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Blachford Lake Lodge

Blachford Lake Lodge

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Snowmobiling Canada’s Northern Wilderness

On one of our snowmobile tours, Canada’s history and landscape are all yours, breathtaking in their raw, remote beauty.   

Our long track snowmobiles are designed to take you extended distances, over routes it would take days or even weeks to cover in summer. Take advantage of the snow and frozen water to let the machine make short work of crossing lakes and ‘portages’ – areas of land where in summer all gear, including canoes, must be carried between areas of open water.

We have a range of guided tours, from an easy two hour ride, to a full day that covers almost 100km. Get a sense of the life lived by the North’s Dene (aboriginal inhabitants) pioneering trappers and miners. See the power and beauty of Nature on the icy expanse of Great Slave Lake, a body of water almost the size of Switzerland. Visit waterfalls that still flow, even when the air temperature is -40°C. Learn how the Dene have caught fish for millennia, beneath ice more than a meter thick.

You will be fitted with a helmet and warm clothing, and depending on your wishes and experience, the size of the party and distance to be travelled, you will be a driver or passenger on one of our 4-stroke Scandia 600 long track machines.

This is a list of exciting guided experiences that we may offer by snowmobile. Pending on site at Blachford weather, ice and overflow conditions and other conditions beyond our control we may, or may not be able to, or decide to offer these experiences. Safety and comfort of our guests is all important.

Guided snowmobile tours from the lodge 

We offer tours from basic instruction, to multi day adventures from the lodge. While you don’t have to pre-book these snowmobile tours, we ask that you kindly inform us if you’re interested!

Guided Snowmobile Tours 
1) Taste of Touring (5 km)$140
2) Whiteman Loop (10 km)$200
3) Whiteman Trail and Tea & Cookies Tour (20 km)$275
4) Ice Pressure Ridges on Great Slave Lake (32 km)$290
5) Watta Lake – Grace Lake Tent Frames (37 km)$400
6) Overnight Snowmobile Tour (per day)$750
Prices listed are for self-driving tours. Passengers (non drivers) are 50% off of the listed prices.  

  Include: guide, helmet with visor or goggles, gas and oil, operating instructions. 

Taste of Touring – 5 km ride $140

Hop on your snowmobile and learn the basics as we glide over Blachford Lake Lodge and you learn how to operate a snowmobile for the first time!

Whiteman Loop – 10 km ride $200

This easy route follows a series of three small lakes and bush trails joining Blachford and Long Lakes, and back to the lodge. Included in this trip is experiencing the site of the Cadieux family’s old cabin on the Francois river system.

Whiteman Trail and Tea & Cookies Tour – 20 km ride $275

Travel to a different lake, with new wildlife tracks, an old tent frame and beautiful views. Here, you’ll be served a hot lunch on the land as you enjoy the lockout from this tent frame on the Francois river system. 

Ice Pressure Ridges on Great Slave Lake – 32 km $290

A pleasant winding trail heads from the lodge at Blachford to Thor Lake, a rare mineral exploration camp. From there you head south on bush trails and join an old mine access road to overlook the East Arm of mighty Great Slave Lake and Blanchet Island, 10 miles to the south. Then wind down a trail to the lake itself, to see close-up how the constant pressure of wind, currents and moon can create cracks on the surface and throw up blocks and ridges of ice. Explore the cliffs rising from the lake shores.

Watta Lake – Grace Lake Tent Frames – 37 km $400

Travel the lakes around Blachford, including Whiteman, Long, Watta and Hearne Lakes, and as you drive the portages between them, imagine carrying all your gear if you were doing the trip in  summer by canoe! If the weather permits, you can see open water rapids on Francois River before crossing beaver ponds and travelling across more lakes and portages to visit a waterfall on the Beaulieu River (weather conditions allowing): this is open year round – even at 40°C below! Over lunch around a warming camp fire, wonder what it was like to live out here more than half a century ago, before heading back to the comfort of the hot tub at Blachford Lake Lodge.

Overnight Snowmobile Tour (per day) – $750

Stay at a traditional tent frame on the land! This tour can be catered to your preferences and where you’d like to go. If you’d like, you can combine one of our snowmobile routes above with this tour. Please discuss with your on site guide the logistics of this tour. You must be an experienced rider to take this tour. 

Please note, all snowmobile tours are condition/weather dependent. We reserve the right to change the routing at any time. Rides over 3 hours are for experienced riders only. Costs listed are for DRIVERS only. RIDERS can enjoy a 50% discount on the listed rates.

Snowmobiling to Blachford

Are you a local Yellowknife resident, and wish to travel to Blachford on your own or rental snowmachine? Please contact our office for availability and current rates.

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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: Can you prepare vegetarian or special dietary meals?


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

 

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

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

 

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

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