The Edmonton Queen is being auctioned off.

One of Edmonton's best-known attractions, the vessel owned by River Boat Inc has taken passengers on tours of the North Saskatchewan River for the past two decades.

Online bidding opened last week. So far, the Queen only has only one interested buyer.

"We have a bid right now of ten grand," said Mickey Spencer with Century Services, which is handling the auction. "So I know there will be a new owner."

Ten thousand dollars is the minimum bid. But Spencer said he expects bidding to reach six figures, especially in the last 24 hours.

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Low water levels grounded the Queen last year, forcing it to operate as a stationary restaurant. Half the seasonal staff were laid off.

Spencer said low water levels "might have something to do with" the sale. He added the riverboat wasn't a huge money maker and it was just time for the owner to move on.

Still, Spencer sees a bright future for the Queen.

He said the new owner could resume river tours with dinner on the water. Or they could "anchor it permanently and have the only waterfront restaurant" in Edmonton.

"You'd have one heck of a unique restaurant," said Spencer. "One of a kind in Edmonton, that's for sure."

The adjacent land is owned by the city, which issues a licence for its use. But Spencer said a city licensing department official has told him they are "very open" to issuing a new licence to the winning bidder.

People can sign up to bid online. Bids close May 2.

The sale doesn't appear to be interfering with the coming season. The Queen's website says the restaurant will be open for reservations May 3, a day after bidding closes.