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Blachford Lake Lodge

Blachford Lake Lodge

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Wildlife & Nature: Summer

Summer at Blachford is a rushed time of growth and renewal in the northern landscape. Spruce, pine and tamarack are changing daily, hurrying to take advantage of the short summer’s long days. Spruce and pine get a head start, with their green needles ready to absorb any rays of spring sun. Buds appear and over a week or two become fresh new growth. Aspen and birch sprout fresh leaves and then shed seeds. All our trees are generating oxygen, giving all creatures a wonderful feeling of good health.

Spruce and pine cones attract birds. They open the cones to forage for seeds, and then scatter seeds on the forest floor to regenerate the woodland. Willow, alder and blueberry shrubs produce berries that attract birds as well. Crowberry, bearberry and mountain cranberry join juniper, Labrador tea and wild roses in the forest. Each week of summer brings a new display of alpine and boreal plants. Mosses and lichens underfoot help to conserve moisture. Small bogs and marshes hidden among rock outcrops filter ground water and provide breeding areas for migrating birds and waterfowl.

Both migratory and resident birds nest here. Summer bird species include spruce grouse, ptarmigan, ravens, woodpeckers, eagles (both bald and golden) Canada jays, loons, mallards, gulls and terns, swallows, warblers, sparrows and chickadees. A nature walk on one of our trails, or a quiet paddle in a kayak or canoe will offer opportunities to spot these shy creatures.

Moose, black bears, beavers, snowshoe hare, lynx, red foxes, squirrels, lemmings and voles roam the forest nearby. Our visitors often spot moose, and perhaps beaver or muskrat in and around our lakes.

Mosquitoes and Blackflies

On windless days in early summer mosquitoes and blackflies can be bothersome without suitable protection. We recommend mosquito repellant (known locally as bug dope) with a healthy concentration of DEET, to keep them at bay.  A hat, and long sleeved shirt also help. Light colours are best. Bug jackets with screened head coverings are also effective, and like bug dope, can be purchased in Yellowknife. By mid to late summer the bugs tend to disappear, though they can be irritating around a pond or marshy area.

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@Blachford_LL Instagram

Northern summer nights 🤩
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📸 @nick_fitzhardinge
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views #sunset
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Northern summer nights 🤩
* * *
📸 @nick_fitzhardinge
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views #sunset

3 days ago
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1/9
Magical nights under northern lights 🌌 ✨
* * *
📸 @nick_fitzhardinge
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis  #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth
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Magical nights under northern lights 🌌 ✨
* * *
📸 @nick_fitzhardinge
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth

4 days ago
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2/9
p e a c e f u l 🌅
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📸 Ross Hedley
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views #sunset
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p e a c e f u l 🌅
* * *
📸 Ross Hedley
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views #sunset

5 days ago
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3/9
Have you ever stood under the Aurora and felt it’s absolute power? 🌌 Sometimes when you’re watching the lights dance and swirl above you, it can almost feel as though they’re close enough to touch ✨
* * *
📸 @aarontino
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis  #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth
blachford_ll
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•
Follow

Have you ever stood under the Aurora and felt it’s absolute power? 🌌 Sometimes when you’re watching the lights dance and swirl above you, it can almost feel as though they’re close enough to touch ✨
* * *
📸 @aarontino
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #northernlights #blachfordlakelodge #blachford #canada #canadian #keepexploring #explorecanada #northof60 #earthpix #travelherendxt #travelpix #earthofficial #cangeo #astrophotography #natgeotravel #aurora #auroraborealis #getoutside #potd #welcome #vacation #aurora #northern #truenorth

6 days ago
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4/9
Gone fishin’ 🎣
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #gofish #canadian #canada #fishing #girlswhofish #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views
blachford_ll
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•
Follow

Gone fishin’ 🎣
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #gofish #canadian #canada #fishing #girlswhofish #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views

1 week ago
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5/9
Just keep floating, just keep floating ☀️ 💦
* * *
📸 @simosimonak
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Just keep floating, just keep floating ☀️ 💦
* * *
📸 @simosimonak
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views

1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Summer is on the way - we can’t wait for open water and sunny summer days ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views
blachford_ll
blachford_ll
•
Follow

Summer is on the way – we can’t wait for open water and sunny summer days ☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #floating #swimming #summer #relaxation #views

2 weeks ago
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7/9
May the fourth be with you 🔭 ✌🏻💚
* * *
📷 @taleofspencer
* * *
#thisisblachford #maythe4thbewithyou #maythefourthbewithyou #maythefourth #maythe4th #may4 #explorecanada #keepexploring #spectacularnwt #northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #potd #igdaily #natgeo #cangeo #canadiancreatives #greatnorthcollective #yellowknife #canada #nwt
blachford_ll
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•
Follow

May the fourth be with you 🔭 ✌🏻💚
* * *
📷 @taleofspencer
* * *
#thisisblachford #maythe4thbewithyou #maythefourthbewithyou #maythefourth #maythe4th #may4 #explorecanada #keepexploring #spectacularnwt #northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #potd #igdaily #natgeo #cangeo #canadiancreatives #greatnorthcollective #yellowknife #canada #nwt

2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Peace + quiet 🌲☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback  #summer #relaxation #views #hiking #treetops #forest
blachford_ll
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•
Follow

Peace + quiet 🌲☀️
* * *
📸 @kailawalton
* * *
#thisisblachford #spectacularnwt #blachfordlakelodge #nwt #explorecanada #onthewater #midnightsun #summerdays #hottub #monster #canadian #canada #staycation #nwtstaycation #lodgelife #lakelife #wildernessculture #wildernessnation #offgrid #fishing #booknow #summerfun #flashback #summer #relaxation #views #hiking #treetops #forest

2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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FAQ

 

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

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

 

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


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

 

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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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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