New convention center Whitehorse plans are officially underway, as the Government of Canada and the Yukon Government announced a major investment to build the Yukon Gathering Place—an expansive facility set to transform the territory’s capacity to host events, grow its tourism industry, and highlight Indigenous leadership.
Set along the Whitehorse waterfront on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Yukon Gathering Place will be located adjacent to the existing Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. With a funding commitment of $56.25 million from the federal government and additional support from the Yukon Government, this $75 million project is expected to open the door to lasting economic and cultural opportunities for the territory and beyond.
The Kwanlin Dün First Nation will own the new convention center jointly operated by Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. It is poised to become a central hub for conferences, large gatherings, cultural celebrations, and tourism-driven experiences. The center is also a testament to Indigenous leadership in regional development, offering a meaningful space that celebrates heritage while connecting communities and visitors.
At approximately 9,500 square meters, the Yukon Gathering Place will be equipped to accommodate up to 750 guests for seated banquets or 1,000 people in a theatre-style configuration. The added capacity will make Whitehorse an attractive destination for national and international conferences, trade shows, and cultural events—an important development in Canada’s North.
This initiative is more than just bricks and mortar. Officials say the convention centre is expected to drive long-term economic growth, generate local employment, and bring new visibility to Yukon’s vibrant tourism scene. With modern infrastructure and thoughtful integration of Indigenous culture, the Yukon Gathering Place will allow the territory to compete on a national level for large-scale events while maintaining its unique sense of place.
In the words of Premier Ranj Pillai, “This is a historic moment for Yukoners and Yukon businesses. The new convention center will drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Whitehorse as a top destination for conferences and tourism.” His sentiment was echoed by Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, who described the project as a strategic investment in the territory’s future.
Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Anita Anand, emphasized that the center will showcase the territory’s unique culture and natural beauty to the world, further solidifying Yukon’s reputation as a connected and dynamic destination. This investment also reflects the federal government’s commitment to supporting Indigenous-led projects and increasing opportunities for northern communities.
The convention center’s riverside location is a key feature. Situated in downtown Whitehorse along the Yukon River, the center will provide panoramic views, walkable access to nearby amenities, and a powerful connection to the land’s cultural significance. Visitors will not only attend meetings and events—they’ll be immersed in an experience that blends nature, heritage, and hospitality.
Between 2023 and 2025, CanNor (the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) supported the project’s early phases with a $1.5 million contribution toward design and feasibility planning. This groundwork laid the foundation for what’s now being called a “game-changer” for the territory’s tourism infrastructure.
Once completed, the Yukon Gathering Place is expected to enhance Canada’s northern tourism map. For meeting planners, event organizers, and cultural institutions, Whitehorse will soon be more than a scenic stop—it’ll be a viable host city for impactful gatherings.
With the eyes of the national tourism and events industry turning north, Yukon is stepping confidently into a new chapter—where Indigenous voices lead, where business and culture intersect, and where visitors from across the globe will find a new reason to discover Whitehorse.
