Deline, with a population of just over 500, is a Dene community on the western shore of Great Bear Lake. In fact, it’s the only community on the shores of Great Bear Lake, the largest lake entirely in Canada. Formerly known as “Fort Franklin,” Deline served as the winter quarters for Sir John Franklin’s second Arctic expedition, and according to his diaries, his men were known to take up a game on the ice that sounds strikingly similar to hockey. For this reason, Deline is considered one of the birthplaces of ice hockey. In 1993, Deline reclaimed its traditional name which translates to “Where the Waters Flow,” in reference to the headwaters of Great Bear River. Here’s how to experience the wonder of this traditional Sahtu community.
