Six operators have been awarded businesses licences to run tours at either the SS Klondike or the Dredge No. 4 near Dawson City.

In Whitehorse, Binette Cultural Resources Management, the MacBride Museum, Nature Tours of Yukon Inc., and Yukon Culture Cruiser will offer tours of the SS Klondike between June 1 and Sept. 2.

In Dawson, Goldbottom Mine Tours, Husky Bus, and Nature Tours of Yukon Inc. will offer tours of the dredge.

There are details that still need to be worked out in terms of scheduling, Anne Morin, the field unit superintendent at Parks Canada Yukon, said this morning.

However, she doesn't foresee any problems having multiple operators run tours at the historic sites.

Neither do Dean Swaykoski, the owner of Yukon Culture Cruiser, nor Neil Hartling, the chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon.

"I think each of the businesses may offer something different ... all of those various entities are first-rate, and we're happy to be working alongside them,” said Swaykoski.

"I think they're going to represent the product very well.”

Hartling commented that "given the circumstances that (Parks Canada) was forced to work under with the timing situation as it was, it probably is the best model ... they'll have to look at how businesses are served this year and if there are any deficiencies, and if that is the case, how to bridge that gap next year.

"I still categorize this as a survival situation. It's not an ideal situation, but this model has at least pulled it out of the fire. Now we can see how things unfold for this season,” Hartling said.

He had only praise and good wishes for the six operators. He noted it's a credit to the resiliency of Yukon tour operators that they could rise to the challenge at the 11th hour.

As an arts, culture, and heritage-focused tour operator, Swaykoski said, the SS Klondike fits perfectly within his company's business model.

"This is one of the largest, and most iconic heritage assets that we have here in the Yukon, and of course the immediate area of Whitehorse.

"We're quite excited to be embarking and to be given the opportunity to offer these tours and showcase this great historic asset.”

Morin said eight applications were received for licences to run tours at the two sites, but one backed out. Seven licences were ultimately awarded.

"We're really pleased that we're able to move forward. We look forward to working with these businesses over the summer,” she said.

Parks Canada will continue to have staff on site at the SS Klondike and will remain responsible for the care and maintenance of both sites.

Parks Canada has developed a free, downloadable smartphone app and a family-oriented activity book for SS Klondike and the Klondike goldfields.

Brochures for both the SS Klondike and the dredge will also be available.

"I am pleased that all of our hard work has come to fruition,” said Yukon MP Ryan Leef, who held a news conference last month at the SS Klondike to announce the plan.

"Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Parks Canada and Yukon tourism partners, visitors will have a diverse range of high-quality experience opportunities at these important National Historic Sites.”

"The Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the tourism industry and to preserving culture and heritage remains strong in the Yukon,” said Environment Minister Peter Kent.

"Parks Canada looks forward to working with these local businesses to provide an enhanced experience at both of these sites.”

In addition to the new guided tours, visitors can continue to access the SS Klondike independently to learn about its history, he noted.