Riverboat Discovery Tour
Description
Your three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. The Binkley family invites you to experience a slice of Alaskan life!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your three-hour cruise will take you into the heart of Alaska and introduce you to a family who has made the rivers of Alaska a way of life for five generations. You will see a bush floatplane takeoff alongside the boat, visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and see her champion sled dogs in action. Be immersed into the ancient Athabascan Indian culture when our Alaskan Native Guides take you on a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village. The Binkley family invites you to experience a slice of Alaskan life!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1,354)
The hokiest of over-priced tourist traps. Huge number (ship holds 900!) of guests, “Visit” with the Iditorad dogs is a view via the boat… but only if you can see through the crowd. Others are left to watch it on monitors. Just when you think maybe it was worth the cost because you spotted several caribou—you realize that they are captive and fenced in at the recreated village. The staff at the recreated village inform the visitors of their name and educational background, which is irrelevant as they then recite a rote, memorized script about their ancestors. Other sites along this short trip down the river? The back yards of residents. Most of which are pretty unappealing. I did not choose this excursion. The Princess land tour did not give me an option. It was a very disappointing way to spend our last day in such a gorgeous state. Save your money. Take a hike instead.
1. Boat ride was very nice and narrated the entire time. 2. Sit on top left side to see dog show from boat. 3. Sit on top right side to see float plane take off and land. 4. Free blueberry donuts. 5. The village stop was really nice with local gals talking about historical topics. 6. Worth the money. I’d return.
Relaxing with excellent narration. The trip has something for everyone. Enjoyed the salmon appetizer and snack bar with free donuts and coffee.
A first class experience with Riverboat Discovery Tour. The best part for me was to learn about the Athabascan people and to stroll the grounds of their settlement. I also enjoyed learning about Susan Butcher and the Trail Breaker Kennel. Love that Riverboat is a family run business.
Brings together the stories of Riverboating, Gold mining, Salmon fishing, Native cultures and Championship dog sled racing, while providing a scenic river cruise.
We enjoyed the boat ride and tour.
I’d read the reviews and some weren’t great so wasn’t going to go. Very glad I changed my mind. There is a lot of Fairbanks info provided and history provided. So if you don’t enjoy knowledge and history is not your cup of tea, I’d likely skip. But if you like to learn about the area, the native people, and dog mushing, you’ll embark on a lovely excursion. The dog mushing info is provided from the boat along the river stop so you’re not hands on at the kennel. A lovely day even with the rain.
We were part of the Holland America pre cruise excursion. It was a well run, informative, and fun. The beef stew lunch was very good.
It was a wonderful well planned experience. The staff were excellent & helpful. It was a perfect sunny day.
Great activity very informative and enjoyable. Good for all ages and abilities. Snacks and drinks available.
