About the Lodge

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A Piece of Paradise at the Top of the World

Blachford Lodge blends rugged northern charm with genuine hospitality, offering an authentic retreat where guests can reconnect with nature, themselves, and loved ones. Deeply rooted in northern tradition, the lodge invites you to experience the magic of the North from the Northern Lights dancing across pristine night skies to endless summer days on serene lakes. Every stay is a chance to explore guided wilderness adventures, embrace quiet moments, and share in the unparalleled beauty of this extraordinary region.

Our History

We're a remote, fly-in wilderness lodge nestled in the heart of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Accessible only by bush plane from Yellowknife, it offers an immersive northern experience where comfort and connection to nature go hand-in-hand. Originally built in the 1940s as a trapper's cabin by Don Cadieux, Blachford evolved into a wilderness fishing camp in 1981 and was acquired by Arctic Kingdom in 2023. Today, it stands as a premier destination for Aurora seekers, adventure travelers, researchers, and dignitaries, including visits from royalty and world leaders.

At Blachford, we are deeply rooted in northern tradition and committed to sustainability, community, and environmental stewardship. Our guests can enjoy unparalleled Aurora viewing, guided wilderness adventures, and cozy accommodations that blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Whether you're here to chase the Northern Lights, explore the vast boreal landscape, or simply disconnect and unwind, Blachford welcomes you to experience the magic of the North.

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BLL winter school group -1992 - Tessa Macintosh Photo
A school group at the lodge circa 1992. Photo by Tessa Macintosh
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The Royals visit the lodge in 2011. Will and Kate, at the time known as the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge, now Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed a stay in our Sunset 1 room. Photo by Tessa Macintosh
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Renovated Sunset 1 lodge room 2024.

Our Story

Blachford’s journey began with a simple idea: to create a comfortable space in the heart of the wilderness where people could experience the raw beauty of the North. Over the past four decades, we've grown from a rustic fishing outpost to a premier destination for Aurora seekers, adventure travellers, researchers, and dignitaries including visits from royalty and world leaders.

While much has changed, our spirit remains the same:

  • warm hospitality
  • a deep love of nature
  • a passion for sharing this place with the world.

 

Experiencing Blachford

Guests can explore guided wilderness adventures, world-class fishing, and cultural immersion programs, all while staying in cozy accommodations that blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Sustainability is at the heart of the lodge: off-grid solar energy, composting toilets, greywater systems, locally sourced meals, and responsible environmental stewardship help preserve the pristine northern environment.

Whether you’re here to chase the Northern Lights, explore the boreal wilderness, or simply disconnect and unwind, every stay at Blachford Lodge is a chance to share in the unparalleled beauty and serenity of the North.

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Sandra Bautista & Itzi Larisgoitia - Winter 2018 - Dream catchers (6)

Meet Our Lodge Team

Careers at Blachford

Join the Blachford Lodge team and become part of a passionate group of professionals dedicated to crafting extraordinary adventures and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Joelle R
Joelle R
Oct 2024
Peacefull retrea

I went to the lodge only for one night, but I wish I would've stayed longer. The location is amazing, and the accommodation are beyond expectation. I had a room in the main lodge with view over the lake, big window to enjoy the night sky. There are also cabins that looked great as well, to be more in nature. The staff is so great, the food is really good, the drinks are unique. We went on a fishing ride, and I never caught fishes that big, and it is catch & release which I like. In the morning, I felt at peace having a coffee in front of the lake, looking at the sun rise and the quietness of the forest.

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mimi peppe
mimi peppe
Sep 2024
One of our best Experiences ever!

Where do I begin? I wish I could give BLL more than 5 stars! Everyone did their best to make us feel welcomed and nurtured! Our room was clean & cozy, we chose to stay in the lodge as opposed to a cabin. It was more convenient and very comfortable- sometimes a little noisy- The food was amazing!!! Three creative and delicious meals a day! We stayed 4 nights but could easily have stayed longer! My hubby went fishing - I made a dream catcher and harvested spruce gems to make salves! Of course, the main attraction, the Aurora, did not disappoint! The hiking trails were moderate and the views spectacular! It was a dream come true! I cannot say enough good things about the whole experience!

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BeenandSeenTravel-JW
BeenandSeenTravel-JW
Sep 2024
Father-son trip to remember!

A father-son trip to remember! After enjoying this amazing lodge in the winter, I was able to take my son on a trip here in August. Blachford seems to be a dream in the summer and fall. The lake was beautiful for swimming, and the secluded cabin with modern comforts was lakefront, looking out into the northern wilderness in the evening as eagles hunted. We caught some huge fish and explored the lake by boat. The food is delicious, and the staff are wonderful, (thanks)We hiked a beautiful loop trail through the Boreal forest and listened from the hot tub as wolves howled across the lake and the sun gave way to dancing Aurora. ...Simply Spectacular.

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Danae D
Danae D
May 2024
Best Remote Lodge - once in a lifetime!!

Blachford is a very unique place that I would love to stay at again. The pressure of being awake for the Aurora is off as the staff will come and wake you, if you’d like them too! During the day they have so many activities to participate in, I was nervous about if there would be enough activity wise (I'm a pretty ancy person) and there absolutley was! They’re optional which is nice if you want to relax as well. The hot tub under a starry, sky was incredible and there were always snacks out incase you felt a little peckish. The Aurora was stunning, staff was friendly, and activities were engaging. Thanks again Blachford for such an incredible experience!

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Luke P
Luke P
May 2024
What an experience!

Fantastic trip. We went for a few nights in August on a bit of a spur of the moment idea. Of course the lights were spectacular, but the lodge and grounds blew us away too - swimming, wood fired hot tub, mountain bikes, fishing, etc. - with top notch meals as well. Can’t say enough about the staff too. A great team that made booking, getting around Yellowknife, and our stay, special (and easy!).

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Candice L
Candice L
May 2024
I heart Blachford.

I’ve been going to Blachford for years, both for business and for personal visits, and it’s one of my favourite places! The location is beautiful, the lake is stunning, the food is delicious, and the aurora views are amazing (even for a lifelong Northerner)! Blachford is a gem.

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Kaila
Kaila
May 2024
The Best

My favourite remote lodge ever. I have had the privilege of visiting during three different seasons and each one is so special. Fishing, hiking, northern lights, sauna, hot tub, swimming are all to be had here. The rooms and cabins are wonderful, the food has always been delicious. I highly recommend.

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winter hiking 2019 -Martina Gebarovska  (3)
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