Whitehorse, Yukon, November 6, 2013 -- On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, today announced the successful licensees that will offer guided tours on S.S. Klondike and Dredge No. 4 national historic sites beginning in 2014 following a competitive process. Building on the success of the 2013 pilot season, Parks Canada will work with licensees to provide enhanced visitor experiences in 2014 and beyond.
“High-quality programming and positive visitor response to the guided tours offered by tourism partners this past summer contributed to a successful Parks Canada visitor season in the Yukon,” said Mr. Leef. “Parks Canada will continue working with local tourism operators to build on this successful collaboration, develop a vibrant tourism offer in the Yukon, and continue to offer incredible visitor experiences at these important national historic sites.”
Based on feedback from businesses following the past visitor season, Parks Canada responded to their needs by revising the process for the business licensing and creating a process where both the visitors and the operators have enjoyable experiences with more stability and predictability to contribute to a successful business arrangement.
Beginning on May 24, 2014, MacBride Museum, Nature Tours of Yukon, and Yukon Culture Cruiser will offer guided tours of S.S. Klondike, while Gold Bottom Tours will offer guided tours of Dredge No. 4 starting on May 17, 2014.
In addition to licensed guided tours, the 2013 season also included new and improved programming and products at Parks Canada sites across the Yukon. In 2014, Parks Canada will continue to have knowledgeable staff on site at the S.S. Klondike to welcome visitors and offer a variety of additional engaging visitor experiences. Parks Canada continues to care for and maintain both the S.S. Klondike and the Dredge No. 4 national historic sites.
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.
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