Into the Stillness
A Winter Journey to Blachford Lodge in the Northwest Territories
On this 6-day journey, you'll travel by air from Yellowknife to a remote part of the territory and stay in a historic lakeside lodge under an Aurora sky.
Into the Stillness
A Winter Journey to Blachford Lodge in the Northwest Territories
On this 6-day journey, you'll travel by air from Yellowknife to a remote part of the territory and stay in a historic lakeside lodge under an Aurora sky.
Your journey to Blachford Lake Lodge begins in Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories. Air North flies to Yellowknife directly from Vancouver all winter and from Whitehorse and Toronto at other times of the year.
Blachford Lake Lodge, while incredible in the winter, is available year-round.
Day 1: Arrive in Yellowknife & Explore the City
Photo: Jesus Martinez/NWTT
Photo: Jesus Martinez/NWTT
Yellowknife is a northern capital of roughly 20,000 people and, by climate records, the coldest city in North America and one of the coldest in the world. The most common Dene name for the area is Somba K’e.
Winters here are defined by cold, darkness, and clarity, the very conditions that make this region such a reliable place to see the aurora. It’s why Yellowknife confidently calls itself the Aurora Capital of the World.
A complimentary airport shuttle brings you to your hotel. Once settled, spend time exploring the city's surprisingly rich food scene. Try the landmark fish and chips at Bullock's Bistro in Old Town or enjoy craft beer and northern fare at the Woodyard. There are dozens of food options throughout the city that celebrate food from around the world. Despite its size, Yellowknife has a global food scene.
Read more about Yellowknife's global food scene in Northern Bites.
Destination Canada/NWTT (Fishy People)
Destination Canada/NWTT (Fishy People)
Day 2: Fly to Blachford Lake Lodge
Photo: Martina Gebarovska
Photo: Martina Gebarovska
In the morning, take a short taxi ride to the ski-plane base for your bush plane flight to Blachford Lake Lodge.
The flight is only about twenty-five minutes, but it carries you over a sweep of winter wilderness that feels impossibly vast: frozen rivers stitched through the forest, untouched lakes, and the long white distances that define the subarctic.
Touching down on the frozen lake, you'll step into a true winter wonderland surrounded by boreal forest and vast, untouched landscapes. Blachford Lake Lodge began as a trapper’s cabin in the mid-20th century and slowly evolved into one of the Northwest Territories’ most beloved fly-in retreats.
Photo: Julien Schroder
Photo: Julien Schroder
Staff greet you and guide you inside, where a warm lunch waits, and windows frame a landscape that seems to stretch forever.
Once you’ve settled into your room or cabin, the pace slows. You might join your first guided winter outing — a short trail walk, a snowshoe across the lake, an introduction to the land — or take out snowshoes, skis, a fat bike, or skates and explore on your own.
The lodge is designed for this kind of unhurried discovery: warm spaces inside, endless terrain outside.
Dinner is served just after dark, and the evening unfolds at its own northern rhythm. With no surrounding light and long winter clarity,
Blachford is one of the most reliable places in Canada to see the aurora — statistically, a 98% chance over a three-night stay. Some guests wander down to the hot tub or sauna; others gather in the Aurora lounge or wait by the fire outside.
When the lights appear, they often do so without warning, unfurling across the sky in slow, deliberate movement. Lodge staff keep watch until 3 a.m., waking guests when the display builds so no one misses the moment.
Days 3-4: Life at Blachford Lake Lodge
Mornings begin with a hearty breakfast and the stillness of the frozen north.
Each day includes two guided activities, tailored to the season and landscape. Options may include snowshoe hikes through the boreal forest, cultural crafts, nature interpretation, or Aurora photography instruction.
During downtime, explore at your own pace. The lodge maintains more than 25 km of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing and provides equipment for fat biking, skating, and kick-sledding. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are available for an additional cost (fishing licences must be purchased before arrival).
Evenings are reserved for relaxation. After a three-course dinner prepared by the lodge’s chef, settle in for another night under the Aurora — whether from the lounge, beside a bonfire, or in the hot tub beneath the stars. Staff continue Aurora watch until 3:00 a.m.
Day 5: Return to Yellowknife
Enjoy a final breakfast and a quiet moment on the lake before boarding the bush plane back to Yellowknife, arriving around midday. Transfer to your hotel (on your own) and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
This is the ideal time to visit the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre on the edge of Frame Lake. The art galleries and exhibits here trace the history of the region in an engaging format. Discover ancient archeological artifacts, learn about early Indigenous history and see memorabilia from the gold-mining days.
Afterward, browse local art galleries and try another of Yellowknife's restaurants.
Day 6: Depart the Northwest Territories
Take the complimentary hotel shuttle to the airport at your convenience. As your northern journey comes to an end, you’ll leave with memories of Blachford Lake’s pristine wilderness, quiet winter landscapes, and the unforgettable brilliance of the Aurora Borealis.