Description:

This paddleboat is not your normal “float down the river and give me another drink” as you might suppose. The Riverboat Discovery travels down the Chena River to the conflux of the Tanana twice daily during the summer months, taking hundreds of people on an informative educational cruise. With three decks, inside and out, speakers and remote video of the narrator, this trip will tell you many aspects of life on the river. As you wind your way down the Chena River, viewing some of the homes and restaurant decks along the river, you might see locals in canoes or kayaks floating down the river.

One famous stop is where Susan Butcher (a woman who won the Iditarod several times) raised her winning dog sled team. After reaching the wide and sandy Tanana River, guests disembark the ship to visit a simulated Athabaskan fish camp. On location you will learn at each of three “stations”: a dog sled demonstration; a master carver of the Alaskan version of a knive—an ulu –to slice a salmon; and a fur fashion show, Athabaskan style.

During the trip back up river, you’ll get a chance to taste some smoked salmon while you enjoy this highly acclaimed tour. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs!