Yellow Dog Lodge - Yellowknife Transportation Hub - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Jim Nathanson

I traveled early in September to Yellow Dog Lodge, located between Graham Lake and Duncan Lake in Canda’s NW Territory, 20 minutes by float plane from Yellowknife, for two reasons. To photograph the Auroa Borealis, astrophotography being a new interest of mine, and to fish, a passion of my youth that I hadn’t returned to for 60 years.

Check and Check

I got some wonderful photos of the Auroa Borealis as it burst forth over Graham Lake one evening, and I got fish…I got fish....a Northen Pike and six Lake Trout, each decent size. One of my companions pulled in a 35-pound pike!

There are few places in North America where Aurora viewing is better or the fish more plentiful Or, for that matter, the wilderness more pristine

However, regardless of how rewarding these experiences were, in some ways they were not the highlights. I picked Yellow Dog Lodge because it was likely that I would get the photos and the fish, what I didn’t expect was the owner, Gorden “Gord” Gin. Gord made my stay one of the most outstanding travel experiences I have had.

Gord is one of those calm, personable guys most anyone would want as a friend. He’s a fishing guide extraordinaire but what mattered nearly as much were the evenings around one of the Lodge’s word-burning stoves. Gord’s knowledge is widespread and thoughtful. He’s a great conversationalist, especially regarding Canada’s history and the Northern Woods. He’s traveled widely and enjoys sharing time with his guests. In short, the perfect host for a wilderness lodge.

Well, maybe I’m giving Gord too much credit. There was also Joey….a three-legged rescue dog who is Gord’s constant companion. They make quite a team. Joey has more heart than most and is a damn good fisherman too boot.

One of my two companions called the trip a ‘once in a lifetime experience.” Because of Gord (and Joey), I hope it will become for me a twice in a lifetime experience.

Maria Cheung

The purpose of the trip was to hunt for the Northern Lights. The trip began with a short flight to the Lodge. You could see the landscape below which was totally amazing. We booked the executive lodge which I would highly recommended so you could have your own fire and bathroom. We managed to see the Northern Lights every evening. Day time fishing was great fun too. The lake was such a beauty. Staff were friendly and I loved the soup and hot cookies too.

Sheldon Ancion

This is a one of a kind trip, I have been there in the winter during the northern lights/aurora and also in the summer. Yellow Dog Lodge will make you continue coming back for more. From the exceptional hospitality to the beautiful scenery this place will not disappoint! If you just want to sit in the peace and quite, or go catch trophy size fish, this is the place for you! I will be returning very soon. Thanks again YDL!!!

Gloria Ku

We stayed at the lodge for 5 days and had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful surroundings, hiking with the resident dog Joey, kayaking or paddle boating (not fishermen) and, most importantly, seeing the aurora at night! Gordon and his staff were wonderful and very accommodating. Pat made plenty of delicious food and fresh cookies, and the rooms were cozy, clean and warm. The day we left the bald eagle that had been roosting across the lake flew over and landed on the tree outside our window. I would most certainly recommend this lodge!!

Mia Davey

My family had an amazing time at the lodge. We were great with wonderful hospitality. Rooms were clean and beds comfortable. Our fishing guide was amazing we caught a lot of trout and pike. Meals were excellent, we enjoyed the hot tub, and a Campfire. Thanks again for a memorable time.

Rebeka Pirker

I’ve been to Yellow Dog a few times, though it’s been a few years since I visited. It certainly is a once in a lifetime experience. To be so isolated and so comfortable at the same time. The main lodge is warm and cozy and always fill with life and the smaller cabins are a perfect private escape. The fire powered hot tub was by far my favourite thing, sitting in it until the early hours, watching the sun set and counting the stars is just magical.
I can’t wait to get up there again. Might have to start planning that trip sooner rather than later.

Lindsay Wells

Summer of 2019 was my third time returning to Yellow Doge Lodge. This lodge, and its location, is a place that never disappointments. When I think I have seen and fished it all, Yellow Dog Lodge shows me I am wrong - and this is what keeps bringing me back. I have fished Duncan and Graham Lake for some stellar Northern Pike and Lake Trout, as well as flown out to Johnston Lake twice to go after Walleye in previous trips - all were equally awesome. But in 2019 the highlight of fishing was going after Arctic Grayling on the McRea River that flows into Duncan Lake. This was an awesome day. A snap shot of the day started with guide Gord leading us on a short hike to get to the launch site of the canoes. Once on the river, Gord put us on the grayling and they were biting. But we certainly had to earn it as navigating the river involved encountering several rapids, a gorgeous water fall and portaging the canoes further up river. For any avid outdoors, it was a get day of fishing and being amongst nature.

Peter Epp

We went up to YDL for a team building retreat. It was a truly fantastic experience. The staff at YDL are amazing. Gord Gin really knows how to look after his guests. They always check in to see what you need so they can have things prepared when you need it. The food was fantastic, the location is absolutely beautiful, and the dogs did a great job of keeping the bears away!