SS Klondike
Yukon
The SS Klondike is a preserved sternwheeler located in Whitehorse, Yukon, recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. It represents the second of two sternwheelers named Klondike, which operated freight services along the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City from the late 1920s until the early 1950s. The first Klondike was built in 1929 and featured a cargo capacity 50% greater than typical sternwheelers of the time, designed to navigate the shallow and narrow Yukon River. After the first vessel ran aground in 1936, its engines and boiler were salvaged to construct the second Klondike, which continued operations until the rise of highway transport made river freight less essential. The second Klondike was briefly converted into a cruise ship but was later decommissioned and donated to Parks Canada. It was moved to its current location in Whitehorse in 1966 and designated a National Historic Site in 1967. Today, the SS Klondike offers visitors a glimpse into the steam-powered paddlewheelers that were once the lifelines of the Yukon, reflecting the region's transportation heritage and the changes brought by river navigation. The site also honors the Indigenous peoples who navigated these waterways long before steam-powered vessels arrived.
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Tip: The SS Klondike is typically open during summer months but is currently undergoing long-term restoration and lead removal, so access may be restricted. Visitors should check the official Parks Canada website for up-to-date information before planning their visit. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during the open season. The site offers guided tours and outdoor exhibits, providing an informative experience about Yukon river history. The best time to visit is during the summer for favorable weather and full access to amenities.
Interesting facts
- •The first SS Klondike had 50% more cargo capacity than typical sternwheelers of its time, without pushing a barge.
- •The remains of the first SS Klondike's hull can still be seen at low water on the Yukon River.
- •The Duke of Edinburgh toured the second SS Klondike during his visit to Whitehorse in 1954.
- •Moving the SS Klondike to its current location in Whitehorse required three bulldozers, eight tons of soap, a crew of twelve men, and three weeks to complete the task.
- •The SS Klondike is one of the few remaining steam-powered paddlewheelers in Canada and serves as a tangible link to the Yukon’s river transport history.
History
The first SS Klondike was built in 1929 by the British Yukon Navigation Company to improve freight capacity on the Yukon River.
After running aground in 1936, its machinery was reused to build the second Klondike in 1937.
The second vessel operated until the early 1950s when highway construction reduced the need for river transport.
Converted briefly into a cruise ship in 1954, it ceased operation in 1955.
Donated to Parks Canada, the ship was restored and relocated to Whitehorse in 1966.
It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1967, preserving its legacy as a symbol of Yukon’s river transportation era.
Place Guide
Main Deck and Cargo Hold1937
Explore the main deck where freight was loaded and the cargo hold that once carried up to 270 metric tonnes of goods, showcasing the vessel's impressive capacity for river transport.
Pilot House1937
The pilot house offers insight into the navigation and control of the sternwheeler, where the captain steered the vessel along the challenging Yukon River.
Engine Room1937
The engine room houses the steam-powered machinery salvaged from the first Klondike, a key component in powering the paddlewheel and propelling the ship upstream.
Passenger Lounge (Cruise Ship Conversion)1954
This area reflects the period when the SS Klondike was converted into a cruise ship in the 1950s, intended to offer river tours before the venture ended due to lack of interest.
Contact
Phone: (867) 667-4511
