Mackenzie is a wilderness gateway to Williston Lake and the Pine Pass in the northern Rocky Mountains and offers visitors a variety of activities for every season.
Catch a glimpse of moose or black bears, watch biologists band songbirds, woodpeckers and hummingbirds, hike trails in John Dahl Regional Park, bike at the recently updated bike park or along new community routes, sled on alpine ridges, do some evening cross-country skiing or hit the slopes of Powder King Mountain Resort, located about 65km/40.4mi east of Mackenzie.
Enjoy nine scenic holes of golf on a pristine course located just minutes from the main road. Mackenzie Golf & Country Club also has a driving range, pro shop, grill and bar. Biking enthusiasts will appreciate the bike park located right in town at Little Mac Ski Hill.
Water Activities in Mackenzie
Surrounded by a variety of lakes, rivers and streams, this area is a fisherman's paradise. The catch of the day could be rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, whitefish, Dolly Varden, lake char, lake trout or northern pike. Some popular cast-off spots include the Parsnip River as well as Tudyah, Morfee, Williston and McLeod lakes.
Canoeists and kayakers will find endless opportunities to paddle in the numerous lakes surrounding Mackenzie. Spend the day or stay a couple of nights at Heather-Dina Lakes Provincial Park and explore the Dina Lake canoe circuit, which consists of five small lakes connected by portage trails. Alexander Mackenzie Landing, Morfee Lake, Whiskers Point Provincial Park and Tudyah Lake all offer boat launches for the boating enthusiast. Guided jet-boating tours are also available.
Guided Tours and Coming Prepared
Guided snowmobiling, jetboating or fishing tours are available with Rocky Mountain Trench Adventures, but must be booked in advance. While seasons vary from year to year, the winter season is generally from mid-November to mid-May, and the summer season is generally from mid-May to the end of October, with fishing available year round.
One key to successfully enjoying Mackenzie's wilderness area is to come prepared. Rentals are not easy to come by in town, so bring equipment and gear for outdoor activities (unless going on a guided tour where this is provided), and acquaint yourself with weather conditions and appropriate clothing. File a trip plan with a trusted contact if you plan to visit remote areas.
Mackenzie Events and Activities
Mackenzie also organizes a number of events each year. One weekend in the summer, music aficionados enjoy the Morfee Mountain Music Festival held at the Rodeo grounds, just outside of town. The volunteer-based Performing Arts Society also provides a number of performances during the year.
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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