Carcross, Yukon — The Northern Territories (North America)
Freighting on the Southern Lakes
| | SS Tutshi Memorial | |
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, June 5, 2024
1. Freighting on the Southern Lakes Marker
Before the railway was completed around Lake Bennett, the lake steamers Bailey, Gleaner, Clifford Sifton, and Reaper were on constant duty transporting rail for the construction crews.
The end of steel in Whitehorse connected to the Yukon River sternwheelers. Dissatisfied with the efficiency of the system, WP & YR set up the British Yukon Navigation Company (BYN). It purchased the Canadian Development Company sternwheelers on the Yukon River and the assets of the John Irving Navigation Company which operated boats on Lake Bennett, Taku Arm, and Atlin Lake.
As the stampede waned, many sternwheelers were taken through Miles Canyon and White Horse Rapids to run between Whitehorse and Dawson. The remaining boats worked out of Carcross to supply the growing mining communities in the southern lakes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 60° 9.898′ N, 134° 42.23′ W. Marker is in Carcross, Yukon
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Regionally, this marker is in the Canadian North. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Arctic, in the Western Hemisphere, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Boats of the Southern Lakes (here, next to this marker); "The Crew of the "SS Tutshi" (here, next to this marker); WP & YR and Carcross (here, next to this marker); Adapting to Changing Times (here, next to this marker); "Tutshi" Mechanics (here, next to this marker); SS Tutshi Mechanical Equipment (a few steps from this marker); A Matter of Safety (a few steps from this marker); Safe Harbour (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carcross.
Regarding Freighting on the Southern Lakes. In 1917, the S.S. Tutshi was launched a luxury tourist boat for the region. It had its heyday during the 1920s, but by the late 1950s it was dry docked and eventually purchased by the Yukon government to be restored as an interpretive site. In 1990, the S.S. Tutshi was almost completely destroyed by a fire. The remains have been preserved as a memorial site.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, June 5, 2024
2. Freighting on the Southern Lakes Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Freighting on the Southern Lakes Marker
Interpretive signs are visible on the upper and lower levels.
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. S.S. Tutshi Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2024, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2024, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3, 4. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
