Riverboat Discovery Tour

Summary: Awesome excursion! The sights were great, the commentators/presenters are extremely knowledgeable. Far and away exceeded our expectations. Must do activity when visiting Fairbanks.

Summary: This excursion was so well planned out from the bus getting there (booked through Holland Cruise) to the meal and then on the paddle boat. Once on the boat the information and demonstrations were very well done and there were video screens so everyone could see. They explained bush pilots, dog sleds and Authentic Native American guides got on to tell us about the Athabaskan Tribe and how they lived. You then got to get off and continue learning about all of the above and explore a village. It was very well done and worth every penny.

Summary: We had an exceptional time of this sternwheeler. We saw some beautiful homes along the river and even had several families come out to the bank to wave to us as we passed by. Our first stop along the river was the kennels. They showed us the pups in training and explained about the sled dogs and their lives. They then did a demonstration of a sled team pulling a *sled* - how they train for the real thing. Next was a stop at Chena Village, where we all got off the boat and had a tour of the village. This was all capped off with a rare sighting of a beaver in the river, just before we left the village.

Summary: Late Post Aug 23’ Riverboat Discovery was an added land/tour excursion by Princess at our final destination in Fairbanks, Ak. The bus ride from Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge to Fairbanks, Ak was about 2 hours 15 mins with a stop in Nenana, Ak. (Nenana Artisan Market – Check out review) . We arrived to the home stop of the Riverboat Discovery where one can purchase souvenirs, drinks, soda, chips, boxed lunch, salmon jerky and oddly, Harley Davidson stuff. We probably waited 45-1 hour before boarding, it was quite warm out so we decided on the 3rd level of the boat and decided to sit on Dock side… (Our driver said that side was better but to be honest both sides were pretty sufficient) When we first got off the dock there was a float plane flying on the other side, it was hard to see, going back to seating doesn’t matter… My partner and I love puppies and wanted to see and hear the story of Susan Butcher and Granite. Tekla, Susan’s daughter gave us quick show and the dock side was best for the view. We also got to visit the Chena Village Living Museum where we saw how the native Alaskan Athabaskans lived. Overall, it was a nice addition to our excursion! I would highly recommend Riverboat Discovery if you are ever in Fairbanks! PACK OR BUY MOSQUITO REPELLANT (only if you are wearing shorts and T Shirts)- use it prior to getting off at Chena Village, you’ll thank be later!

Summary: This was part of our Holland cruise line tour package. We had thought this was going to be a boring boat ride, But we’re we’re wrong. It was very informative and we really liked it. The boat stopped at a dog sledding place, a seaplane took off and landed next to the boat and we stopped and got off at a recreated native village. If you go there, find the -40° F in the store and go in. You won’t be disappointed if you do this river boat ride.

Summary: A great way to learn about Alaska and its inhabitants from the more famous Fairbanks locals, dog sledding teams and First People. We enjoyed our ride on a nostalgic paddle boat but more so the replica First People village with narrators showing us more first hand how they did and still do live in the state. Great half day tour that doesn't require a lot of activity for those with slight mobility issues as well.

Summary: Honestly, I never would have booked this myself, but it was included with our Holland America Cruisetour so we did it anyway. We both really enjoyed it a lot. It was pouring down rain all day, so it was great seeing the dog mushing without having to slosh around in the mud. We really enjoyed the Chena Village tour, as well. I'm so glad we didn't miss this and highly recommend it.

Summary: The Athabaskan village was my favorite. Our group leader was a Athabaskan homeschooled junior in highschool....she was awesome. Very knowledgeable and funny!!! The whole tour was great!! This is a must go excursion!

Summary: What a beautiful little riverboat cruise we enjoyed today. With our 5th generation captain kai steering the vessel , and a rather informative tour guide. The paddle boat was an older style, but comfortable layout. The river we cruised was good, some beautiful houses nestled along the banks. We stopped at Susan butcher, resident and her husband gave an impressive dog sled display, and informative spell on sled dogs. As we went further down stream we got to witness caribou, and the traditional ways of the native peoples ways. Such a cool afternoon.

Summary: This tour is awesome. It’s highly educational, extremely well organized, authentic and has a bit of everything. We love that actual native Alaskans share their modern and ancient cultures, we enjoyed the float plane demonstration, and also stopping by the Iditarod dog training kennels. We highly recommend this tour.