Arctic Winter Games
The Arctic Winter Games represents one of the largest multisport cultural events in the circumpolar North, with approximately 2,000 participants. From March 8 to 15, 2026 in Whitehorse, Yukon, Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth will showcase unity, sport, culture, and community spirit through competition and connection.
The participants represent five Canadian regions (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, and Nunavik), as well as Alaska (United States), Greenland, and the Sápmi region (Finland, Sweden, and Norway).
Athletic competitions span 20 sports — from alpine skiing, cross-country, biathlon and snowshoeing to team sports like basketball, futsal, volleyball, and hockey, as well as traditional Arctic sports and Dene games. A vibrant suite of cultural and community events will complement the sports competitions, showcasing northern cultures, traditions and community spirit.
The Government of Canada is proud to be the largest single contributor to sport in Canada. For the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, the Government of Canada contributed $2.6 million through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program to support the Host Society in organizing the Games and helping ensure a positive experience for athletes.
For more information about the Games, visit the 2026 Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games website.
Quick Facts – Arctic Winter Games
- March 8–15, 2026 (Whitehorse, Yukon)
- 8 delegations
- 20 sports
- Around 2,000 participants
- Opening Ceremony: March 8, 2026
Closing Ceremony: March 14, 2026
On social media
Use the hashtags: #AWG2026
Video — Enjoy the Arctic Winter Games!
This video is also available in HD on YouTube where you can leave a comment, share it on your social network or embed it into your site.
Transcript of the video Enjoy the Arctic Winter Games!
Video length: 00:00:42
[Text on screen: The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)]
Secretary of State van Koeverden: The 2026 Arctic Winter Games are finally here in the beautiful city of Whitehorse!
For the next week, more than 2,000 athletes, coaches and participants from across the circumpolar North will gather here on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
These Games are a unique celebration of the cultures and lifestyles of the North.
Over the coming days, you will compete and experience the wonders of Whitehorse, share traditions, build friendships
with people from across the North, and you will create memories
that’ll last a lifetime.
Good luck to everyone! Enjoy every single second and more importantly, have fun! This moment is yours.
Shä̀w níthän – Thank you.
[The Canada Wordmark appears.]