Northern Lights

The Aurora Escape Offers Prime Northern Lights Viewing

Viewing the Northern Lights in Canada should probably be on everyone's "bucket list." The Aurora Borealis is a truly spectacular display of otherworldly streaks of shimmering multi-colored light . And next year it is expected to be even more vivid than usual because it's the start peak of the solar cycle. "The Aurora Escape" is a getaway package offered by The Great Canadian Travel Company that is designed for prime viewing of this natural wonder. The trip provides a five-day/four-night itinerary with departures scheduled between February 17 and April 14, as well as August 11 to September 29, 2011.

The trip takes adventurers to the town of Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories. From there you head to Blachford Lake Lodge, a 20-minute charter flight away where you can watch the lights reflect off the calm mirror-like surface. The hand-crafted log lodge offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort with gourmet meals and a cozy lounge. The trip includes guided tours onto the Canadian taiga either by snowshoe or on a dog-sled adventure.

The package includes two nights' accommodation in Yellowknife, round-trip on float plane from Yellowknife to Blachford, and two nights' all inclusive accommodation at Blachford Lodge. Also included are gourmet meals and snacks, two interpretive tours per day, use of lodge facilities and gratuities. Cost is $1,840 Canadian (based on double occupancy).

Tags: Aurora Borealis, canada, Northern Lights, yellowknife

Whitefish Mountain, Estate of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

Nestled in Whitefish Mountain Resort's 3,000 acres of slopes is this fully furnished, 14,958 square foot home sitting on 1.34 acres of ski-in/ski-out mountain access. Featuring seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, three fireplaces, outdoor hot tub, humidity controlled ski locker room, movie theater, and handicap accessible elevator, this multi-level residence can entertain a crowd. The spacious gathering spaces in the kitchen and living rooms along with the extensive outdoor decks bring guests together amid stone elements, hand-hewn wood beams, pine furniture, and a truly cozy atmosphere.

Placed slopeside in the Northern Lights neighborhood adjacent to Chair 3 Tenderfoot Lift, this $20 million property overlooks Whitefish Mountain, Badrock Canyon, Great Bear Wilderness and even views of Glacier National Park. Lake Whitefish also offers year-round activities for sportsmen and families alike. Calgary International is the closest major airport but the house can also be accessed by the nearby Amtrak station or local airport.

Gallery: Whitefish Estate