Ride the Queen of Seattle

Get Transported Through Time (and the Ship Canal) in a Classic Steam Powered Paddle Wheeler

Relive the days of the 1890’s Alaska Gold Rush when fortune seekers journeyed from Seattle to the Klondike and paddle wheelers plied the waters of the Yukon River. New to Seattle in 2009, the Queen of Alaska changed her name to the Queen of Seattle and began the voyage of blending the past and present on narrated cruises throughout our waterways.  The Queen is the largest steam powered paddle wheeler west of the Mississippi, and you can view the 1884 steam propulsion engines turn the paddle wheel as you are transported to another time.

The two hour adventure begins from south Lake Union, home of the Center for Wooden Boats including the Virginia V, the last surviving wooden steam vessel from the historic “Mosquito Ferry Fleet.”   As you circle the shores of Lake Union you will view the houseboat communities including the houseboat used in the film “Sleepless in Seattle,” as well as the unique Gasworks Park landmark that closed in 1956 and contains remnants of the sole remaining coal gasification plant in the US.

Entering the ship canal areas, draw bridges will open for your passage through the Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods. Pass by Fishermen’s Terminal, home to the North Pacific Fishing Fleet and Deadliest Catch boats.  Then marvel at the engineering feat that is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (or just “the Locks,” if you’re local.)  The Locks move ships from the salt waters of Puget Sound to the fresh waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington, while the adjoining fish ladder serves the same purpose for the salmon to use on their long journeys home.

While keeping your eyes peeled for schools of salmon and the birds and seals that like to hang around them, don’t forget to look up at the spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, downtown Seattle and Space Needle. As if that weren’t enough, on the return leg of your tour you will be entertained with a live Klondike Cabaret Show and Steam Calliope performance!

Departures 2012 – Thursdays through Mondays:

• Now through September 24: 11 am and 2 pm
• September 27 through October 22: 1:00 pm

Price Per Person:  Adult: $39.00 plus tax | Child: $19.50 plus tax (ages 5-12) | Child: No Charge (under 5)

2-for-1 Offer: Receive one FREE steam powered paddle wheeler cruise with the purchase of an accompanying cruise with Seattle TourSaver travel deal book.

More information on how to book your Lake Union Paddle Wheel cruise on their website.