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Silver Trail Country

Mayo, Yukon

On the banks of the Stewart River — gateway to the legendary Keno Hill silver mines, home of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and the quiet heart of central Yukon.

~500
Population
~$185K
Avg Property Price
Town
Municipality Type
Stewart River
Region

Life in Mayo

Mayo sits on the Stewart River 360 kilometres north of Whitehorse, at the base of the Silver Trail — the gravel road that winds northeast to Elsa and Keno City through the hills that once produced some of the richest silver ore in Canadian history. The town was founded as a riverboat landing in the late 19th century, grew with the Keno Hill mines through the 20th, and now anchors a small community that takes quiet pride in its authentic Yukon character.

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun — the "Big River People" — are the Indigenous people of this territory, with roots along the Stewart River and its tributaries extending back thousands of years. Their Final Agreement (1993) established self-government across their traditional territory, and NND's presence is central to Mayo's community identity. The Binet House Interpretive Centre documents both the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun history and the mining heritage that shaped the town.

Mayo has all the essentials — a K-12 school, health centre, grocery store, post office, and community hub — in a community small enough that you will know most people within your first year. The Silver Trail to Keno City (55 km) is one of Yukon's finest scenic drives. The Stewart River itself is a paddling and fishing destination of the first order: chinook salmon, arctic grayling, and northern pike inhabit its clear waters. In winter, the snow-covered hills surrounding town fill with snowmachines, dog teams, and a quiet that most Canadians never experience.

Real Estate in Mayo

Mayo Townsite Homes

Mayo's established residential area offers homes at some of the most accessible price points in Yukon. Properties include older character homes, post-mining-era bungalows, and some more recent builds. The small scale means every property sale is known in the community — often word-of-mouth moves properties before they're formally listed.

~$140K–$240K

Stewart River Acreages

Riverside and near-river acreages in the Mayo area offer stunning settings for those who want more land and closer proximity to the river. These properties suit buyers who want a homestead-style life, with wood heat, large gardens, and direct access to fishing and wildlife that few Canadians ever experience.

~$160K–$300K depending on improvements

Silver Trail Properties

Along the Silver Trail toward Elsa and Keno City, properties offer dramatic landscapes and a true remote Yukon experience. Keno City itself has occasional properties for sale at very low price points — reflecting the community's tiny year-round population and the understanding that living here requires genuine self-sufficiency.

~$80K–$180K (highly variable)

Mayo Real Estate — FAQ

What is Mayo's history in silver mining?
Mayo grew as a supply hub and riverboat landing for the silver-lead mines of the Keno Hill district — one of Canada's richest silver-producing areas through the 20th century. The Keno Hill mine operated from 1919 through multiple boom-and-bust cycles, with United Keno Hill Mines operating as a major employer for decades. The Binet House Interpretive Centre in Mayo documents this heritage, and the Keno City Mining Museum, 55 km up the Silver Trail, is one of the finest small mining museums in Canada — a genuine gem tucked into the hills.
Who are the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun?
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (NND) are the Indigenous people of the Mayo and upper Stewart River area. Their name means "Big River People," a reference to their deep connection to the Stewart River system. Their Final Agreement (1993) established self-government and defined Settlement Lands throughout their traditional territory. NND plays an important role in Mayo's community life, natural resource management, and governance throughout the region.
What is the Stewart River and its significance to Mayo?
The Stewart River flows past Mayo and was historically the main transportation artery for mining supplies and silver ore — sternwheelers once travelled its length during the mining boom years. Today the Stewart River and its tributaries — the Hess, Beaver, and McQuesten Rivers — provide outstanding fishing for chinook salmon, grayling, and northern pike, and are used extensively for wilderness canoeing and river travel. The river gives Mayo its original reason for being and remains central to life in the community.
What is the real estate market like in Mayo?
Mayo is a small community with a modest but functional real estate market. Properties are among the most affordable in Yukon, reflecting the community's remote location and small population base. Basic services include a school, health centre, and small commercial district. Some buyers are specifically attracted by the low price point and the opportunity to own property in an authentic Yukon community without the Whitehorse premium. The market moves slowly — patience is required — but deals can be found here that don't exist elsewhere in the territory.
What is nearby Keno City?
Keno City is a tiny community 55 km from Mayo, accessible by the scenic Silver Trail gravel road through mineral-rich hills. Once home to thousands of miners, it now has perhaps a dozen year-round residents and one of Canada's most charming small museums. The Keno City Mining Museum documents the silver rush era in remarkable detail with original equipment and photographs. The surrounding hills are excellent hiking terrain and the community hosts small summer festivals that draw visitors from across Yukon.
Is there a Land Transfer Tax in Yukon?
No. Yukon has no provincial or territorial Land Transfer Tax. Buyers pay legal and notary fees, title registration costs, and any applicable inspection fees, but there is no government transfer tax on the purchase price. This applies whether you are purchasing in Whitehorse, Mayo, Keno City, or anywhere else in Yukon — no transfer tax, full stop.
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