The Yukon Quest has been nominated for a National Award for Tourism Excellence presented by the Globe and Mail.

The Quest is up against two other finalists to be presented with the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Event of the Year Award in Saint John, New Brunswick on Nov. 3, at the Canada Tourism Leadership Summit.

"We're one of the finalists for a national award, so it would be really fantastic if we were the recipient of that award,” said Wendy Morrison, executive director for the Yukon Quest International Canada.

The Quest was nominated locally by the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon (TIA Yukon).

"Yukon Quest is an awesome event that deserves national acclaim,” said Sandy Hachey, executive director of TIA Yukon.

"The Quest was awarded the Creative Travel Media Implementation Award at our 2009 annual spring conference. We were proud to nominate them and are ecstatic that they have been named one of three finalists.”

Also nominated were Folklorama in Winnipeg, an annual cultural and folk event, and the Festival Western in Saint-Quentin, N.B., a cowboy and rodeo festival.

"There's a real diversity with the finalists for sure,” said Morrison.

But one thing the events all have in common, is they have all stood the test of time.

"They've all been around and been really long standing events,” said Morrison. "We're a long standing event, but we're also a northern event.”

Even if the Yukon Quest doesn't take the award home in November, Morrison won't be disappointed.

"There are thousands of great events put on every year, and just to be on the top three, (the recognition is huge),” she said.

Morrison says the award helps reinforce the commitment of the Quest's sponsors and volunteers.

"It's a real source of pride for all our supporters,” she said.

The 2010 Yukon Quest sets off in the new year from Fairbanks, Alaska on Feb. 6.

"We're excited to see what happens in November,” said Morrison.

Also coming up is the Annual Yukon Quest Birthday Party celebration on Oct. 16, at the Old Fire Hall, where there will be entertainment and a chance for the public to meet the Yukon Quest mushers.