frequently asked questions

What is the population of Keno City?

Good question! That depends on the season. About 12 people winter in Keno, and over the spring and summer, the population increases to around 20. This doesn’t include the RAW TV crew, placer miners, exploration crews, contractors, mushroom pickers, assorted visitors, and “assorted weirdos” who come to Keno to work and play.

What does everyone do in Keno City?

The short answer? Whatever they want! Kenoites are incredibly resourceful and self-sufficient. Most residents are retired seniors leading very full lives, while those of “working age” are usually employed seasonally from May to October. Residents hunt and trap, cut firewood, tend bar, offer accommodations, make art, work on home projects, and, of course, mine!

Where do you grocery shop?

Residents have a grocery store in Mayo, 60 km away, which is convenient for smaller shops. Once a month or every six weeks, many make a trip to Whitehorse. Some stay a few days to get all their shopping done, while others do a “turn and burn”—a 900 km roundtrip in one day.

Is the “pizza guy” here?

Mike Mancini, famous throughout the Territory, operates the Snack Bar in Keno. He may be here, or he may not. It’s best to call ahead to check, as you might find a “Gone Fishing” sign on the door!

What should we do and see while we visit?

Signpost Hill! Once you’ve reached Keno, it would be a shame not to go up Keno Hill for panoramic views of the McQuesten Valley, Ogilvie, and Wernecke Mountain ranges. Check in with museum staff about road conditions, and prepare to hike trails that take you past old mining sites. Summer brings alpine flowers and butterflies, while autumn colors are a close rival to the fall on the Dempster.
Off-roading: With a quad, you can access Wernecke Camp, Gambler Gulch, or explore Sourdough Hill, Bunker Hill, or Mt. Hinton.
Walking Tour: Grab a brochure to tour Keno’s historical buildings, including the Bottle House (covered in 32,000 beer bottles). Please view from a distance, as this is a private residence. Download Walking Tour PDF

Duncan Creek Road:

Do or Don’t?
Even though GPS or maps might direct you to Duncan Creek Road, don’t take it. This seasonal, unmaintained road becomes a muddy bog in spring and is deeply rutted by summer. Heavy equipment from placer mining also contributes to road conditions, and even locals avoid it.

Where is Rick Ness, of Gold Rush, mining?

Rick Ness mines on Duncan Creek, about 14 km outside Keno. To reach it, you need good tires and four-wheel drive due to rough conditions. You can also access it by taking Duncan Creek Road from the Mayo side of the loop, closer to Mayo Lake.

Where can we take our garbage?

Keno is a pack-in, pack-out community. Visitors must take all garbage with them, even if staying at the campground. Your garbage can be disposed of at the Mayo dump. www.villageofmayo.ca/landfill