Mayo

A historic mining town on the Stewart River offering access to remote northern wilderness and excellent northern lights viewing. It provides an authentic taste of Yukon's mining heritage and frontier spirit.

Things to do

• Northern Lights Viewing — Mayo sits in the heart of the aurora zone; watch the sky dance with green and purple lights during fall and winter months from town or nearby dark-sky spots.
• Stewart River Paddling — Canoe or kayak the pristine Stewart River for multi-day wilderness trips through remote boreal forest with wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Keno City Historic Ghost Town — Drive 110 km north to explore this abandoned 1920s silver mining town with preserved cabins, old mining equipment, and interpretive signs about Yukon's boom-and-bust era.
• Mayo Gold Panning — Try amateur gold panning in designated creeks around town to experience the prospecting that drew settlers to the region over a century ago.
• Beaver Creek Hiking — Take moderate day hikes along Beaver Creek trails to spot moose, bears, and eagles while enjoying subalpine tundra landscape.
• Yukon Zinc Heritage Museum — Visit the local museum housed in restored heritage buildings to learn about Mayo's mining boom, Indigenous history, and frontier life.

Food to try

• Yukon Game Meat — Sample local moose, elk, or caribou prepared in hearty stews or roasted at the few restaurants and lodges in town, reflecting traditional Yukon cuisine.
• Fresh Arctic Char — Enjoy locally-caught Arctic char from the Stewart River, often prepared simply grilled or smoked at local establishments.
• Sourdough Bread and Pancakes — Taste authentic sourdough using starters maintained since the gold rush era, served warm at local cafes and lodges.
• Wild Berry Preserves — Pick up local jams and syrups made from wild berries like cloudberry, lingonberry, and blueberry harvested from the surrounding boreal forests.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mining Heritage — Mayo's identity centers on its mining past; show genuine interest in local stories about the silver rush and contemporary mining operations—residents take pride in this history.
• Prepare for Extreme Seasons — Winter temperatures drop to -40°C and summers have nearly 24-hour daylight; dress in layers and adjust activities to seasonal realities rather than expecting typical tourism amenities.
• Indigenous Land Recognition — Mayo sits on traditional First Nations territory; the region is home to the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun people, and respectful acknowledgment of Indigenous presence and stewardship is important.
• Small-Town Hospitality Rules — With fewer than 300 residents, Mayo operates on frontier hospitality customs—greet people you meet, support local businesses, and understand services close early or operate seasonally.