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Blachford Lake Lodge

Blachford Lake Lodge

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        • What to Bring: Summer & Autumn
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        • What to Bring: Winter
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What to Bring: Summer & Autumn

Blachford Lake Lodge Summer Wardrobe

Summer temperatures range from 50 to 90 degrees F, or about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.  The style is casual at the lodge, jeans and sports shirts are quite acceptable.  Plan on bringing some layers to account for changes in temperature. We recommend packing the following:

Long pants

Shorts

Sweater

Sun hat

Camera and chargers, extra batteries

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Warm jacket

Light gloves

Rain gear

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

Slippers (for inside the lodge)

Personal toiletries

Mosquito repellant or bug jacket

Reusable water bottle

Blachford Lake Lodge provides towels and bathrobes, shampoo, conditioner and soap in the showers and washrooms. There is a strict limit of 40 lbs per passenger on flights to the lodge. If you must carry more, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements for excess baggage.

Blachford Lake Lodge Autumn Wardrobe

Image provided by Nick Fitzhardinge

Dress at Blachford Lake Lodge is casual. Bring a pair of slippers to wear in the Lodge, otherwise standard autumn wear is appropriate for temperatures that range from 5 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius, or about 40 to 70 degrees F. Pack a pair of trousers, a sweater and a warm windbreaker, hat, gloves and good walking shoes or hiking boots. This is one of the best times of the year at Blachford – the mosquitoes have largely disappeared, and yet it is warm enough to enjoy the outdoors without a winter layer. Bring your toiletries, however Blachford supplies towels, a bathrobe and soap, shampoo and conditioner, Don’t forget your camera! The lodge has a small store with emergency stocks of toothpaste, deodorant and feminine hygiene supplies.

There is a strict limit of 40 lbs per passenger on flights to the lodge. If you must carry more, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements for excess baggage.

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FAQ

 

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: 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: 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 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 alcohol available to purchase at the lodge?

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

 

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: 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: 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 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 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: 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: 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.

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