“Some excursions may require pre-registration or incur additional costs. Please get in touch with our trip planners for more details.”
Winter & Spring activities
Winter and Spring at Blachford Lodge are a true northern wonderland, where days of snow-filled adventure blend seamlessly into magical nights under the Aurora Borealis. Guests can venture out onto the frozen lake or settle into the warmth of the lodge’s viewing areas to watch as waves of green, purple, and pink dance across the star-studded sky. As spring arrives, the auroras shine brightly while the returning sunlight softens the landscape, casting a magical glow over the melting ice and snow.
Cross-Country Skiing: Embark on a cross-country skiing adventure through a winter wonderland, where each glide brings you deeper into the silent beauty of the North. Snow-covered trails stretch endlessly ahead, offering thrills and serenity as you navigate through forests and open landscapes cloaked in white.
Snowshoeing: Embrace the quiet beauty of winter as you step lightly through snow on a snowshoeing adventure. Each step takes you deeper into the wilderness, where trails reveal the serene wonders of the season. Explore the landscape through tranquil forests and open fields blanketed in white. Snowshoeing offers a unique way to connect with winter’s magic, letting you wander freely and soak in the peaceful beauty around you.
Winter Hiking: Step into a winter wonderland and explore frosty trails that lead you deep into the beauty of the north. Each hike through the snow-covered landscape offers moments of quiet awe, where every step brings you closer to the heart of winter. Surrounded by trees dusted in white and icy vistas stretching ahead, winter hiking is an adventure filled with unforgettable tales, inviting you to experience the crisp, serene charm of the season like never before.
- Trails range from 2 to 6 kilometers and are of varied levels of ease.
Bonfires: Gather around the warmth of a crackling bonfire under the vast northern skies, where winter’s chill fades beside the firelight. Surrounded by snow and stars, bonfire nights in this winter wonderland bring people together for shared stories, laughter, and irresistible s’mores roasting over open flames.
Snowmobiling: Rev up for an exhilarating journey through the snowy wilderness, where snowmobiling lets you explore the untamed north. Feel the thrill as you speed along snow-covered trails, weaving through forests, frozen lakes, and open landscapes blanketed in white. Each ride brings you deeper into the wild, where every turn reveals a new winter vista. Snowmobiling in the north is an adventure that connects you with the raw beauty of winter’s untouched terrain.
- *Please note snowmobile tours are an additional cost, starting at $140 per person.
- Taste of Touring: Hop on your snowmobile and learn the basics of gliding over Blachford Lodge and operating a snowmobile for the first time.
- Distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles ride
- Whiteman Loop: This easy route follows a series of three small lakes and bush trails, joining Blachford Lakes and going back to the lodge. Experience the Cadieux family's former cabin on the Francois River system as part of this trip.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles ride
- Whiteman Trail and Tea & Cookies Tour:
- Distance: 20 km/2.40 mile ride
- Ice Pressure Ridges on Great Slave Lake: This trail starts from the lodge at Blachford and goes 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.
- Watta Lake: Travel the lakes around Blachford, including Whiteman, Long, Watta, and Hearne Lakes. As you drive the portages between them, imagine carrying all your gear if you were going on the trip in summer by canoe.
- Overnight Snowmobile Tour (per day): Stay at a traditional tent frame on the land! This tour can be catered to your preferences and where you’d like to go.
- Please note that 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.
Hot Tub in the Wilderness: Immerse yourself in the warmth of an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by the beauty of the northern wilderness. During the day, relax and take in sweeping views of snowy landscapes, soaking in a sense of calm and rejuvenation.
Authentic Cedar Sauna: Step into the warmth of an authentic northern sauna, where tradition and rejuvenation meet in the heart of the wilderness.
Viewpoints for Visual Artists: The North offers breathtaking viewpoints that spark endless creativity for painters and photographers. With every vista, inspiration unfolds across snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and sweeping, silent landscapes.
Fat Tire Biking: Embark on a winter adventure as you tackle snowy trails on a fat tire bike built to conquer the wildest winter landscapes. Feel the rush as you ride through powdery paths and enjoy the landscape.
Photography Tips: Step into the heart of the North, where every click of your camera captures the ethereal beauty of the northern lights dancing across the night sky.
Dream Catcher Making: Step into the art of dreamcatcher making, where tradition meets creativity in the heart of the wilderness.
Spruce Salve Making: Dive into the art of hand salve making, where you can craft a soothing balm using nature’s finest ingredients. In this hands-on experience, you will blend nourishing elements that heal and protect, creating a handmade salve infused with the essence of the North.
Wildlife Tracks: Walk the trails of Blachford Lodge and discover the footprints of northern wildlife. Uncover the secrets they leave behind. Each track tells a story, a glimpse into the lives of the creatures that roam these lands.
Ice Hockey: Step onto the frozen northern lake, where Canada’s game is purest and most exhilarating. With each stride across the crisp ice, you’ll feel the thrill of tradition, skating, shooting, and scoring in nature’s ultimate rink.
Ice Skating: Enter the magical winter landscape, where every glide uncovers the stunning beauty of nature in its icy form.
Igloo Building: Step into the Arctic experience by learning the traditional art of igloo building—a hands-on adventure that combines fun, skill, and a touch of history. As you craft your own Arctic shelter, discover the secrets of creating a cozy, snow-built haven that has provided warmth for generations.
Winter Camping: Winter camping offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, where you can pitch a tent in the heart of a snowy landscape and experience the ultimate northern wonder.
