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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
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    • Winter & Spring Aurora Packages
    • Autumn Aurora Packages
    • Summer Fishing Packages
    • Christmas & New Year
    • Special Events

Winter Activities

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.

Be sure to check the What to Bring page

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


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

 

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

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

 

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: 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 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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