Yukon Register of Historic PlacesYRHP

Designed by Herbert Wheeler, the original S.S. Klondike was built by the British Yukon Navigation Company in 1929. The first skipper was Bill Bromley. The ship was the first boat big enough to handle over 300 tons (270 tonnes) without having to push a barge. In 1936, the vessel ran aground on a portion of the Yukon River.

The S.S. Klondike II was built immediately after and was a duplicate of the original. From 1937 to 1952 , the vessel operated primarily as a cargo vessel, carrying general freight, silver ore, and passengers. In 1952 it was modified and operated as a cruise ship in conjunction with CP Airlines. From the late 1860's to the mid 1950's, sternwheelers were the mainstay of the Yukon transportation system. The route to Dawson from Whitehorse took 36 hours; the return trip took 4 to 5 days. In August 1955 the SS Klondike had her last run, and in 1966 was moved to its present location in Rotary Park.