SS Klondike

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SS Klondike

Park

SS Klondike is a preserved sternwheeler displayed as a National Historic Site in Whitehorse, Yukon. Travelers visit to see a working-era paddle steamer, learn about Yukon river freight history and explore the restored machinery and decks during the summer season.

SS Klondike WhitehorseDawson CitySS Klondike

SS Klondike essentials

Address: Shipyards/riverbank, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

SS Klondike refers to two sternwheelers - Klondike I (1929) and Klondike II (1937) - that ran freight along the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City; the second vessel, Klondike II, is preserved as a National Historic Site on the Whitehorse riverbank near Miles Canyon.

Klondike I was built in 1929 by the British Yukon Navigation Company with unusually large cargo capacity for a sternwheeler; after she ran aground in 1936 many of her boiler, engine and fittings were salvaged to construct Klondike II the following year. Klondike II carried freight into the early 1950s and was briefly converted for cruises before being laid up.

The ship was donated to Parks Canada, restored and moved onto its present display site in the mid-1960s using an involved hauling operation, and was designated a National Historic Site in 1967. It is open to visitors in summer, with much of the vessel and its machinery accessible alongside interpretive panels about river trade; the wreckage of Klondike I can still be seen at low water from the Yukon River by canoeists.

  • Engine and boiler area: Saved machinery from Klondike I was used in Klondike II and the ship’s engine and boiler spaces are preserved for visitors to view.
  • Pilot house: The pilot house offers a sense of how the captain steered and read the river during seasonal navigation.
  • Cargo deck and holds: Walk the cargo deck to picture the sternwheeler’s role moving freight along the Yukon River.
  • Ship on the riverbank: The Klondike II sits on the riverbank; it was moved onto its present site in 1966 using greased log rollers.
  • Interpretive exhibits: Panels and displays around the ship explain Yukon river transport, the salvage and rebuilding story, and the wider sternwheeler era.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit SS Klondike#

The museum and visitor access are best in the short Yukon summer when riverfront sites are snow-free and milder; shoulder seasons offer quieter visits but cooler weather.

Summer (best)
June - August · 5°C - 21°C (41°F - 70°F)
Warmest and most reliable time for access to outdoor displays and boat-related exhibits, with visitor services and tours most likely to be operating.
Shoulder seasons (quieter)
May, September · 0°C - 14°C (32°F - 57°F)
Later spring and early fall can be pleasant for fewer crowds but expect cooler temperatures and reduced seasonal services.
Winter (off-season)
October - April · -22°C - 7°C (-8°F - 45°F)
Long, cold winters make on-site access limited and many visitor facilities closed; check locally if any winter programs are offered.

Weather & Climate near SS Klondike#

Climate

SS Klondike's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -22°C to 21°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 21 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-45°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -22° - -14° -25° 18 mm overcast 97% 2.6 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
February Poor -19° - -8° -20° 13 mm partly cloudy 96% 2.8 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
March Poor -13° - -1° -12° 11 mm partly cloudy 96% 3.0 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Acceptable -5° - 7° -3° 9 mm overcast 91% 3.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.4h
May Good 0° - 14° 5° 16 mm overcast 79% 3.0 m/s 1.0 high 17.0h
June Good 5° - 19° 12° 29 mm overcast 76% 2.8 m/s 1.3 high 18.5h
July Good 8° - 21° 14° 39 mm overcast 77% 2.5 m/s 1.2 high 17.8h
August Good 6° - 19° 13° 37 mm overcast 79% 2.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 15.4h
September Acceptable 2° - 13° 6° 34 mm overcast 85% 2.6 m/s 0.4 low 12.7h
October Poor -3° - 5° -2° 25 mm overcast 93% 2.9 m/s 0.1 low 9.9h
November Poor -12° - -5° -13° 21 mm overcast 97% 2.7 m/s 0.0 low 7.2h
December Poor -19° - -10° -21° 19 mm overcast 97% 2.7 m/s 0.0 low 5.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to SS Klondike#

The SS Klondike is on the riverfront at Whitehorse; the nearest city services and visitor facilities are in Whitehorse. The city is served by Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport for scheduled flights.

From downtown Whitehorse the shipyard/display area is reached by a short taxi ride, local bus or a riverside walk or bike ride; seasonal heritage trains and excursions operate on the White Pass and Yukon Route but schedules vary, so check local transport options and signage for the final stretch.

Tips for Visiting SS Klondike#

  • The site is open seasonally (summer); check current opening days and access before you travel.
  • Summer weather can still be cool and changeable in the Yukon, so bring layers and wind protection.
  • Surfaces on and around the ship and riverbank can be uneven and steep - wear sturdy shoes and take care on wet decking.
  • Combine a visit with a stroll to nearby Miles Canyon and riverside trails for more river views.
  • The wreck of Klondike I is visible at low water to canoeists - if you plan river travel, be experienced and respect local safety guidance.