelters and transitional homes for those who need them.

Since Reaching Home was launched, it has supported projects across the country. Existing support to advance innovative construction includes:

• Under the Indigenous Homelessness stream, the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society received $904,000 in 2021 to build the Diamond Bailey House in Halifax, with 34 shelter beds, 11 dorm-style rooms and 7 bachelor apartments.
• Under the program's Rural and Remote Homelessness stream, Community Living Huntsville received $125,000 through United Way Simcoe Muskoka to support a transitional housing project that supports adults with developmental disabilities, who have experienced chronic or periodic homelessness, to reach independent living within four years.

Building Homes in Indigenous Communities

Access to safe and affordable housing is critical to improving socio-economic outcomes and ensuring a better future for Indigenous communities. Since 2015 the federal government has committed more than $6.7 billion to support housing in Indigenous communities and a further $4.3 billion to advance an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing strategy set to launch in 2024-25. As of December 31, 2023, Indigenous Services Canada, in collaboration with the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, has supported over 22,000 homes in 611 First Nations communities.

As outlined in Chapter 6, Budget 2024 also proposes additional investments to support housing and enabling infrastructure needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Indigenous households in urban, rural, and northern communities across Canada face challenges accessing adequate and affordable housing. To address this, Budget 2022 and Budget 2023 committed a total of $4.3 billion over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. The Strategy will be designed and implemented to complement the federal government's previous $6.7 billion in investments to support existing distinctions-based housing strategies for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Informed by Indigenous-led engagements with Indigenous governments, organizations and housing providers, the funding will be delivered directly by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, Modern Treaty holders and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, and through a new Indigenous-led National Indigenous Housing Centre to ensure support will be provided to all Indigenous people.

Sheltering Asylum Claimants

While providing asylum claimants with a safe place to live falls under provincial and municipal jurisdiction, the federal government recognizes the need for all orders of government to work together to address pressures on the shelter system.

Since 2017, the federal government has provided almost $960 million through the Interim Housing Assistance Program, which helps provincial and municipal governments prevent homelessness for asylum claimants on a cost-sharing basis.

• Budget 2024 proposes to provide $1.1 billion over three years, starting in 2024-25, to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to extend the Interim Housing Assistance Program. Funding in 2026-27 will be conditional on provincial and municipal investments in permanent transitional housing solutions for asylum claimants.

The federal government is working with all orders of government to find long-term solutions to prevent asylum seekers from experiencing homelessness.

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