Mackenzie is a small community located in the Central Interior of British Columbia, approximately 300 kilometres north of Prince George. With a population of around 3,500 residents, the town serves as a regional hub for forestry, outdoor recreation, and tourism in the area.
The community developed as a planned town in the 1960s to support the local forestry industry and the operation of the nearby Mackenzie pulp mill. Situated on the shores of Williston Lake, one of North America’s largest reservoirs, Mackenzie offers access to extensive water-based recreation including fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake’s formation through the damming of the Peace River created a significant geographic feature that shapes the region’s character and economy. Visitors and residents alike take advantage of the surrounding wilderness for hunting, hiking, and camping opportunities, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance.