Colville Lake

Colville Lake is a small settlement in the Northwest Territories located north of the Arctic Circle on the shores of a lake. Black spruce forests and Arctic vegetation surround the area, defining the character of this remote community.

A Catholic mission was established here in 1962, marking the beginning of organized settlement in an area long inhabited by Hareskin Dene. This religious institution became a focal point for community development.

The Sahtu Dene people form the heart of this settlement and shape daily life through their traditions and deep connection to the land. The Behdzi Ahda First Nation guides community decisions and maintains cultural practices.

The Tommy Kochon Aerodrome is the main connection to other communities, linking residents to Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells by air. A seasonal winter road provides ground access during most of the year.

The settlement uses solar panels for power generation, an innovative approach in this northern region. A museum, art gallery, and fishing lodge near the former mission site offer visitors insight into local life and heritage.

Location: Region 2, Northwest Territories

Inception: November 30, 1995

Elevation above the sea: 259 m

GPS coordinates: 67.03830,-126.09200

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:20