Mount McKay Scenic Lookout
Iconic lookout on Fort William First Nation land, offering stunning panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Mount McKay Scenic Lookout
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lookout on Fort William First Nation land, offering stunning panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.
"The ultimate lookout over Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, and the surrounding boreal landscape. 
🚗 Vehicle Fee
Expect a $10 fee per car to drive to the lookout.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike and navigating uneven terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Lake Views
Summit Lookout
Breathtaking vistas of Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, and the surrounding boreal landscape. A must-see!
Sacred Anishinaabe Site
Mount McKay
Experience the rich history and culture of the Fort William First Nation on this sacred land.
Challenging Hiking Trails
Mount McKay
Adventurous trekkers can tackle the trail up the back for an exhilarating experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Mount McKay
Views and Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Fee
Expect a $10 fee per car to drive to the lookout.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike and navigating uneven terrain.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to hike.
📸 Capture the Views
Perfect spot for landscape photography, especially at sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Fee
Expect a $10 fee per car to drive to the lookout.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the hike and navigating uneven terrain.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to hike.
📸 Capture the Views
Perfect spot for landscape photography, especially at sunset.
⚠️ Trail Caution
Be very cautious with small children on trails due to cliff drops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount McKay offers breathtaking panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior, making it a must-see attraction. Visitors appreciate the stunning scenery and the cultural significance of the site. However, some are disappointed by the recent replacement of the wooden boardwalk with metal fencing, which they feel detracts from the unobstructed view.
"Mount McKay is definitely a must see Thunder Bay attraction!!! Sadly, the wooden boardwalk has been removed and was replaced with metal fencing.... There is no comparison... The boardwalk allowed for an unobstructed view of Thunder Bay. The metal fencing gives a sort of prison-like feeling to it. I really do hope that it is a temporary fix!!!"
David Orr
"Great. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding hike.
Bring lots of water and wear good shoes. If you have small kids, be very cautious as the trail will present unprotected cliff drops as well as slippery surfaces."
Soban
"Nice spot to look out over the city on top of a hill. You can also see sleeping giant from here. $10 entry fee if coming by car."
Dane B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount McKay is accessed via Fort William First Nation. You can drive your vehicle to the lookout for a small fee.
Yes, there is parking available at the summit lookout area for vehicles that pay the entrance fee.
Yes, there is a trail up the back side of Mount McKay, recommended for experienced and healthy trekkers.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Mount McKay are limited. Driving is the most common method.
The most direct route is to drive up the road managed by Fort William First Nation, paying the entrance fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a $10 entrance fee per car to drive to the lookout.
The lookout is generally accessible during daylight hours, but it's best to check with Fort William First Nation for any specific seasonal or event-related closures.
No, tickets are not typically required in advance. You pay the vehicle fee upon arrival at the gate.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The standard fee is per vehicle.
Yes, you can attend a local Powwow or make an excursion to the peak. Check the Fort William First Nation schedule for events.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the panoramic views. You can also hike the trails or learn about the Anishinaabe history.
You can see Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, and the surrounding boreal landscape. The Sleeping Giant is also visible on clear days.
While the views are great, be very cautious with small children due to unprotected cliff drops and slippery surfaces on the trails.
Late afternoon offers stunning sunset views. Weekday mornings provide a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
Basic facilities may be available, but it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit lookout offers incredible panoramic shots of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! The expansive views and natural scenery make it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for photographs.
General photography is permitted, but always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site and any local customs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Adventurers
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness, and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. The changing light throughout the day offers diverse photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Anishinaabe Connection
Understanding its history enriches the experience, offering a glimpse into the enduring connection between the land and its Indigenous stewards. Visitors can sometimes attend local Powwows held on the First Nation's land, providing a unique cultural immersion. When visiting, it's important to be respectful of the land and its heritage. The views from the summit are not just scenic; they are views from a place of profound spiritual and historical importance. This perspective adds a layer of depth to the visit, transforming it from a simple scenic stop into a meaningful cultural encounter.
Hiking Mount McKay: Trails and Tips
While the hike is invigorating, it's important to note that the trails present unprotected cliff drops. This means extra caution is needed, especially if you are hiking with children.
The Lookout Experience: Views and Changes
It's a prime spot for photography, particularly during the 'golden hour' before sunset, when the light casts a magical glow over the scenery. Recent changes at the lookout have involved the replacement of a wooden boardwalk with metal fencing. While this may alter the aesthetic and the feeling of an unobstructed view for some visitors, the breathtaking scenery remains the main draw.
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