MacKenzie Mountain Lookoff

MacKenzie Mountain rises sharply from Pleasant Bay on the western Cabot Trail. Several pull-offs near the summit reveal vast views back over the village, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and on clear days the distant outline of the Magdalen Islands. The road itself is one of the most dramatic stretches on the entire Cabot Trail.

What to see

• Sweeping ocean-and-village views back down to Pleasant Bay and out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• On exceptionally clear days, the long flat shape of the Magdalen Islands on the horizon.
• The famously twisty road climbing the escarpment — itself a memorable photo subject from any of the upper pull-offs.
• Pilot whales offshore from late June through October; bring binoculars.
• One of the best sunset spots on the entire loop.

Tips

• Late afternoon and sunset are the magic hours here — the light hits the cliffs head-on.
• The pull-offs are small; if one is full, drive on to the next rather than blocking traffic.
• Mind the wind when you open car doors — it can rip a door right out of your hand.
• Don't lean over the guardrails for photos; the drop is significant and the rock is loose at the edge.
• Carry a wind shell; even warm days are cool at this elevation.

Park & access

• A series of small pull-offs along the Cabot Trail north of Pleasant Bay; all are signed.
• Parks Canada day pass required.
• No facilities at the pull-offs; nearest washroom is in Pleasant Bay or at French Mountain.
• Cell service is intermittent.

Combine it with

• A whale-watching tour from Pleasant Bay before or after the climb.
• The Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay.
• The Skyline Trail and French Mountain on the same loop, all within twenty minutes.