Summer & Autumn Activities
Our brief summer is a magical time at Blachford Lake Lodge. The lake warms quickly, and all around the forest is bursting with new growth. You fly in to Blachford Lake from Yellowknife on a bush plane on floats. You’ll be greeted on the dock by our friendly staff, and shown to your accommodation. Then, explore the lodge facilities. Lounge on one of our decks, in or out of the sun. Pull up a deck chair on the rock overlooking the lake and keep an eye out for moose by the island. Paddle a canoe or a kayak and go eye to eye with loons. Try your luck at fishing or hike our nature trails. Our solar heated lake is often warm enough for swimming, too. It’s like summer camp without the rules.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Our canoes and sea kayaks are always available for exploring Blachford Lake. As you silently travel in our northern wilderness, you can hear the calls and perhaps catch sight of loons. Graceful terns, gulls, bald eagles and rough legged hawks soar overhead. Ravens play in the air currents. You may surprise a beaver or young muskrats frolicking in the shallows, startle an otter, or catch a glimpse of a moose browsing the water’s edge. Haul out on a sun-warmed rock for a siesta, or slip into the fresh, clear water for a swim. Before you go paddling, just let our staff know where you are going. They will fit you with a life jacket, or PFD, and we ask you to please wear it when you are out on the water.
Hiking
Hikers, walkers and nature enthusiasts alike enjoy our nature trails, in both summer and autumn. These well marked two and four kilometer trails offer views of some of our unique geology, northern plant life and occasionally, our wildlife. The trails lead to a pond created by beavers, and offer views of Long Lake and Blachford Lake. There’s a tiny waterfall at Long Lake. Visitors often pause along the way to take photos, or sketch the scenery and details of the northern landscape. Each season has its pleasures, and in the long days of northern summer, the landscape and flora change almost daily. There’s good reference for what you have discovered in our northern library, in the main lodge.
Swimming
Yes, you can swim at Blachford Lake Lodge. On calm days, in the shallows, the lake is warm enough for swimming. Guests often take a dip by the wharf in front of the lodge, and bake in the warm sun on the smooth rock close by. Bring your bathing suit, even if you don’t go for a swim, you will certainly enjoy the hot tub and sauna!
Bucket-List Experiences
Have you ever paddled a clear lake under the sun at midnight? Here’s your chance. Get out and enjoy the unique experience of basking under the midnight sun. Ask us about camping overnight on the Royal Island (no additional charge), try out fishing, and enjoy the fresh taste of a shore lunch on Blachford Lake.
Summer Activities
Included, but not limited to:
Canoeing
Kayaking
Swimming
Fishing
Hiking
Photography tips
Hot tub/sauna use
Camping experiences
SUP boarding
Bonfire building
Bird watching
Hand salve making
Dream catcher making
Use of boat and motor
Viewpoints for visual artists
*All activities are based on equipment, and subject to change based on availability, repairs, etc.
Autumn at Blachford
Late summer and fall is a great time to sit by a bonfire, listen to the loons, and watch the aurora being reflected in the water.
Explore the lake by boat, canoe, or kayak to see eagles, loon families and beaver dams. Fish for lake trout and pike and hike our nature trails.
You can see an old trapper’s cabin and an abundance of northern wildflowers and berries.