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Blachford Lake Lodge

Blachford Lake Lodge

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Summer

Dec 10 2012

Fishing Gear

We suggest you bring light to medium weight spinning or casting equipment with 8-14 lb. test line for pike and trout. Walleye and whitefish are fun on ultralight gear (4-8 lb. test). We recommend 12-18″ ball bearing leaders for pike. In early June, all species are near the surface. From mid-July to late-September, lake trout are found at depths of 50 to 200 feet, while pike and walleye are in 10 to 25 feet of water.

Steel or lead core trolling line with a downrigger or ciscoes can be used for trout or you may prefer to drift fish over deep holes using 14 or 16 lb. test monofilament and “buzz bombs”. Pike and trout will also take small to large spoons: five of diamonds, Len Thompson, crocodiles and rainbow crocs, buzz bombs and other running lures, daredevils, rapallas and deep runner shadraps. For walleye and whitefish jigs, Rapallas and Mister Twisters give good results.

Pack a fly rod with seven weight line, an 8-12 lb. tippet or shock tippet, and 100 yards of backing for early season lake trout and hungry pike. The fly hatch for whitefish is usually late July or early August. Proven flies are: mayfly, caddis cased larvae, caddis nymph, caddis fly adult and gold ribbed hare’s ear. Northern pike will strike a mouse fly, frog fly and large leech. Lake trout will strike a Doc Sprately streamer and large sparkle streamer.

Barbless hooks are the law in the Northwest Territories – please plan to purchase lures that comply with this law, or be prepared to remove the barbs from your hooks! Our fish will thank you!

Written by newmedia2 · Categorized: Summer

Dec 10 2012

Fishing

Blachford Lake Lodge is the only settlement on 14 mile long  Blachford Lake. The lake boasts some big fish – 38 lb lake trout and 28 lb northern pike. We’ve been practicing catch and release fishing for more than 25 years, and our big ones are returned to the lake to grow some more. Anglers can try for pickerel in Magrum or Grace Lake, a short walk away.

Although we encourage catch and release, each boatload of anglers can keep two or three small fish for a traditional shore lunch, or they can bring them back to the lodge to be served at dinner.

Written by newmedia2 · Categorized: Summer

Dec 10 2012

Swimming

Yes, you can swim at Blachford Lake Lodge. On calm days, in the shallows, the lake is warm enough for swimming. Guests often swim by the wharf in front of the lodge, and bake in the warm sun on the smooth rock close by.

Bring your bathing suit, even if you don’t go for a swim, you will certainly enjoy the hot tub!

Written by newmedia2 · Categorized: Summer

Dec 10 2012

Canoeing and Kayaking

Our canoes and sea kayaks are always available for exploring Blachford Lake. As you silently travel in our northern wilderness, you can hear the calls and perhaps catch sight of loons. Graceful terns, gulls, bald eagles and rough legged hawks soar overhead. Ravens play in the air currents. You may surprise a beaver or young muskrats frolicking in the shallows, startle an otter, or catch a glimpse of a moose browsing the water’s edge.

Haul out on a sun-warmed rock for a siesta, or slip into the fresh, clear water for a swim. Before you go paddling, just let our staff know where you are going. They will fit you with a life jacket, or PFD, and we ask you to please wear it when you are out on the water.

Written by newmedia2 · Categorized: Summer

Dec 10 2012

Hiking

Hikers, walkers and nature enthusiasts alike enjoy our nature trails, in both summer and autumn. These well marked two and four kilometer trails offer views of some of our unique geology, northern plant life and occasionally, our wildlife. The trails lead to a pond created by beavers, and offer views of Long Lake and Blachford Lake. There’s a tiny waterfall at Long Lake.

Visitors often pause along the way to take photos, or sketch the scenery and details of the northern landscape. Each season has its pleasures, and in the long days of northern summer, the landscape and flora change almost daily. There’s good reference for what you have discovered in our northern library, in the main lodge.

Documents:
Blachford Trail Map
Insert Images:

Written by newmedia2 · Categorized: Summer

Footer

@Blachford_LL Instagram

Dreaming of late summer Aurora filled skies💚
* * *
📸 @aarontino
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis  #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
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•
Follow

Dreaming of late summer Aurora filled skies💚
* * *
📸 @aarontino
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth

3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Every day in nature is a good day 🌲 ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #sunnyday #midnightsun #summerdays #treetops #trees #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #woods #booknow #summerfun #flashback #hikes #hiking #summer #relaxation #views
blachford_ll
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•
Follow

Every day in nature is a good day 🌲 ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #sunnyday #midnightsun #summerdays #treetops #trees #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #woods #booknow #summerfun #flashback #hikes #hiking #summer #relaxation #views

1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Feeling like a sup kinda summer ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Feeling like a sup kinda summer ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views

2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Another day, another gorgeous sky💚
* * *
📸 @aarontino
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis  #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Another day, another gorgeous sky💚
* * *
📸 @aarontino
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth

2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Beautiful sunny days call for beautiful paddles on the lake 🛶 ☀️
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #hottub #summer #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation  #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Beautiful sunny days call for beautiful paddles on the lake 🛶 ☀️
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #hottub #summer #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #northern #truenorth

