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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: Winter

Please also note that all guests have to be dressed in full winter gear for the flight to the lodge. This is not simply a recommendation, but a requirement of the air charter companies we use. If you are not adequately dressed, you may not be allowed onto the flight.

Many of our guests believe that the clothes they wear to go skiing, or to visit Antarctica will be adequate for their stay at Blachford. In our experience this is simply not the case. Temperatures range from around minus 20 Celsius to minus 40 from December to March – plus wind chill. That’s just below zero F to 40 below. The apparent air temperature can fluctuate significantly, depending on whether it is calm or windy. Don’t let the temperature intimidate you though! Since it’s a dry cold, if you dress properly, you will be quite comfortable.

To deal with these temperatures, especially when watching the aurora so not moving vigorously,  you need the following outer layers:

A heavy, insulated, windproof parka, preferably down filled, with a hood*

Insulated snow pants*

Thick mittens, large enough to fit over thinner gloves (any kind of gloves will NOT keep you warm enough)*

Boots with a removable felt lining*

Winter gear rentals are available through us. We ask that you pre-arrange your rentals. Hotel delivery and pick up within Yellowknife is also available. Please contact us for a quote for your group.

“I’m so grateful I hired your boots! I was convinced mine would be fine but now realise that wearing them, I could not have stood on the lake watching the aurora without my feet turning to ice.”  Jean – Toronto, Canada

“I thought I understood cold, working in the meat industry and spending a fair bit of time standing around in a freezer. But nothing can prepare you for 40 below!”  Doug – Australia

The above, together with a toque and neck warmer, can be rented from us for your stay, to save you buying clothes you may not use again or do not want to carry north. Clothing needs to be booked in advance so that we have your size and can meet you at the airbase ready with the right gear for you. 

Other things to bring

Moisture wicking top/base layers

Warm & comfy top and bottom layers (ie. fleece jacket, pants, tights, etc.)

Comfy clothing for lounging at the lodge – we’re very casual!

Slippers (we also have Crocs at the lodge)

Thermos

Day pack

Sunglasses

Ski goggles

Binoculars

Headlamp or flashlight

Toque

Scarf, neck-warmer, or balaclava

A good book (every travelers must-have!)

Bathing suit

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Moisturizer

Hand/foot warmers

Travel stories for your travel-mates

Extra batteries for your camera

Lined mitts, with outer wind protection

Keep In Mind:

Dress in layers that you can remove and put on again quickly

All clothing should be loose enough to allow the full range of movement.

Do NOT wear cotton which absorbs moisture. Woollen, silk and/or synthetic materials that wick moisture away from the skin are best.

Your boots should be large enough to move your toes, and to accommodate two pairs of socks (and chemical warmers if you use them). We recommend a thin or medium weight (non-cotton) sock next to the skin with a thick wool / wool-mix sock on top. Ensure that you remove your boots’ liners every evening; they will have absorbed sweat during the day and need to dry overnight.

If you have any questions about what to bring, or wish to rent our clothing, please let us know in advance of your stay. We are very happy to advise. Your safety and comfort are our priority for a great stay at Blachford.

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FAQ

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

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

 

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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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