about Keno City

Keno City might be small, but it’s packed with history and character. Keno came to be in 1919 when John Kinman staked a claim at the base of Keno Hill. His claim became the staging area for loads going up the hill, and morphed into a service town for the silver mines. Today, Keno’s population ebbs and flows with the seasons. Currently home to around 20 residents, Keno is a tight-knit community where everyone has a story and a skill. From miners to artists, residents embody the resilience of the Yukon spirit.

our History

The Keno Hill region holds a storied place in Yukon’s mining history, rivaling even Dawson City in its significance. Before the Klondike Gold Rush captured international attention, prospectors were already exploring the area’s creeks for precious minerals. Early efforts led to the discovery of silver-lead ore at Galena Creek in 1906. However, it wasn’t until 1919 that the district rose to prominence, when Louis Beauvette staked claims on rich silver veins at Keno Hill. This marked the beginning of a silver boom that transformed the area into one of Canada’s mining hubs.

Over the decades, Keno Hill became one of the country’s most prolific silver-producing regions, with hundreds of mining claims fueling its reputation. For years, the district stood as North America’s leading silver producer, deeply shaping the local economy and community. Today, the Keno Mining Museum preserves this legacy, showcasing the ingenuity, resilience, and determination of the people who built this remarkable mining frontier.

Nearby
Attractions

Signpost Hill

Enjoy an iconic panoramic viewpoint atop Keno Hill, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding wilderness.

Bottle House

Admire a one-of-a-kind house covered with over 32,000 beer bottles, a testament to Keno’s unique creativity.

Please view from a distance, as this is a private residence.

Hiking Trails

Traverse a variety of trails in Keno City, ranging from gentle walks to challenging ascents. These paths wind past old mines and offer breathtaking alpine views.

Butterfly viewing

The alpine meadows around Keno City are home to unique Beringian butterflies, a rare species best seen during the summer months when the alpine is in bloom. Visitors can learn more about these butterflies at the Alpine Interpretive Centre, which provides information on their habitat and behavior. For the best chance to observe them, visit Keno Hill in July during the peak of alpine flowering. Stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing their delicate environment.

Life in Keno

Living in Keno is all about independence and creativity. Residents, often retired or seasonal workers, take on various roles, from artists and trappers to miners and all things in between. Life is full here, despite the small population – with hunting, community projects, and the simple joy of being part of a unique Yukon town.