S.S. Klondike National Historic Site

I was quite disappointed that the boat is inaccessible because of restoration. You can only view it from outside the fencing that is all around it. I realize projects like this are necessary sometimes, but they need to have a much more prominent notice on their website about it being closed. Or better yet actually close it and put all the resources into completing the restoration in a more timely manner.

We stopped here even though the boat is currently closed to the public. They are restoring it and will be reopened in the future. They have a small visitor centre and the staff was very nice. There is still plenty of information about the boat without being able to go invitation. There are also some red Adirondack chairs that are part of Parks Canada. It was fun taking our pictures in the chairs.

The SS Klondike is a historic sternwheeler vessel, now preserved as a National Historic Site of Canada in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. It represents one of the last remaining examples of steam-powered paddlewheelers that played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and passengers along the Yukon River during the early 20th century. Originally constructed in 1929 by the British Yukon Navigation Company, the ship was designed to carry freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City. It sank in 1936 due to an accident but was subsequently rebuilt and relaunched as the SS Klondike II in 1937, with enhanced capacity for cargo and passengers. The vessel operated until 1955, when river transportation declined due to the development of road infrastructure. It was then moved to its current dry-docked location on the banks of the Yukon River, adjacent to the Robert Campbell Bridge in Whitehorse, where it serves as a museum exhibit illustrating the evolution of Yukon River navigation and life during that era. As of September 2025, the SS Klondike is undergoing a $14 million restoration project to address structural issues and ensure waterproofing, rendering it temporarily closed to visitors. Managed by Parks Canada, the site offers educational insights into the region's transportation history upon reopening.

The site was cute. The shop was being restored, so we couldn't for the boat. It is supposed to be done by 2029 according to the young man in the info center. Some nice souvenirs. Two cute cabins--one with an 18- minute video about the shop and the other seemed to be an escape room.

It's a bit unfair to rate this site as the S.S. Klondike is closed to the public as it is currently being restored. The Parks Canada welcome centre, however, is open, as are the grounds, a small cinema showing the movie, “In the Days of the Riverboats,” and an escape room. Once this famous riverboat reopens to the public it will likely become again a must-see attraction in Whitehorse. For now, however, you can prioritize going to the many other fun sites and activities on offer in Whitehorse and surrounding areas.

Stopped in to visit this museum and ended up hopping on a tour that had just started for an extra $10. The tour was interesting, very professionally done by parks Canada, and the other visitors struck up a conversation and asked good questions. I recommend the tour rather than just looking around, as you feel more like you have experienced the real thing.

I didn’t do the tour, but there was an informative historical video (about 20 minutes) and a brochure that was about $2 which explained everything you need to know about the boat. While the boat is undergoing repairs and only the lower level is able to be accessed at the time of writing (July 2023), it was still a worthwhile place to visit while in Whitehorse.

It’s closed and probably closed until 2028. Maybe worth a visit if you are already passing through but otherwise not. Not much in the visitor Center. Other reviewers have said it is unfair to rate it poorly because its closed, but this just means the reviews are highly deceptive. They are being left by people who have not actually visited the boat. There is very little to see. The visitor centre is a small shop with a video running on a loop. If you are in the area and can drive by, sure, take a look and stretch your legs, but you will learn more about it using Youtube. You cannot see much. There are some really nice museums in town that are worth visiting instead. It is very deceptive of the staff to not let people know in advance that there is nothing really to see. They should update Google. I have visited twice in three years. Both times hoping it would open. Still closed.