The Edmonton Riverboat has been offering rides along the North Saskatchewan River through the warmer seasons in the city for over 30 years. To this day, it continues to be a delight for both residents and those coming in from out of town.
This exciting getaway takes guests aboard the boat known as the Edmonton Queen, where they can experience a delightful weekend brunch, dinner, or mesmerizing sunset cruise. If you’re ready to hop aboard, we’ve got all the information and details to know before taking your ride.
What to know about the Edmonton Riverboat
When is the Edmonton Riverboat taking passengers?
The Edmonton Riverboat operates on select days between May and September (or October, depending on the weather and water levels).
Where do you board the boat?
You’ll be boarding the riverboat near Rafter’s Landing in the river valley. From Rafter’s Landing, you’ll need to walk north through the trails to access the dock and board the riverboat finally.
What’s the best way to get there?
The riverboat recommends using public transportation, rideshare, or scootering as opposed to driving. The Valley Line LRT Muttart Stop is a seven-minute walk from the riverboat.
Is there parking available?
For those driving, Edmonton Riverboat has provided a link for the location of the parking lot.
Additional parking can be found at the Henrietta Muir Edwards Park parking lot, just east of Rafter’s Landing, or at the Muttart Conservatory parking lot south of 98th Avenue on 96A (though you must register your vehicle to park, and this parking is only available outside of facility hours).
If you prefer street parking, there is some available on 96A Street and 98A Avenue, north of 98th Avenue.
What time should I arrive for my cruise?
The time on your ticket is when boarding begins, and it lasts for 45 minutes. The boat will leave the dock around 1 hour after boarding starts. Departure times are strictly adhered to, and latecomers will not be accommodated.
What types of cruises are there?
There are three types of public tickets available:
- Buffet Cruises
- Cruise-Only
- Special Events
Buffet cruises include food with your ride, cruise-only does not, and special events include holidays like Canada Day and the ever-so-popular Dueling Pianos nights.
How long does each cruise last?
Buffet Cruises and Cruise-Only rides will last around 90 minutes each. Special events may last longer, with Dueling Pianos nights lasting over four hours.
Are there washrooms on the boat?
Men’s and women’s washrooms are available on the top deck, with the women’s washroom offering a wheelchair accessible stall. There is also a private wheelchair accessible washroom on the lower deck.
Is there food and drink available for purchase?
If you’re on a buffet cruise, you’ll be able to enjoy a selection of eats and beverages which are included in your ticket price.
For those with a non-buffet ticket, you’ll be able to purchase light fare on board. The riverboat provides examples like Chicken Strips and an All Beef Hotdog, but the exact menu is subject to change based on availability.
Complimentary water, tea, and coffee are available on all cruises at both bars.
What is the riverboat’s refund and cancellation policy?
The riverboat has a final sale policy on tickets, but if you can no longer make your scheduled cruise, your options include:
- Refunding your ticket in the form of a gift certificate for the purchase of a future cruise.
- Rescheduling your tickets for another date.
- Passing your tickets to someone else via email.
If you’re choosing the last option, tickets do not need to be transferred to a different name. Those boarding the boat just need the original tickets to be allowed entry.
As for the cancellation policy, all events are held rain or shine (except for specific circumstances). The riverboat will not sail if there is a severe thunderstorm watch or gusting winds. Additionally, your experience has a possibility to turn into a short cruise or a docked event if the water level in the river is determined to be too high or too low before departure.
How much do tickets cost?
Cruise-only tickets cost $50 for adults, $45 for seniors (ages 60 and over), and $40 for children (ages between three and 13). Buffet tickets (both dinner and brunch) will be $90 for adults and $75 for both seniors and children.
Dueling Pianos tickets will be $140, with only those 18 and over allowed for this adults-only show. Other event ticketing prices may differ.
All tickets are sold online on the Edmonton Riverboat website.
When: Various dates in August and September
Time: Various times
Where: Rafter’s Landing — 9734 98th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $40+
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Alyssa Gallardo
Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.
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