The ship was designed by the Danish shipbuilder John F. Steffen and master builder Edwin G. McKay supervised the building of the steamer.

[2] A shipyard named Okanagan Landing was constructed near Vernon to build and maintain Aberdeen.

The construction of Aberdeen also provided work for local businesses, such as those supplying moulding, lumber, and fittings.

Aberdeen was a sternwheeler of classic western design, and called the “Finest inland steamer set afloat in the Northwest in 1893".

The woodwork needed a year to shrink fully before the last coat of paint and gilt stripping could be applied.

Aberdeen was launched on May 22, 1893, with crowds arriving on foot or by train to Okanagan Landing to participate in the festivities.

Farmers, settlers, and merchants were pleased to have a first-class, modern steam vessel to connect the Okanagan for the first time.

[7] Aberdeen greatly improved service for residents and held a virtual monopoly on the lake as there were no comparable vessels to compete with her.

In the beginning, wharves were primitive and there were few traveller amenities, but improvements were made and business increased.