Alexander Mackenzie's Landing

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Access

Located eight kilometres by road from Mackenzie, access is via the Parsnip West Forest Service Road. The turnoff to the site, from Highway 39, is about 3 km south of town. Watch for posted highway signs.

History and hydroelectric operation

In June 1793, Scottish fur trader Alexander Mackenzie, with his assistant, Alexander Mckay, six French- Canadian voyageurs and two plains Indians, passed by this spot enroute to the Pacific Ocean. While their voyages were motivated by a desire to expand the fur trade, their explorations opened Canada to settlement and development. On June 11, 1993, BC Hydro and the residents of Mackenzie dedicated this recreation site "Alexander Mackenzie's Landing" in recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of Alexander Mackenzie's historic journey.

When the WAC Bennett earthfill dam was constructed in 1968 it created the second-largest man-made reservoir in North America. WAC Bennett and Peace Canyon dams together produce one-third of the province's electricity.

Visitor centres at the WAC Bennett and Peace Canyon dams offer a wide range of exhibits. Guided tours are available.

Multiple use

Facilities at Alexander Mackenzie's Landing include:

• 19-unit campground
• day-use picnic area (10 picnic tables)
• informal pedestrian trails
• sandy beach
• single-wide boat launch
• Firewood is available for a small fee (cash only). Please inquire with the Recreational Area Warden.
• event seating area
• four pit toilets
• grassed open space
• display signs and shelters
• designated wheelchair-accessible sites and pit toilets
• sorry, no drinking water

Recreation opportunities include:

• camping
• picnicking
• hiking
• motor boating
• fishing
• canoeing
• swimming

Safety and boater information

Reservoir operation combined with the natural and man-made characteristics of this reservoir can create hazards that are unique to Williston Reservoir. Water levels change seasonally. Boaters are cautioned that snags and stumps may lie just below the surface at all water levels. Boaters should carry extra shear pins and a spare propeller. Floating and submerged debris may be encountered in all areas of the reservoir. Weather conditions can change unexpectedly. Beware of high winds and quickly developing high waves. Waves greater than two metres are not uncommon on this reservoir. Further information for boaters is available in the Williston Reservoir Boaters Guide, available at local BC Hydro offices and information centres.

During winter, the frozen surface of Williston Lake is hazardous. Extreme caution must be exercised. Winter hazards include pressure ridges, slush on the ice, gas holes, open water, broken shoreline, ice, rapid temperature changes, extreme cold and remoteness from help.

Visitor information specific to Alexander Mackenzie's Landing

• Follow the campfire rules and keep fires confined to the fire pits provided. Be sure to completely extinguish fires before leaving.
• Observe fire restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Forests. To report a forest fire, phone 1 800 663 5555.
• Use of ATV's and dirt bikes is prohibited within the recreation area.
• Trails are closed to motorized vehicles.
• The use of firearms in the Recreation Area is prohibited.
• Please keep this area clean and avoid attracting bears by placing refuse in the containers provided.
• Maximum overnight camping stay is two weeks.