The S.S. Klondike was designated a national historic site of Canada:

- to commemorate inland water transportation in the Yukon Territory;

- to represent Yukon steamers and other vessels.

The heritage value of the S.S. Klondike resides in its completeness and legibility as a fast water shallow drafter sternwheeler steamer representative of the type of vessel built for Yukon water transportation. The S.S. Klondike was built by the British Navigation Co, launched in 1937 and operated as a freight and passenger vessel on the Yukon river until 1955, when she retired. Commercial navigation ceased on the Yukon River in 1957. The S.S. Klondike has been restored by Parks Canada to the 1937-1940 period ship and is now open for public visitation.

Sources: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minutes, 1962: Commemorative Integrity Statement, 7 July 1997.

Character Defining Elements

Key elements of this site include:

- the completeness of its hull, superstructure, propulsion and auxiliary systems;

- the physical integrity of the vessel as defined by its original massing, hull construction and design, particularly as it was adapted for silver-lead ore transportation;

- the quality of the vessel¿s construction and its components, in particular its structural framing, mechanical systems and its well-executed carved planking;

- the surviving unity of the original vessel and its equipment, in particular its original surface materials and the details of its appearance as defined by its original colour and exterior elements (lifeboats, meat and vegetable lockers, line, spars);

- the surviving original functional organization of its interior and exterior space;

- the visual link between the S.S. Klondike¿s final resting place and the Yukon River;

- the vessel¿s siting beside the Yukon River in Whitehorse.

Historical Sources Location

YHMA file:

--Parks Canada pamphlet QS-R112-000-BB-A1

--2 b&w contact prints of uncredited, undated 4X5 format negatives

--S.S. Klondike National Historic Site, Parks CAnada

A Narrative History of the SS Klondike. by Arnold E. Roos, 1981

Renovation Information

Extensively refurbished as a cruise ship, 1953; Restored by Parks Canada to its 1930's appearance: 1970's.

Construction Style

Stern driven; flat bottomed; square knuckles. Steam driven.

Cultural History

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.

Documentation Location

Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate Documentation Centre 3rd Floor, room 366 30 Victoria Street Gatineau, Québec J8X 0B3