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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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        • What to Bring: Winter
        • Wildlife & Nature
        • Snowmobiling Canada’s Northern Wilderness
  • Packages
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    • Christmas & New Year
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Accommodations at Blachford

Your stay at the lodge

Blachford Lake Lodge was acquired in 1981 by the current owner, Canadian and long time Yellowknife-resident Mike Freeland, who has been committed throughout to conserving the area’s land, water and natural resources.  Comprising just one cabin initially, Mike has since added four more guest cabins and, in 1999, the custom-designed lodge, built from locally harvested spruce, and incorporating solar panels, The lodge building is oriented so that the roof overhang and half the windows face south. This provides shade in the summer and heat through the windows in the winter. A tour of the lodge facilities is part of your Blachford stay.

Our guest facilities include free wireless internet, hot tub, sauna, and Aurora-watch wake-up service.  Unusually for a remote lodge accessible from Yellowknife, our main building includes running hot water and showers, as well as comfortable hotel-style toilets. All facilities are shared in the main lodge (including showers for all guests). Cabins have private composting ensuite toilets and wash basins. These log cabins provide a special blend of comfort and adventure, taking you back to the days of the fur-trappers, European pioneers and indigenous peoples who helped make northern Canada the vibrant, yet still timeless place that it is today.

Your visit to Blachford begins with thrilling step back into Canada’s history: a 20-minute bush-plane flight from Yellowknife, landing on Blachford Lake, in an aircraft equipped with skis in winter, or floats in the summer. Read about the exciting bush-plane flight from Yellowknife.

Sip coffee by the fire place or read a book by the window as the snow falls around you. The rooms and lodge at Blachford are comfortable and cozy year-round.

Our Five Cabins

Old Trappers

Our original cabin – has been updated since it was built in the 1940’s, but it is where Blachford began. With large windows and lovely views over the lake, this is one of our most requested cabins! Old Trappers features a double bed and two twin bunks.

The Point

Maybe we should re-name this cabin “The Honeymooner”! It’s got a great view over Blachford Lake, and is big enough for a family, with one double bed on the main floor, and one double and one twin bed in the loft upstairs.

Beaver Lodge

Beaver Lodge is a staff favourite cabin. One of our cozy two level cabins, it features one double bed on the main floor, and one double and one twin bed in the loft upstairs.

Raven’s Roost

A duplex cabin with Eagle’s Nest, Raven’s features one double bed and one twin bunk bed. It is one of the cabins closest to the main lodge.

Eagle’s Nest

A duplex cabin with Raven’s Roost, Eagle’s is quite large with two double bunk beds inside. It’s got a great view over the lake, and is one of the cabins closest to the main lodge.

All cabins feature

Pillow top mattresses & down duvets

Large windows for aurora viewing

Electrical outlets

Wood burning stoves for heat

En suite toilet and wash basin

Wifi access

Our Five Lodge Rooms

Sunset 1

A great room for families, featuring one double bed and one twin bed, Sunset 1 also features a twin bed in a loft – a favourite for many kids who visit the lodge. With large windows, this room faces onto the back bay of the lake, and gets an absolutely spectacular view of each sunset.

Sunset 2

A great room for families, and very similar to Sunset 1, featuring one double bed and one twin bed, Sunset 2 also features a twin bed in a loft – a favourite for many kids who visit the lodge. With large windows, this room faces onto the back bay of the lake, and gets an absolutely spectacular view of each sunset.

Sunset 3

A great room for families, and very similar to Sunset 1, this room also features one double bed and one twin bed, Sunset 3 also features a twin bed in a loft – a favourite for many kids who visit the lodge. With large windows, this room faces onto the back bay of the lake, and gets an absolutely spectacular view of each sunset.

Sunrise 1

Another staff favourite lodge room, it is one of the larger lodge rooms with lots of big windows, facing over the lake. Sunrise 1 has two double beds and can be fitted with an additional twin bed on request.

Sunrise 2

Perhaps our most requested lodge room, Sunrise 2 is the room where Prince William & Catherine, the Dutchess of Cambridge spent time when they were at the lodge. It has beautiful big windows and a wonderful view over the lake. Sunrise 2 has two double beds and can be fitted with an additional twin bed on request.

All lodge rooms feature

Pillow top mattresses & down duvets

Large windows for aurora viewing

Electrical outlets

In room thermostat

Wifi access

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FAQ

 
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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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.

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


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

 

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!

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