Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (Nov 05/99) - Judi and Olav Falsnes say they've cultivated a business that reflects their varied backgrounds and experiences -- the Arctic Chalet Bed & Breakfast.

Hailing from Lillehammer, Norway, Olav said he first left home in his early 20s in 1965 to see the world. As for Judi, the daughter of American missionaries, she was born in Switzerland and raised in South America. She said that while many people still consider her an American, she's spent half her life in Canada and that it was in Winnipeg that she first met Olav.

"I've now lived longer in Inuvik than any other place I've been," she said.

Inuvik's been good for the Falsneses. Judi said it was on the foundation of their parent business, Krystal Klean, that the Arctic Chalet and was born five years ago and Delta Auto Rentals later added. The couple have also raised four children here, and their son, Karl, co-owns the latest project, Arctic Wings air charter, along with his father.

All of those influences show up at the chalet, which has expanded from offering two rooms in 1994 to the current total of 10, including self-contained cabin units and an ongoing dining- room extension.

"Inuvik just seemed like the ideal place for it and there was a need for it," said Olav. "Ultimately, we just said let's go for it."

Olav said the architecture of the chalet represents that of his native Scandinavia, and that the atmosphere is that of a Swiss retreat but with all the trappings of the Arctic. Furs hang from the rafters of the chalet living room and Northern prints by artists like Bern Will Brown grace the walls and are also available for sale. Perhaps most representative of the living North, however, are the Falsneses' teams of white huskies, originally acquired from Colville Lake.

"We've been selectively breeding them for 10 years," said Judi. "(We've) had orders for dogs from all over the world: South Africa, Europe, California and Newfoundland and there's one in Austria that's being used as a sled dog."

Judi said the dogs are naturally also a big draw for visitors, who get the chance to learn to drive a small team around the chalet's system of trails. The Falsneses said they try to provide their guests with lots of outdoor options, ranging from canoeing in the summer to skiing in winter and they also help organize day trips and excursions.

"Eventually, we want to operate on the level of a small resort," said Judi. "Families can base here and we can give them a whole variety of information on things to do -- people are getting tired of the usual places like Banff and Jasper and having to wait in line to climb mountains."

The couple said the chalet will only continue to get more popular, as they also seek to attract business travellers and locals looking for a weekend getaway. They had words of concern, however, over the town's participation in luring tourists North.

"My only concern is the town not doing enough to keep Inuvik clean," said Judi, while Olav added, "The tourists are always commenting on how they can't believe how dirty the place is -- it shouldn't be that difficult to keep at least Mackenzie Road looking good."

Lastly, the Falsneses said they're also doing their bit for a healthier Inuvik. The chalet has been non-smoking (except for porches) since it opened, proving that the Cafe Gallery isn't the only non-smoking game in town.