Parks Canada’s Infrastructure Program

What to know before you visit

The Government of Canada is investing in the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site as part of the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada. Through these infrastructure investments, Parks Canada is protecting and conserving national treasures, while supporting local economies and contributing to growth in the tourism sector.

Safety is a top priority. Visitors near project areas are advised to exercise caution and respect on-site signage. Read on to find out about the projects happening at S.S. Klondike National Historic Site.

S.S. Klondike

There are a number of upcoming infrastructure projects in the works on the S.S. Klondike to preserve and protect the site and ensure the quality and reliability of visitor facilities that will continue to allow Canadians to connect with treasured heritage places.

The immediate plans include the continued remediation of lead paint and stabilization of the structure. Repairing any deficiencies and ensuring the vessel can withstand the harsh climate in which is it dry docked is a top priority. The end goal of all infrastructure work is for the vessel to be fully accessible, open to the public and for events for generations to come.

The timeline for this work will span 4-5 years, with partial site closures during that time. Summer 2022 saw the completion of lead abatement project on the paddlewheeler.

Atlin Barge

The Atlin is the last remaining wooden barge from the age of river transportation in the Yukon and represents the important role that barges played within the Yukon’s water transportation system between 1898 and 1950.

As part of a regular condition assessment conducted in 2018, Parks Canada found the hull of the barge to be deteriorating due to environmental factors, such as rain, snow and fluctuating humidity levels. Summer 2022 saw restoration of the hull of the barge, and next season there will be planking, decking, caulking and railings installed which will see the close of the project.