Description: This is one of the most well known and highly regarded tours in Fairbanks; Riverboat Discovery takes you on a three hour journey into the history of Alaska’s interior providing an entertaining opportunity to experience it firsthand. We were aboard the Discovery III, a large four level paddlewheeler with ample room for several hundred guests. Fortunately for us on the beautiful fall afternoon that we took the tour, there were probably less than 100 people making for a very comfortable ride down the Chena River.
The trip features live narration from inside the boat and stops along the river where there is an opportunity for others to provide information to guests. The first such stop was for a demonstration of a bush plane landing and taking off from the river’s surface. Given that so much of Alaska is not accessible by roads, many residents pilot their own planes to get around.
Four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher died several years ago but her kennel is still active in training dogs. The stop here provided us with a glimpse into what it takes to prepare the dogs for a race like the Yukon Quest or the Iditarod. The dog handlers even did a short training run to show how much the dogs enjoy running . . . and cooling off in the river upon their return.
The Athabascan Indian Village near the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers was both a "drive-by" demonstration at the fish camp, as well as a point where we left the boat to do some of our own exploring after three short presentations around the camp. The total stop was about an hour, which was very nice given the sunny skies and crisp fall air.
Back on the Discovery III it was time for them to promote Capt. Jim’s Smoked Salmon. Prepared as a cracker topping, we felt the $10/4oz can was riverboat robbery! Sure it was good stuff, but not at $40 a pound. Being the end of the season, I really thought there might be special deals offered which there were, just not on the salmon. End-of-season deals were featured throughout their "trading post" (gift shop) at the main boat dock. We took a pass on making a purchase there.
Their tour season is like most in Alaska, limited to the summer. Specifically this year (2010) they were open from May 11th through September 17th and generally offered two tours a day (8:45am and 2:00pm). Ticket prices are $54.95 for adults and $37.95 for kids ages three to 12. They do participate in the Tour Savers discount coupon book with 2:1 savings so consider this as you begin your planning and budgeting for your Alaskan vacation.
Close