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Blachford Lake Lodge

Blachford Lake Lodge

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      • Summer & Autumn Activities
        • What to Bring: Summer & Autumn
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      • Winter Activities
        • What to Bring: Winter
        • Wildlife & Nature
        • Snowmobiling Canada’s Northern Wilderness
  • Packages
    • Winter & Spring Aurora Packages
    • Autumn Aurora Packages
    • Summer Fishing Packages
    • Christmas & New Year
    • Special Events

About Us

Welcome to Blachford Lake Lodge, your home away from home in the serene, Canadian north. Blachford Lake Lodge is located in the rugged wilderness of Northern Canada, in superb Aurora-watching country. Perched on a rock knoll overlooking Blachford Lake, it is a half-hour bush-plane from the city of Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. 

Blachford Lake Lodge is located on Chief Drygeese territory, the traditional land of Yellowknives Dene First Nation Akaitcho, Treaty 8 territory.

Many miles from roads, or national suppliers of electricity and water, our lodge nonetheless provides many of the benefits of a luxury hotel, with the priceless addition of a pristine wilderness environment, unpolluted by artificial light or noise, the perfect setting for watching the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights). 

Look around, and take your time. We’ve got a lot of information for you here. From tips on getting to/from Yellowknife (your gateway to Blachford Lake Lodge), to your accommodation options, and more, we keep our website up to date with everything you need to know and more about visiting Blachford.

Autumn & Summer Aurora packages and pricing, click here.

Winter & Spring packages and pricing, click here.


 


                  Environmental Initiatives

                  Our Goal:

                  To live environmentally and sustainably on the land.

                  Achievements

                  We are the most energy efficient lodge in the north  

                  Renewable energy accounts for 62% of our total energy use  

                  Since 2013 we have cut our fuel usage by more than half  

                  Conserving our Freshwater

                  We purify our drinking water

                  We try to use phosphate free products, to prevent growth of algae in our waterways

                  We maintain a garden and greenhouses that produce fresh vegetables for our guests

                  We offer fair trade organic coffee

                  Saving Fish Stock

                  Blachford Lake Lodge is committed to maintaining a healthy stock of fish, and to achieve this we have initiated a fish management program which involves the use of barbless hooks and fish gloves, and a catch and release protocol.

                  Guest Encouragement

                  We encourage our guests to conserve energy and water by turning off the tap when washing, brushing their teeth and shaving.

                  We encourage short showers

                  We encourage our guests to hang their towels outside as well

                  We offer fair trade organic coffee

                  Recycling

                  We use 80% recycled plastic garbage bags

                  We use 100% recycled paper, and products whitened without bleach. This includes table napkins, coffee filters, paper towels, facial tissue and bathroom tissue

                  We compost leftover fruits, vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds and use it in our greenhouse and vegetable garden

                  Our compost is used for natural flower and shrub gardens

                  We recycle paper, and newspaper is reused as fire starter for lodge woodstoves.

                  We use refillable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and body wash, hand soap and pre-wash dish detergent

                  We provide recycling bins in all cabins and lodge rooms, and we ship recyclable and non recyclable cans, bottles, boxes and cardboard to Yellowknife where they are recycled or sent to landfill.

                  Laundry and Dishwashing

                  We utilize only “Clivus Multrum” and “SunMar” composting toilets to reduce fresh water use and eliminate potential water contamination

                  Grey water is processed through two settling tanks and a leaching pit well away from the lake

                  Wherever possible we utilize products with low impact and that prevent growth of algae in our waterways:  

                  We use fabric softener created without phosphates, perfumes, dyes or enzymes 

                  We use oxygenated bleach, formulated without chlorine 

                  Our pre-washing dish detergent is biodegradable and phosphate free 

                  We use vinegar as a biodegradable cleaning product for windows and mirrors   

                  Low Carbon Footprint

                  We continue to expand and improve our microgrid, which now contains 14.5kW Solar and 1 kW of Wind power generation, 183 kWh of battery storage, and a Tier-4 diesel back-up generator.

                  We utilize wood pellets and cordwood to provide a majority of space and water hearting in both the cabins and the lodge, utilizing individual wood stoves and a WoodMaster boiler.

                  All personal vehicles, including motorboats, snow machines, and quads are fitted with efficient, low emission, 4-stroke motors.

                  We source locally whenever possible to avoid emissions from flights, including using local cordwood and maintaining a garden and greenhouses to produce fresh vegetables for our guests.

                  We use high-efficiency appliances, and low wattage fluorescent lights.

                  We turn off lights and electrical equipment when not in use.

                  We use cold water wash for laundry and in summer we hang our sheets out to dry. 

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                  FAQ

                   

                  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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Is alcohol available to purchase at the lodge?

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

                   

                  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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Can you prepare vegetarian or special dietary meals?


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

                   

                  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: 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: 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: 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).

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