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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

Autumn Aurora Packages

Autumn Aurora

Aurora watchers and stargazers agree there are few better places to see the Aurora than Blachford Lake Lodge. From mid-August, when night skies turn a velvety black to late October when the lake begins to freeze, Blachford guests can be treated to late night shows of the northern lights. On calm nights the lake also reflects the sky, doubling the awe-inspiring images.  Autumn is a great time to sit outside in comfort and just lean back and enjoy the show.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend a minimum three-night stay at the lodge to maximize your chances of a beautiful aurora show. We provide daily forecasts of the intensity of the anticipated show, based on several sources including NASA, and our own local astronomynorth.com.

Image provided by Nick Fitzhardinge
2023 Fall Packages
3 nights (Sunday to Wednesday)$1,980
4 nights (Wednesday to Sunday)$2,310
7 nights (starting Sunday or Wednesday)$2,970
*** there is a $198 per person fuel surcharge on 2023 bookings ***
2024 Fall Packages
3 nights (Sunday to Wednesday)$2,575
4 nights (Wednesday to Sunday)$3,000
7 nights (starting Sunday or Wednesday)$3,860

Included:

Housekeeping 

Welcome orientation

All meals

All snacks

Coffee, tea, juice

Use of hot tub and sauna

Handicraft workshops in the lodge

Yoga equipment for personal use 

Access to some of the best Aurora viewing in the world

High speed wireless internet (basic package of 250 MB/day provided for each guest – additional use is an extra cost)

Flightseeing charter Yellowknife – Blachford – Yellowknife

Lodge or cabin accommodation

Introduction and hints about aurora photography

Aurora Watch service

Two hour interpretive experience each day

Use of Lodge Facilities: Dining room, Aurora lounge, fireplaces, northern library, bathrooms with showers, basins and toilets, hot tub, sauna, open decks

Comprehensive pre-departure information 

Use of seasonal equipment (canoes, SUP, fat tire bike, kayaks, hiking trails, fishing excursion, motorized boat) 

Not included:

Items of a personal nature

Travel insurance

Alcoholic beverages from licensed bar

Please Note:

All rates are per person and are quoted in Canadian dollars. Please add 5% Goods and Services Tax and 10% gratuities.

Single supplement requests (private, single occupancy) add 25% to the package rate

Please double check with our office for availability prior to booking your flights in/out of your home city and Yellowknife.

All guests will be required to sign a liability waiver when booking. 

While it is not mandatory, we 100% recommend all guests ensure they have emergency medical coverage prior to visiting the lodge.

Flights

When booking your flights in/out of Yellowknife please ensure that you arrive into Yellowknife prior to 09:00am on your day of departure to the lodge.

Flights from the lodge to Yellowknife will have you back in the city around 12pm. Check with our reservations staff prior to booking any flights, as flight times are all subject to change.

Optional Extras

Guided FishingPrice Per Person
2 hours per personIncluded in package
Half Day (4 hours) per person$175
Full Day (8 hours) per person$265

Fishing licenses have to be purchased in Yellowknife, prior to departure to Blachford Lake Lodge.
For more information click HERE.   

Please Note:

All rates are per person and are quoted in Canadian dollars. Please add 5% Goods and Services Tax and 10% gratuities.

Single supplement requests (private, single occupancy) add 25% to the package rate

Please double check with our office for availability prior to booking your flights in/out of your home city and Yellowknife.

All guests will be required to sign a liability waiver when booking. 

While it is not mandatory, we 100% recommend all guests ensure they have emergency medical coverage prior to visiting the lodge.

Not exactly what you’re looking for? Contact us for more information!

Image provided by Nick Fitzhardinge

Weather

Weather conditions can delay air charter departures. Blachford Lake Lodge will do its utmost to accommodate clients. However, weather conditions are beyond our control and therefore we cannot be responsible for additional costs incurred by guests.

Please be aware that the Aurora does not appear every night, even when the sky is clear, and it also cannot be seen through cloud. We cannot therefore guarantee Aurora sightings at any time, including on New Moon Aurora dates.

Flights

When booking your flights in/out of Yellowknife please ensure that you arrive into Yellowknife prior to 09:00am on your day of departure to the lodge. 

Flights from Yellowknife to the lodge depart at 10am. Flights from the lodge to Yellowknife will have you back in the city around 11am.

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Deposits

A deposit of 30% the total price is required
to confirm your booking.

A deposit of 50% the total price is required
to confirm a booking for groups of 8 or more.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and cash payment.



Final Payments

Balance is due 45 days prior to arrival date.



Cancellation Policy

Deposit is refundable until 45 days prior to arrival,
except for an administration fee of 10% of the deposit.

44-15 days prior to arrival – deposit
and 50% of balance is non refundable.

14-0 days prior to arrival 100% is non refundable.

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FAQ

 

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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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.

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