2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Did you know ❕the only way to get to the lodge in the summer is on a float plane ✈️ Blachford Lake Lodge is 100km away from the city of Yellowknife. 💛 There are no roads to Blachford - so all of our lucky guests get to experience a fun bush plane experience to get to us 🌲
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #hottub #summer #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation  #northern #truenorth #avgeek
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Did you know ❕the only way to get to the lodge in the summer is on a float plane ✈️ Blachford Lake Lodge is 100km away from the city of Yellowknife. 💛 There are no roads to Blachford – so all of our lucky guests get to experience a fun bush plane experience to get to us 🌲
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #hottub #summer #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #northern #truenorth #avgeek

3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Hot tub time!
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #hottub #summer #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation  #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Hot tub time!
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #hottub #summer #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #northern #truenorth

3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Days on the lake are always better with friends 🛶 ☀️
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #flowers #garden #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation  #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Days on the lake are always better with friends 🛶 ☀️
* * *
📸 @ryanpyle & @explorecanada
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #flowers #garden #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #northern #truenorth

3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Welcome, June! We’ve been waiting for you! ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #flowers #garden #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation  #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Welcome, June! We’ve been waiting for you! ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #flowers #garden #north #natgeotravel #auroralodge #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #northern #truenorth

4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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FAQ

 
Q: Does that mean I can see Aurora all summer?

A: 
Not quite. From May through the beginning of August, we have 24 hours of light, so the Aurora are not visible.

 

Q: Is there wifi available on site?


A: 
Surprisingly, yes! While your cell phone won't work (sorry, not sorry!) - we do have wifi that comes in via satellite. Each guest is provided with 250 MB/day of internet free of charge.

 

Q: What is your fishing policy?


A: We actively encourage a barbless "catch & release" program. However, a few small fish can be kept for a "shore" lunch or be brought back to the lodge for our chef to prepare.

 
Q: Is it guaranteed I will see Aurora, or catch the biggest fish?

A: 
Sorry, we can't guarantee anything... but we will try our best! The NWT is scientifically the best place in the world for Aurora viewing, so you've picked the right place. The science behind the Aurora says that if you stay for 3 nights minimum, you have around a 90% chance of getting a special lights show.

 

Q: Do you provide transportation from Yellowknife Airport to the Air Charter Base?


A: We can arrange transportation for you. We can also arrange for tours and hotel or B & B accommodations in Yellowknife. Air charter flights depart from a float plane base on the shores of Great Slave Lake.

 

Q: What amenities do you have at Blachford?


A: In addition to northern wilderness, clear lake water, miles of trails, cozy accommodations and sumptuous meals, we offer: hot tub, tipi, aurora viewing room, fireplace, full bar service, full washroom facilities with hot showers, toiletries, hairdryers, and daily housekeeping service.

 

Q: What is my baggage allowance? 


A: 
Each guest is allowed one large bag (up to 40 lbs), and one smaller "carry on style" bag (around 8 lbs).

 

Q: Do I require insurance to visit?


A: 
While it is not exactly mandatory, we 100% recommend that all guests have emergency medical insurance while visiting us. Please remember you're travelling into the true wilderness!

 

Q: How big is the aircraft that goes to the lodge?


A: 
Typically, you will fly on a Twin Otter. At times, you may however, have the opportunity to fly on a Cessna, Beaver, or Caravan. All are considered "bush planes". They are all very safe, and flown by experienced pilots. If you're feeling a bit nervous, feel free to bring your own water bottle or ginger tablets with you.

 

Q: How crowded does Blachford Lake get in the busy season?


A: We are the only lodge on 17 km long Blachford Lake. There is no road access here, so you are unlikely to meet anyone other than your fellow lodge guests during your stay. The peace and quiet will be one of your best memories of your Blachford trip.

 
Q: How long has Blachford Lake Lodge been in business?

A: We have been in operation since 1981. Blachford is owner-operated with the owner and most of the staff residents in Yellowknife.
 
Q: When are you in operation?

A: We are open from mid-December through mid-April, and from June to mid-October. We are closed a few weeks in autumn, while the lake freezes and in spring when the lake thaws.

 

Q: I assume there is a liability waiver to sign, is this correct?


A: 
Yes. During the booking process, each traveller will be required to complete a waiver and sign off on our Terms & Conditions. This is mandatory for all guests and must be completed prior to arrival in Yellowknife.

 

Q: When and from where will my charter flight depart?


A: 
We will inform you via email approximately 4 weeks prior to your scheduled departure. There are a number of factors that will determine where you depart from, so thank you for your patience!

 

Q: Can you prepare vegetarian or special dietary meals?


A: Definitely. Please, advise us of your special needs prior to your arrival.

 

Q: How do we arrange guide service?


A: Guide service is available for all guests. Ask our office staff before you arrive. We do require pre-booking of guides to ensure that your needs are accommodated.

 

Q: What do you have in the way of outdoor activities?


A: Summer activities include fishing, SUP boarding, hiking, canoe/kayaking, swimming, motor boating, interpretive tours, bird watching, plant and animal identification. Winter activities include cross-country skiing (20 km groomed trails), snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, fat tire biking, igloo building, kick sledding, quinzhee or igloo building.

 

Q: Is alcohol available to purchase at the lodge?

A: Yes. We have a fully stocked bar on site.

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