S.S. Moyie National Historic Site

Built in Nelson, B.C., for the Canadian Pacific Railway and launched 22 October 1898. Port of registry was Vancouver, B.C. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1958, and a British Columbia Historic Landmark.

The S.S. Moyie started in 1898 to carry railway passengers from the newly completed Crowsnest line’s western terminus  at Kootenay Landing to Nelson and Procter.  It was known as the ‘Crow boat’ and continued this service until  1906. Initially the CPR passenger trains on the Crows Nest line did not include dining cars.  The new steamer’s dining saloon was built to accommodate large numbers and is elaborately decorated  At first there were only six cabins.  In 1906 the S.S. Kuskanook took over as the Crow Boat, and the Moyie began her long career carrying freight, excursions and other duties.

With lake traffic much reduced, and a major overhaul due in 1957, the S.S. Moyie was retired from service and tied up at Procter.  She was sold to the then City of Kaslo for $1.00 and towed to Kaslo Bay by the tug S.S. Granthall.  In July 1958 she was pulled ashore by capstans from the Nelson shipyard and began her second career as an historic site and museum.

Today the S.S. Moyie is the oldest known intact vessel of her type in the world.

Heritage Tour Info

Launched on December 7, 1898, she is the world's oldest intact passenger sternwheeler, making her final run on April 27, 1957. She was fabricated in sections in Toronto and shipped to Nelson for reassembly. With her shallow draft, composite steel hull and gangplank, she was ideal for servicing the many small communities along the lake. The SS Moyie Museum and the Visitor's Center are open daily from May to October.

Kootenay Lake Historical Society

The Kootenay Lake Historical Society is the custodian of the S.S.Moyie, the oldest intact passenger sternwheeler in the world. The Moyie plied Kootenay Lake for 59 years. The Society also operates the Kootenay Lake Archives, which is responsible for a collection of materials and original photographs pertaining to the history of the Kaslo area and Kootenay Lake sternwheeler ships.