edmonton river cruise

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Edmonton Queen Riverboat

Edmonton, ab, where are we going.

About this activity

The Edmonton Queen Riverboat is the perfect setting for all your events, whether that be a romantic dinner for two, a family-friendly cruise, or a class field trip. Sailing four days a week through the heart of Edmonton, we have a cruise for everyone.   Sightseeing river cruises. Dinner cruises. Brunch cruises. Evening Cruises. Dueling Pianos. Parties. Something for everyone.

Edmonton Riverboat is the best place to enjoy a weekend brunch, dinner, or peaceful sunset cruise in the heart of Edmonton. Make sure to stop by and see her!

Activity location

Parking at Rafters Landing can fill up quickly, so we urge you to take public transit, a taxi, Uber, walk, or carpool, and always remind you to drink responsibly. If you must drive, please leave enough time to find parking.You are likely to receive a ticket if you park on the grass at Rafters Landing. An additional parking lot is available at Henrietta Muir Edwards Park, just east of Rafters Landing near the new LRT bridge. There is also street parking along 96A Street and 98A Avenue, north of 98 Avenue.

How much does it cost?

Last updates, edmonton queen riverboat faq’s, any top tips when visiting.

The ship typically leaves approximately 1 hour after boarding begins. Check each event for details as sometimes it is 90 minutes (typically buffet tickets). The cruise lasts approximate 90 minutes from when boarding ends.

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Relaxing - Edmonton Riverboat

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It was overall a fun experience. Weather was great.we did a Sunday brunch for Husbands birthday... read more

Very organized and although there were a lot of people we didnt find it crowded. High fives for the... read more

We had a large group, children, teens, elderly. Everyone enjoyed the view. Drinks were very costly. Smell of smoke almost to much sometimes. Cant get very far. Not many places to sit with a good view when there is a good turn out! May try it again for a dinner cruise one day.

We were a party of four, out celebrating my parents' anniversary. The morning of our dinner cruise, my mom phoned the office to ensure the boat was actually going to cruise as we'd heard that due to low water levels, the boat was not always leaving the dock. She was assured that the boat would cruise. When we arrived, we collected our tickets but were not informed at that point that the cruise was in fact not taking place. Once onboard, we had drinks and then finally were invited downstairs to the dining room. It was freezing cold in the dining room, the air conditioning was on full blast and many people around us complained about being cold. It was a nice evening outside and we didn't come equipped with sweaters or coats, so I sat through most my meal with goosebumps. Other people were trying to block the air conditioning ducts with bags and whatever items of clothing could be used! The decor of the dining room is very out-of-date, something from the 1970s. We waited for a long time before being invited to the buffet, not sure if it was all new staff that night, but it seemed a bit disorganized. Then a server came around to each table to apologize and inform us that the boat would not be cruising that evening. This was very frustrating as we had called in the morning and were assured it would cruise! Now that we had collected out tickets, it was too late to re-book. We were offered a "gift voucher" to do the cruise another day, but as we were from out of town, it was no use to us. Finally we were able to eat. I found the food to be average, nothing amazing, just basic buffet fare. Trying to get an after dinner coffee was nearly impossible. They kept running out of coffee and there was a long wait. When we finally did get ours, my husband only had half before it was whisked away by an overly-eager server cleaning our table. As a side note, this facility is supposed to be disabled friendly and wheelchair accessible. There were two wheelchair users on our trip. The chair lift up and down the stairs broke whilst transporting an elderly lady. This elderly lady was stuck on the lift for ages whilst people tried to fix it and eventually she needed to be carried manually. It was disgraceful. Also my dad is disabled and walks with a cane. They offer a buggy service back up the hill to the car park after dinner, but no one informed us that we could take a buggy down to the boat at the start, leaving my dad to negotiate his way down a very steep hill with only one good leg! Overall, I found the experience poor and would not recommend this venue.

Took evening dinner cruise with 2 friends (4 of us in total). Left dock early due to low tide we were told (didn't know rivers had tides!). Told river low due to not opening gates of the dam (didn't know North Saskatchewan River had locks or dam gates) and water low due to fires in BC and Saskatchewan!!! Wow, explanations got better each time. Dinner was low budget smorg which featured plain fare. Still eating when we pulled away from dock so had to "chow down" to go upstairs to view our city sites. Boat turned around, cruised slowly under a walking bridge, found a bend and turned back to dock!!! Told due to low tides again and "we went slowly for you to see the view"! Imagine that and how caring they are for us who paid $200.00 plus for a sloppy and hurried meal with a slow paced, not far cruise!! NOT IMPRESSED and NOT RECOMMENDED to anyone!!

What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Picking up tickets is easy and ahort walk to the landing. Lots of places to sit either in sun or shade. You start off in full view of the beautiful downtown landscape but in a few minutes it is out of view and you would never know you were in a large city. Beverages and small meals are available for purchase. Lots of other traffic on river which was nice to see. Canoes jetskiis motor boats kayaks and dragon boats. Ride was shortened a bit due to low water levels but overall a relaxing cruise

First of all just before dinner they announced that the boat couldn't move because the water levels were too low. But they don't give a choice of coming back another night. They give a cert to come back for the cruise another time, but the dinner is happening that night. This was now a third rate buffet dinner with no view but across the river, in a room that was filled with people who were also dissapointed. We left and went across to the Mac for some decent food. This was a complete disaster. Never go back again

Hi Patricia, sorry for your poor experience with the previous owners. The boat is under new ownership. We've spent $1M on renovating the Edmonton Queen, now known as the Edmonton Riverboat. She deserves a second chance!

Couldn't do the whole tour because the river was so low, but was very enjoyable nonetheless. Staff was wonderful! They even provide cart service for those who need a little help getting up the hill to the parking lot

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All Aboard: The iconic Edmonton Riverboat has set sail for the summer

Not exactly riverboat gambling, but close!

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If you’re looking to make a (metaphorical) splash with that special someone this summer, do we have an idea for you. After literally years of waiting, the Edmonton Riverboat recently returned to the North Saskatchewan River! And of course, we’ve got the details before you go.

For almost two decades, the Edmonton Riverboat (formerly called the Edmonton Queen) has set sail on the river for some summer sweetness. The boat itself is a massive ‘paddlewheeler’, capable of holding hundreds of guests at a time. Of course, when the pandemic hit, the cruises were halted and stayed that way for just over two years.

Related Posts: A-Maze-Ing: The Edmonton Corn Maze is back for another season Boats, kayaks & rafts: 5 fun water sport rentals and where to find them in Edmonton

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Edmonton Riverboat (@edmontonriverboat)

Until recently, that is! Just a couple of weeks back, the Edmonton Riverboat launched its first cruises of the summer, offering new and old fans alike the chance to kick back and relax as the iconic boat chugs down the river. What’s more, there are a few different ways to enjoy it.

While the Riverboat will be offering classic experiences, there are also quite a few one-off and series to know about as well. Treat yourself to a prime rib dinner buffet, enjoy weekend brunch on the boat, or even mix it up with a couple of boat parties!

One thing’s for sure, this Edmonton Attraction has pulled out all the stops for its return, and we definitely think you should check it out!

Edmonton Riverboat

When: Now accepting reservations! Where: 9734 98 Avenue NW Cost: Varies per cruise

Curiocity Staff

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Edmonton Riverboat sails North Saskatchewan River for first time since 2019

Boat formerly named the edmonton queen marooned in 2020 after sustaining damage to hull.

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The North Saskatchewan River is playing host to a former royal again for the first time in three years.

The Edmonton Riverboat — a paddlewheeler formerly called the Edmonton Queen — last launched in 2019, because it was severely damaged the following spring and required repairs. 

But the boat finally set sail again Saturday.

"It was amazing," said Jay Esterer, the ship's owner. "I was, of course, apprehensive, thinking of all the things that could go wrong — and none of things happened.

"It was wonderful to see the river valley again. It was wonderful, also, to see the smiling faces of all the people on board that got to go on that first cruise."

The riverboat, which started sailing on the river in 1995, sustained damage to its hull in spring 2020 when the river ice started breaking up and floating downstream.

• 'Like a can opener against the hull': Spring thaw leaves Edmonton Riverboat listing
• Video Edmonton Riverboat springs a leak, charts course to summer repairs

The ice upstream from the boat had formed a dam, of sorts, that prevented water from flowing downstream for several hours, Esterer said.

When dam eventually broke, a 15-foot wave lifted the boat. But there was little water to keep boat off the wood pilings of the dock after the wave passed. The pilings punctured the hull and the boat sank, Esterer said.

The riverboat was patched up to be towed. It was placed on blocks until the damaged metal could be repaired, he said.

"The repair of the boat was fairly straightforward," Esterer said.

"The biggest challenge has been all the environmental hurdles and the various government agencies that we have to satisfy so we could re-launch the boat."

Where the boat had previously docked was listed as an area where fish in the North Saskatchewan River spawn, he explained.

"They were very cautious about having us put the boat back in the water."

The riverboat is humming better than ever after the repairs, Esterer said, but now they're struggling filling out its crew.

The Edmonton Riverboat Facebook page reposted several job ads last month for positions, including first mates, engineers and deckhands. 

Part of the problem, Esterer said, is they need to be properly trained mariners — which are hard to find in the landlocked Prairies.

"We're having to search far and wide to try to satisfy those needs," he said.

With files from Gabriela Panza-Beltrandi

River Cruises

Project description, see the world from a different view, explore the european waterways with edmonton travel’s river cruises..

Take advantage of one of our exciting river cruises and see the world from a different view. The advantage of a river cruise is being able to travel through a major waterway and enjoy the scenery, while stopping at ports and destinations along the way. Some of the world’s greatest cities have been built along riverways, so you will often be able to travel right to the heart of your destination, all while enjoying the unique experience of a being on a boat. Call us today to learn more.

RIVER CRUISES

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways is how you’re going to experience the world. Onboard their Suite Ships®, you will be able to view legendary rivers and delve into the heart of new cultures. The Panorama SuitesSM have the widest opening windows in the industry and the only Open-Air BalconySM. Throughout your voyage, you have the option to do walking tours that immerse you into the history of some of Europe’s most romantic cities, take a cooking class that familiarizes you with new cultural cuisine, or take the more adventurous route and paddle down the river yourself! Whichever vacation you’re looking for, Avalon Waterways is the river cruise that can accommodate your dreams and desires.

Uniworld is where luxury and new exploration meets perfection. Just outside of your world-class stateroom or suite, a whole new experience is waiting for you, one filled with culinary masterpieces, the secrets of ancient European cities, and vantage points only seen by Europe’s famous waterways. Uniworld is how you will create memories unlike any other and have a unique travel story to share for the rest of time.

Ama Waterways

AmaWaterways top priority is their guests’ experience. “Ama” comes from the Latin word for “love” and they take the concept of love very seriously. They want their guests to fall in love with their expertly designed ships, the destinations they travel to, their highly trained and experienced staff, and everything you encounter along the way. AmaWaterways is always developing ways in which their guests can experience more and indulge deeper. They provide a wide variety of onboard amenities, an award-winning fleet, and the top dining and tour packages. Come experience AmaWaterways tour of a lifetime.

Scenic River Tours

On the all-inclusive Scenic river cruise, you will never have to worry about the “how” and you will get to fully experience the “what” and “where” of a new destination. Their crew is excited to navigate you to new ports and can provide you with rich, unforgettable experiences. Onboard, you will receive service excellence and be aboard a state-of-the-art fleet. Come sail through time on the Rhine, Main and Danube. Taste the flavors of France and experience the cultures off the shores of the Saône, Rhône, Seine, Garonne, and Dordogne or see the sun-filled beauty of Portugal’s Douro.

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways takes you into the heart of new sceneries, cultures, and experiences. From Europe to Asia, Emerald is a way to travel like you never have before. They want you to be immersed in a new culture and society where every view is a beautiful panorama. Onboard Emerald, you will have a luxury boutique hotel experience and access to exclusive EmeraldPLUS and Emerald Active excursions. Emerald can also accommodate a more unique travel destination off-board so you can delve deeper into your escape.

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Our luxury travel advisors deliver  curated, custom experiences. From white sand beaches, to sailing the rivers of Europe; we will ensure you are safe and pampered.

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We specialize in curating and creating indulgent vacations , including beach escapes, custom exotic bucket list experiences, and inspirational  river cruises. 

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River cruising is one of the most relaxing and stress free ways to explore. Ocean cruising takes you to countries, but rivers cruising takes you through them.

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We specialize in creating custom itineraries, but we also book ocean cruising and group tours. We want to ensure that you have exactly the trip that you've dreamed of. 

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Evening Star Travel was founded in 2016 by Alicia Mitchell. What started out as a passion for traveling, expanded to encompass every aspect of travel planning. 

Our goal is to elevate your travel experience so that you can explore the world safely and easily. Discovering hidden gems and local delicacies, elevating your experiences to sublime. 

Travel planning has never been more complex. We take that stress out of travel planning so you can simply relax and enjoy every moment of the journey.

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Parking information.

There is limited parking at Rafters Landing. This is public parking operated by the City of Edmonton and we do not have any control over parking availability.

Once you are parked, there will be signage directing you to walk north along a city park path down an inclined paved trail to the boat where there will be an option to take stairs or a paved trail to the boarding area.

During our operational season from mid-May to late September, we sell tickets online , at the ship entrance, or by phone. Events sell out so we encourage you to please pre-purchase your tickets to avoid disappointment.

Use this link for GPS location of the parking lot.

Please ensure you leave enough time to find parking as Rafters Landing is open to the general public and can fill up quickly.

Ideally using another mode of transport (public transportation, car pool, Uber, Bird or Lime, taxi etc) is recommended. Please note that if you are on a second sailing, the parking lot will be very full until our first cruise arrives back at the dock and the passengers disembark. Do not park on any grassy areas as the City of Edmonton will ticket you.

There is additional parking at Henrietta Muir Edwards Park, just east of Rafters Landing near the new LRT bridge. There is also street parking along 96A Street and 98A Ave, north of 98 Ave. Click here for directions.

Special Events

Private rentals are available and start at approximately $5500 for a 3-hour time block plus a minimum food and beverage spend. You will be able to see all the details regarding bookings on our Private Booking Request page.

If you have a Gift Certificate or Voucher that has a 6 digit code, please add two zeros “00” to the end of the code when entering it at checkout.

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