Winter Activities
Aurora watching may be top of the list for many of our winter guests, but there is plenty to keep you busy during the daytime too.
You’ll feel like a kid again, surrounded by sparkling white snow. Beneath your feet is lake ice you can see through, yet strong enough to land the bush-plane from Yellowknife. Let our staff pamper you with terrific meals and a choice of winter activities designed just for you. Everyone loves “Tire sur la neige” – delicious maple syrup served on fresh snow beside the lodge.
We have a large collection of skis and boots, skates, and snowshoes for our guests. Just ask the staff, who will help you find your size and set you on your way. Travel on your own, or with a guide, at your own pace: you decide whether it’s a vigorous work-out or a gentle amble skiers and snowshoers can follow marked nature trails, watching for wildlife tracks: foxes, ptarmigan, ravens, lynx, rabbits and more. Join us on Blachford Lake’s ice rink, where you can skate just for fun, or join a pick-up game of pond hockey. It’s a Canadian tradition on a crisp winter afternoon. Blachford Lake fish are lazy this time of year, but they still like to eat, so try your luck at ice fishing – jigging through a hole drilled through the meter-thick ice. Perhaps your lure will bring you luck.
And each evening, if the weather obliges you’ll have the chance to marvel at the northern lights. Choose one of our viewing decks, the hot tub with the million dollar view, or the huge Aurora-watching windows in the main lodge.
Only a romantic would choose to spend a night out in mid-winter. Blachford Lake Lodge caters to romantics with a guided trip to our prospector’s camp where you can relax with a companion in a heated tent by a cosy wood fire, with drinks of your choice. You’ll be safe in the wilderness, with your guide just calling distance away.
Snowmobile Touring
Snowmobile touring is available for all levels of enthusiasts. From beginner lessons, to long trails and overnight adventures; visit our snowmobile tour page for more information.
Cross Country Skiing
Glide over frozen lakes and trails as you watch the serene wilderness landscapes surrounding you. This unique setting is perfect for beginners, and cross country skiing enthusiasts. With endless kilometers of groomed and ungroomed trails – you have the opportunity to ski to your heart’s content.
Snowshoeing
This iconic winter tradition is the perfect activity for almost any winter weather conditions. Snowshoe under the northern lights on the frozen lake, or take the trails through the marked paths surrounding the lodge.
Igloo Building
Are you looking to try something unique and challenging?
Try building an igloo! Perfect for all ages, this opportunity is available from approximately February 10-March 20 (snow conditions must be right). The igloo is a traditional Inuit structure that is still used today by hunters and gatherers in the far north!
Bucket List Experiences
We know most of our guests come with high hopes of seeing the Northern Lights. Get out your camera, your thermos, and head out to one of our many viewpoints to take in one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful events. Want to try winter camping? Overnight in an igloo? If you have a bucket list experience that you would like to try at Blachford Lake Lodge – let us know! We will be happy to arrange it for you.
Additional Activities
Included, but not limited to:
Cross country skiing
Snowshoeing
Winter hiking
Bonfires
Ice fishing
Hot tub/sauna enjoyment
Viewpoints for all visual artists
Snowmobiling (additional cost)
Fat tire biking
Aurora viewing
Photography tips
Hand salve making
Wildlife tracks
Skating/hockey
Igloo building
Winter camping
*All activities are based on equipment, and subject to change based on availability, repairs, etc.
