Date: 09/09/2016
Stories from the doorsteps of our Canadian hosts
From Magnetic North's doorstep, the view is of rolling English countryside and endless green meadows, loved by the team and our office dog Otto alike. We often find our minds drifting north though, thinking of our friends in the Arctic to whom we send thousands of clients each season. What might our hosts be up to now? Are they busy preparing for arriving guests or are they immersing themselves in their natural surroundings on a rare moment of downtime? And when we have the regular pleasure of visiting them ourselves, we couldn't be further from the bucolic bliss of the English countryside. The contrasts inspire our team and we're always keen to find out more about our hosts and what inspires them too.
One of the places Matt our Canada expert here at Magnetic North Travel has been thinking about is Blachford Lake Lodge. The lodge is directly located underneath the auroral oval - the best place to view the ethereal Northern Lights. Reached only by ski-plane, the remote wilderness lodge is a great escape to arctic Canada, enjoying the northern lights from the comfortable lodge, snowshoeing across the frozen Great Slave Lake or relaxing in the hot tub. The lodge prides itself on its seasonal menus, growing its own vegetables throughout summer and creating a fresh daily menu.
So we asked Katherine Sales and Marketing manager at the Blachford Lake Lodge about her passion for hosting guests in a luxury hotel tucked away in the endless wilderness of the Northwest territory. Here is what Katherine had to say:
When did you open your doors to the first guest?
1981 – when we were little more than a lonely trappers cabin in the woods!
During all the years that you have been running this hotel, what is an experience that really stuck in your mind?
Generally, all of our guests are so international. It’s truly amazing to see where everyone comes with and the commonalities that bring us all together. I remember so clearly a woman from Argentina, on her first trip out of her home country, and first time travelling alone, came up to see the Aurora Borealis. It was her dream. I was sitting with her one night overlooking the calm lake, when sky really put on a show. The most amazing lights I have ever seen. It brought her to (happy) tears! It was so powerful to be with a guest during a life changing moment.
Welcoming guests in such a remote area can be a challenging venture, what makes the experience so rewarding?
Many of our guests have never seen true wilderness, or experienced true quiet. I think the most rewarding experience is when they leave the lodge having decompressed and feeling refreshed after experiencing a pristine area that truly brings them down to their roots and true self.
When you first visited the area what impressed you the most?
The beautiful, crystal blue lake, calm water and gorgeous landscape.
What is your favourite thing to do during summer?
Swim in the lake!
What do you love doing most in the winter months?
Snowmobile!
What kind of experience do you want your guests to take home?
I want them all to take home peace of mind when they leave. Having witnessed true wilderness, and beautiful skies, dancing northern lights, experienced the real quiet of the Canadian north, and having tried something new.
What should every guest do when they visit your hotel?
Sit in the hot tub and watch the Aurora Borealis!
If you'd like to enjoy a holiday at Blachford Lodge, please view this link for more details of our winter getaway, or contact the team for more information.
