Outdoor enthusiasts will find easily accessible hiking trails close to town, as Mackenzie has an established and newly updated trail network. An easy hike hidden just behind town is one of Mackenzie's jewels, Morfee Lake. Morfee Lake is approximately 2.5km/1.5mi from downtown, with a small beach and picnic area. To reach Morfee Lake, start at the Recreation Center, follow Centennial Drive south, turn left at the Morfee Lake sign, and walk along trails that parallel the road. Follow the gravel road to the bottom of the hill, the beach and picnic area is on the first right.
John Dahl and Morfee Mountain Hiking Trails
John Dahl Regional Park offers well-developed hiking trails with views of Morphee Lake including the 2.2km/1.4mi Barb Dahl trail and the 1.5km/0.9mi Dick Dauphnie trail. For adventurers seeking more challenging hikes, the surrounding area has further opportunities. Hike up Morfee Mountain for a superb view of the Rocky Mountain Trench, Morfee Lake, Mackenzie and the Rocky Mountains. It is a 4-hour moderate hike mainly through forest, reaching alpine near the top. For those with a 4x4 vehicle, a better option is to drive to the top of Morfee Mountain and hike in alpine meadows from there. Morfee Mountain and Morfee Lake were named after Royal Canadian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Allan Morfee.
Hikes at Bijoux Falls and the Pine Pass
A moderate hike and impressive waterfall view is found at Bijoux Falls Provincial Park in the Pine Pass, located 56km/34.8mi, 40 minutes from Mackenzie, northeast on Highway 97. Bijoux Falls is a cascading waterfall that is 40m/131.2ft high. The hike to the top of the falls round trip will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Slippery rocks require good footwear with treads. In late July to early August, huckleberries can be found along this hike. Two more challenging hikes are found in the Pine Pass. A steep ascent leads to Murray Range, accessed east along the railroad tracks from Azouzetta Lake. Azouzetta Lake is located 70km/43mi from Mackenzie northeast on Highway 97. The 2.5km/1.5mi hike to the ridge varies from 2-3 hours up and about 2 hours down depending on skill and fitness level with fantastic views of Azouzetta Lake, the Pine Pass Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Be aware that the trail has steep sections, and may be slippery when raining. Alpine flowers are beautiful in mid-July to early August including lupine, monkshood, red columbine, paintbrush, forget-me-not and saxifrage. The Mount Murray hike is further north on the same side of the highway, approximately 13.5km/8.4mi north of Powder King ski hill turnoff. It is approximately 5km/3mi long and takes 3-4 hours up and 2-3 hours down with an elevation gain of 1039m/3390ft.
Hiking with Llamas
Visitors seeking a guided hiking tour with a unique twist can check out Near Heaven Llama Trekks. Near Heaven's friendly, surefooted llamas take small groups of four guests into the headwaters of the Finlay, Sustut, and Stikine rivers. Hiking trips are fully catered, and canoe and kayak rentals are available.
Best Times to Hike
Hiking in and around Mackenzie is best from mid-May to mid-October, with higher-elevation hikes from June to mid-September. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings, as this is a northern remote area and wildlife encounters with animals such as bears are possible. To avoid unsafe wildlife encounters and ensure that wildlife do not become habituated to people, make sound while hiking along trails, especially in forested areas, pack out any waste and do not feed any of the animals. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with sudden rain, wind, or changes in temperature; therefore all-weather attire and hiking footwear is appropriate.