Nunavut and Northwest Territories
Holidays in Nunavut and Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is vast, to put it in perspective it’s five times the size of the UK with a population of less than 42,000 people. It’s true that there is some effort involved in getting here but the rewards far outweigh this. Those who make the journey will find a remarkably beautiful landscape, boreal forests, and deep lakes. Yellowknife is the territory capital and borders Great Slave Lake. Here, you’re quite literally standing on the edge of the wilderness – if you were to draw a line on a map north from Yellowknife to the Arctic Ocean you would not cross another road. During the winter months the Aurora Borealis viewing in Yellowknife is unparalleled. Nahanni National Park is in the south west of the territory close to the Yukon border and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those who dream of the true wilderness, this is the perfect playground for adventure lovers.
Nunavut is Canada’s youngest territory but also its largest. It’s lightly spread Inuit population is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. This is the territory where you’ll find vast expanses of pristine wilderness, polar bears, narwhals, and beluga whales. Nunavut is not for the faint-hearted, there are few roads and access to most areas is by small plane or boat but for those who seek a truly authentic, wilderness experience it will be truly rewarding. Iqaluit is Nunavut’s capital and is a colourful, dusty Arctic town that acts as a good base and introduction to the territory.
All Inclusive Winter Aurora Package – Blachford Lake Lodge
The most spectacular phenomenon on earth, the aurora borealis, will embrace you in all its majesty during this aurora borealis package on Blachford Lake. Nothing can rival the experience across the sky to speak to the moon in mystical voices. Awash in vibrant colors, these northern lights dance across the sky to speak to the moon in mystical voices. There are plenty of activities available at the lodge. You have the opportunity to use the seasonal equipment such as kick sleds, fat tire bikes, snowshoes, cross-country skis, skates, ice-fishing equipment and you can participate in one 2-hour morning and one 2-hour afternoon guided interpretive experience per day. These guided experiences include sustainable initiatives at Blachford Lake Lodge, aurora photography tips, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, wildlife tracking, ice-fishing, igloo building, and an introduction to cross-country skiing or snowshoeing (based on availability).
Day 1
Departure from the float plane base in Yellowknife to Blachford Lake
Lodge. Board your float plane and soar above the sub-Arctic landscape as
you travel about 30 minutes to Blachford Lake Lodge. You’ll be greeted on
the dock by staff and shown to your accommodation. Then, you have time
to explore the lodge facilities. Lounge on one of the decks, pull up a deck
chair on the rock overlooking the lake and keep an eye out for moose by
the island. Once you’ve made yourself comfortable and explore your new
home for the next coming nights, settle into your room.
Days 2 to 7
Sleep in or wake up with the birds, full hot breakfast is served. When night
skies turn a velvety black to late October when the lake begins to freeze,
Blachford guests can be treated to late night shows of the northern lights.
On calm nights the lake also reflects the sky, doubling the awe-inspiring
images. Winter is a great time to sit outside in comfort and just lean back
and enjoy the show. After a day of local adventure, head back to the lodge
for a wonderful and hearty home cooked meal. The chefs will inspire and
amaze you – their innovation and use of our own garden, mixed with
international favourites will keep you excited for each meal. Dinner will
be served around 6.30pm
Day 8
Watch this plane glide into the dock, and board your afternoon flight back to Yellowknife around 11.15am for the half-hour flight back to Yellowknife, arriving approx. 11.45am in Yellowknife
Package includes
- Return charter flight from Yellowknife
- All meals and snacks
- Introduction and hints about Aurora photography
- Aurora Watch service nightly (until 3am)
- Two guided activities daily
- Use of hot tub, sauna, tipi, bonfire pits, etc.
- Option to participate in different handcraft activities
- Yoga equipment
- Use of lodge facilities & seasonal equipment
*Lodge Facilities:
- Dining Room
- Aurora Viewing Lounge
- Fireplaces
- Northern Library
- Bathrooms with showers, basins and toilets
- Open Deck
*Seasonal Equipment:
- Combined 25 km of groomed cross-country ski and hiking trails
- Snowshoes, skis, skates, fat tire bikes, kick sleds and ice, fishing equipment
- Canoeing, kayaking, SUP, boating, bird watching, interpretative walks
Included in December Departures - Glass of mulled wine each evening or a bubbly toast (NYE) per adult
- Caroling and decorating the tree (December 21 & 24 departures)
- Christmas Day feast (December 24 departure only)
- Late night buffet (NYE departure only)
- Fireworks (NYE departure only)
Not Included
- Winter clothing rental (additional $250 per person, plus tax. Please book in advance)
- Snowmobile tours / Guided fishing tours
- Alcoholic beverages