This community of 50 North Slavey Dene, just north of the Arctic Circle on the southeast shore of Colville Lake, was established in 1962 when a Roman Catholic mission was built. It is the territories’ only community built entirely from logs.
The largest building is the church, which supports a bell weighing 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds). The mission was built by Father Bern Will Brown, who has now left the church and is one of the north’s most respected artists. His paintings, which depict the lifestyle of Northerners, are in demand across North America.
Brown is also the host at Colville Lake Lodge (867/709-2500), which combines log cabin accommodation with excellent fishing for lake trout, arctic grayling, northern pike, whitefish, and inconnu, with a small museum highlighting life in the north. The lodge also has an art gallery, boat and canoe rentals, and common kitchen facilities.