Fairbanks Chena Riverboat Discovery Cruise

Alaska weather can be very unpredictable regardless of the season. Clothing is not provided for this tour, please dress appropriately for your comfort. Guests are advised to wear layers, as part of the tour takes place outdoors with exposure to the elements. Heated and air-conditioned decks on the Riverboat Discovery boats ensure comfort throughout the journey. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

The Riverboat Discovery tour lasts three hours and operates twice daily from mid-May through mid-September.

Guests are advised to arrive at the Riverboat Discovery at least 30 minutes before departure. Upon arrival, they check in at the ticket counter to receive their boarding passes.

The Riverboat Discovery is just a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport. Guests can follow Airport Way West, turn right onto Dale Road, continue for about half a mile, then turn right onto Discovery Drive, where the Riverboat Discovery is located at the end. Full directions are provided on the finalized ticket voucher.

The Riverboat Discovery is approximately 7 miles from downtown Fairbanks, with an estimated 20-minute drive recommended to reach the location.

Guests are encouraged to rent a car to explore Fairbanks at their own pace, though many local hotels offer shuttles to the Riverboat Discovery. It’s a good idea to check with your hotel front desk for the best transportation option, and many visitors also arrive by taxi or shuttle.

There are restrooms available on the boats, at the village and in the gift shop.

Guests are encouraged to bring a camera and a light jacket to capture memories and stay comfortable during the tour.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, but every seat on board offers excellent views and a great experience.

In case of rain, guests are provided with ponchos, seat cushions, and umbrellas. If heavy rain occurs, the village tour is moved onto the boat to ensure a comfortable experience.

Guests at the Riverboat Discovery enjoy complimentary coffee and fresh baked blueberry donuts, with additional snacks, meals, and locally made ice cream available for purchase on board or at the Discovery Dining Hall and Captain’s Corner.

Yes, the Riverboat Discovery offers beer and wine in the onboard galley and at the Discovery Dining Hall.

Yes, Riverboat Discovery tours are ADA accessible. Guests should inform a ticket counter associate upon arrival, and a Deckhand will assist with boarding. The Athabascan Village has gravel paths for easy access, and assistance is available if needed. Please note the gang plank widths: 43.5” at Steamboat Landing and 27” at the Athabascan Village.

For the safety of all guests, only designated trained service animals are permitted on tour.

No, the paddle wheel is functional and used to power the boat.

Wildlife sightings are common during the tour, though they cannot be guaranteed.

The tour aims to offer all experiences daily, but weather conditions like strong winds, fog, ice flows, or other hazards can prevent the Bush Pilot Demonstration for safety reasons.

Check out other frequently asked questions here!