Why Mackenzie Belongs on Your BC Mountain Bike Map

When most people think of mountain biking in British Columbia, names like Whistler, Squamish, or the Okanagan usually come to mind. But tucked in the heart of Northern BC lies Mackenzie, a small, welcoming town that’s quietly carving out a reputation as one of the province’s best-kept biking secrets. With its scenic alpine ridgelines, exhilarating downhill tracks, and beautiful cross-country trails, Mackenzie has become a hidden gem for riders of all ages and skill levels.

When I moved to Mackenzie in 2016, this was not the case. Our community had a few well-known hiking trails that could be ridden, and some non-sanctioned trails were disappearing into obscurity due to lack of use. This wasn’t because of a lack of interest in biking, but rather a lack of awareness of what was here. The inertia of past efforts faded without a strong community to keep them alive. In fact, unbeknownst to me, an excellent unsanctioned cross-country circuit was being built in 2016, and several other attempts at trail building were made in the following years but never got off the ground.

The lack of structure and information about local opportunities didn’t go unnoticed by several locals, municipal government, and regional recreation officials. A small group of residents, mostly new to the municipality, came together with government support to advocate for and promote outdoor recreation in our community. Their mission: bring structure to what so many had tried to start before—good mountain biking and outdoor recreation opportunities in a community whose greatest strength is the vast expanse of natural beauty right at our doorstep.

This is how the Mackenzie Outdoor Route and Trail Association (MORATA) was born as well as the beginning of Mackenzie as a mountain biking destination. I got involved at the inception of MORATA at the end of 2016, driven by a simple dream: to take a mountain bike vacation without leaving my hometown.

Discovering Inspiration Across BC’s Trail Network

I was fortunate when I moved to Mackenzie to meet a group of amazing people who were keen to explore and, most importantly, ride bikes. We made regular trips to Prince George, Williams Lake, Burns Lake, and Valemount, staying with friends, family, and camping. Northern BC is filled with a plethora of quiet rec sites that let you experience all the diverse beauty BC has to offer without the hustle, bustle, and crowds of other areas. Each riding destination had its own feel and charm. Every trip confirmed I had found the right place to live and work.

Prince George was the closest place to ride. Pidherny and Otway offered exceptional trails within day-trip distance, allowing us to ride regularly, even though camping near the trails was limited.

Williams Lake had a home-grown spirit that was infectious and it was always a great spot for early-season riding.

Burns Lake was a favorite, with its camping area right at the bottom of the riding network and a great diversity of trails and styles all in one convenient place.

Valemount was already well known for its exceptional bike park. I fell in love with the long flow trails that pushed me to become a better rider and fully embrace downhill riding.

Each location had its charm and motivated me to bring that same energy back to my community.

A Dream Turned Destination

The road to what we have now, and what we continue to develop, has not been easy. I’ve put in countless hours creating plans, walking potential trail locations, applying for permits, reviewing legislation, working with contractors, managing funding challenges, and everything in between. Building trails was just the beginning.

To create something with the draw of other Northern destinations, we had to build parking areas, outhouses, conduct road work, collaborate with the community and stakeholders, and plan supporting infrastructure like campgrounds.

Balancing home life, relationships, and physical and mental health has been a challenge while being so engaged with such a massive project in my spare time. I often stop and ask myself: Is this worth it?

The answer I ultimately come to is a resounding yes!

When I see the joy on people’s faces after a lap, crowds turning out to events like the Morfee Scramble and Rockin’ the Ridgeline, and the thrill of first tracks on a brand-new trail, that’s when the hard work truly pays off. This year, I’ve met riders from Southern California to Alaska, new Mackenzie residents, and even visitors from Germany. The pride I feel in drawing people to my beloved small northern town to share my passion is incredible. Sharing it with old and new friends brings me great joy.

I feel that we have created something incredible and we’re still growing the dream. Plans are underway for more features like day-use areas to make us more family-friendly, skills zones for warming up or waiting for friends, and camping/accommodation right at the network. We’re increasing trail diversity for different riding styles and skill levels, which I’ve really appreciated when traveling with friends who are new to the sport or ride at a higher intensity than I do.

What Specifically I Love About Riding in Mackenzie

Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just starting out, Mackenzie has something for you:

• Morfee Mountain Trail Network: The crown jewel. Riders can climb or shuttle to the alpine, where panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, Morfee Lake, and Williston Reservoir stretch in every direction. From the 6.7 km alpine section, the 850m descent begins: fast singletracks, technical features, and flowing trails create an unforgettable ride.
• Little Mac Flow Tracks: Located right in town beside a campground and public beach, this compact area is perfect for families or evening laps. A smooth Blue line offers progression for new riders, while a Black line provides added challenge.
• Azan Trail Loop: A scenic 10 km perimeter trail built for hiking, running, or beginner-friendly rides. With its wider tread, it’s accessible for all ages and abilities.
• Morfee Lake Trail: One of Mackenzie’s original bike trails. This 15 km loop delivers a technical cross-country ride with rocks, roots, and rewarding lakeside views. It also hosts the annual Morfee Lake Scramble.
• Deet and Citronella: A short, hand-built singletrack best ridden counterclockwise. Narrow, fast, and flowy, it’s a local favorite for cross-country enthusiasts.

Mackenzie doesn’t just build trails, it builds community. Events like the Morfee Lake Scramble and Rockin’ the Ridgeline bring riders and families together for friendly competition, costumes, music, and celebration. Whether you’re chasing a podium or pedaling with your kids, the energy is infectious.

What makes Mackenzie truly special is the blend of world-class terrain and small-town charm. No crowded trailheads. No long lift lines. Just quiet alpine ridges, lakeside loops, and a community that’s genuinely excited to welcome you. It’s affordable, accessible, and unforgettable.

With new trail projects underway and more riders discovering this northern treasure, Mackenzie is no longer just a dream, it’s a destination worth traveling for.

We respectfully acknowledge that the District of Mackenzie and Morfee Mountain are located on the traditional territories of the McLeod Lake Indian Band and the Tsay Keh Dene Nation. TheTsay Keh Dene People have lived on, stewarded, and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We recognize their enduring relationship with this place and express our gratitude for the opportunity to live, work, and recreate on their ancestral lands.

About the author

Ross Hobbs is a founding member and President of the Mackenzie Outdoor Route and Trail Association (MORATA), a role he has held since 2016. A committed community volunteer, he has also served with Search and Rescue and the Mackenzie Volunteer Fire Department, and continues to play a key leadership role in developing outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.

Originally from Edmonton, Ross built a career in forestry across Canada and internationally. He is currently the General Manager of Chu Cho Forestry, overseeing forestry tenures for the Tsay Keh Dene Nation and supporting sustainable land stewardship. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast and passionate mountain biker, Ross draws on global riding experience and deep community ties to help grow Mackenzie as a vibrant outdoor destination.