 Williston Lake, District of Mackenzie Photo
Mackenzie offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, with impressive winter snow conditions for snowmobiling, cross-country and downhill skiing, skating, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Warmer, summer months offer great hiking, birding, mountain biking, camping, boating and fishing.
History buffs will appreciate that this forestry-based resource town was named after the famous explorer Alexander Mackenzie, who camped near the town site on his epic journey to the Pacific in 1793.
Highlights of the area include:
 Morfee Lake is a hidden gem for hiking, boating or fishing within Mackenzie. Unnoticed upon entering town, it is approximately 2km/1.25mi away.
 Morfee Mountain is the nearest high point, and can be accessed for a great panoramic view of the area in the winter by snowmobiling, or in the summer by 4x4 vehicle.
 The Mackenzie Nature Observatory, 14km/8.7mi from town, is a haven for bird lovers and includes opportunities to quietly observe biologists band birds such as warblers and hummingbirds.
 Mackenzie Landing recreation site, located at Williston Lake, features a monument erected in honour of Alexander Mackenzie, along with interpretive signage about his journey.
 The World's Largest Tree Crusher is an interesting piece of history set at the entrance to town. The sheer size of this machine is astounding and invites curiosity.
Activities within Mackenzie and surrounding area:
- Snowmobiling opportunities abound in this "Porch to Powder" town, with opportunities to ride directly from downtown to the mountain top at Morfee Mountain.
- Cross-country skiing along more than 30km/19mi of ski trails offers excellent exercise in a wilderness setting.
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Powder King Ski Resort is a must for powder lovers, and it provides great views of Murray Range in the northern Rocky Mountains Pine Pass.
- Hike in the summer to waterfalls, into alpine meadows and along mountain ridges from within and close to Mackenzie.
- Boating, fishing and camping opportunities are plentiful with Williston Lake, Morfee Lake, Gantahaz Lake and Tudyah Lake all nearby.
Mackenzie Practical PointsCross-country ski and golf equipment rentals are available in town, but it is recommended that visitors provide their own equipment and transportation if planning to enjoy the majority of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, unless taking a guided tour.
For additional information about activities, directions and availability, contact the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, which is open year round. The Caboose Visitor's Centre, located at Mackenzie Junction, is open from May 1 to September 14.
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