Ice Fishing: Ice fishing at Blachford Lodge is an exhilarating experience, set against the rugged beauty of the Northwest Territories pristine wilderness.
Beyond Blachford: Uncover the boundless beauty of the north, where miles of untouched wilderness await exploration. Fly-in fishing ice-fishing expeditions take you to remote lakes, while lodge-to-lodge and expedition adventures offer a deeper connection to the vast and rugged landscapes of the Northwest Territories, Alaska, and the legendary Northwest Passage.
Summer Activities & Experiences
During the summer and fall at Blachford Lodge, visitors can engage in various exciting activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, and exploring the vibrant landscapes that shift with the seasonal changes.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Set off on a canoeing and kayaking journey through northern paradise, where clear waters invite you to explore calmly. As you paddle along the shores of Blachford, each stroke reveals views of the wild, untouched landscapes.
- Hiking: Embark on a hike through the heart of the north, where each trail leads through the untamed beauty of the Taiga. As you trek along hidden paths, enjoy the views of the north—towering trees, serene lakes, and rugged terrain that only a few have explored.
- Swim Under the Midnight Sun: Experience the surreal beauty of endless daylight as you dive into northern waters under the glow of the midnight sun. Here, the sun never fully sets, casting a golden light that turns every swim into a magical experience.
- Fishing: Whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned pro, Bleachford's pristine waters offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable angling adventure.
- Bird Watching: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the north, where bird-watching becomes an enchanting experience. This bird watcher’s paradise offers a front-row seat to nature’s aviary spectacle, where birds take flight against stunning landscapes.
- Boating: Set sail on Bleachford's pristine waters and embrace the thrill of northern boating adventures. As you navigate the vast, peaceful lake, each boat trip offers a chance to connect with the wild beauty around you.
- SUP: Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding on Blachford offers an immersive experience of the clear waters and the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding wilderness. - Hot Tub in the Wilderness: Immerse yourself in the warmth of an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by the beauty of the northern wilderness. During the day, relax and take in sweeping views of snowy landscapes, soaking in a sense of calm and rejuvenation.
- Authentic Cedar Sauna: Step into the warmth of an authentic northern sauna, where tradition and rejuvenation meet in the heart of the wilderness.
- Viewpoints for Visual Artists: The North offers breathtaking views that spark endless creativity for painters and photographers. With every vista, inspiration unfolds across snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and sweeping, silent landscapes.
- Fat Tire Biking: Embark on a winter adventure as you tackle snowy trails on a fat tire bike built to conquer the wildest winter landscapes. Feel the rush as you ride through powdery paths and enjoy the landscape.
- Photography Tips: Step into the heart of the North, where every click of your camera captures the ethereal beauty of the northern lights dancing across the night sky.
- Dream Catcher Making: Step into the art of dreamcatcher making, where tradition meets creativity in the heart of the wilderness.
- Spruce Salve Making: Dive into the art of hand salve making, where you can craft a soothing balm using nature’s finest ingredients. In this hands-on experience, you will blend nourishing elements that heal and protect, creating a handmade salve infused with the essence of the North.
Autumn Aurora Activities & Experiences
Experience fall at Blachford Lodge, where golden autumn hues meet the dazzling Northern Lights. Crisp air and clear skies create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable Aurora-filled nights.
- Autumn Aurora Viewing: Autumn at Blachford Lodge offers a breathtaking spectacle as the northern skies come alive with the mesmerizing hues of the Aurora Borealis.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: Set off on a canoeing and kayaking journey through northern paradise, where clear waters invite you to explore calmly. As you paddle along the shores of Blachford, each stroke reveals views of the wild, untouched landscapes.
- Hiking: Embark on a hike through the heart of the north, where each trail leads through the untamed beauty of the Taiga. As you trek along hidden paths, enjoy the views of the north—towering trees, serene lakes, and rugged terrain that only a few have explored.
- Fishing: Whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned pro, Bleachford's pristine waters offer the perfect backdrop for a memorable angling adventure.
- Bird Watching: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the north, where bird-watching becomes an enchanting experience. This bird watcher’s paradise offers a front-row seat to nature’s aviary spectacle, where birds take flight against stunning landscapes.
- Boating: Set sail on Bleachford's pristine waters and embrace the thrill of northern boating adventures. As you navigate the vast, peaceful lake, each boat trip offers a chance to connect with the wild beauty around you.
- Hot Tub in the Wilderness: Immerse yourself in the warmth of an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by the beauty of the northern wilderness. During the day, relax and take in sweeping views of snowy landscapes, soaking in a sense of calm and rejuvenation.
- Authentic Cedar Sauna: Step into the warmth of an authentic northern sauna, where tradition and rejuvenation meet in the heart of the wilderness.
- Viewpoints for Visual Artists: The North offers breathtaking views that spark endless creativity for painters and photographers. With every vista, inspiration unfolds across snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and sweeping, silent landscapes.
- Fat Tire Biking: Embark on a winter adventure as you tackle snowy trails on a fat tire bike built to conquer the wildest winter landscapes. Feel the rush as you ride through powdery paths and enjoy the landscape.
- Photography Tips: Step into the heart of the North, where every click of your camera captures the ethereal beauty of the northern lights dancing across the night sky.
- Dream Catcher Making: Step into the art of dreamcatcher making, where tradition meets creativity in the heart of the wilderness.
- Spruce Salve Making: Dive into the art of hand salve making, where you can craft a soothing balm using nature’s finest ingredients. In this hands-on experience, you will blend nourishing elements that heal and protect, creating a handmade salve infused with the essence of the North.
