CanoeAlaska
Canoe Alaska shop at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks near the Chena River

Float the Chena River in Fairbanks

Experience the beauty of Fairbanks with our self-guided day trips and outfitting services.

Since 1975

Decades of experience helping visitors explore Alaskan rivers.

Locally Owned

Operated by long-time interior Alaskans.

All Gear Included

Life vests, paddles, and high-quality boats.

Complimentary Shuttle

You float, we drive.

Planning your trip? Check out our local guide to the Best Things to Do in Fairbanks.

Featured Day Trips

Paddling the Chena River is the perfect way to spend a day in Fairbanks. A shuttle is included with our day trips.

Paddlers on the Pioneer Park to Pike's Landing Chena River float
Walk-ins Welcome~2 HOURSSHUTTLE INCLUDED

Pioneer Park to Pike's Landing

Launch right from our shop at Pioneer Park and enjoy a scenic float to Pike's Landing restaurant. After you enjoy the river (and maybe a meal!), we'll shuttle you back to your car at our shop.

Kayakers on the scenic Lower Chena River float near Fairbanks
BOOK IN ADVANCE17 MilesShuttle Upstream

Scenic Lower Chena Float

A fully immersive 17-mile Alaskan river experience. Arrive at 11 AM, and we'll shuttle you upstream. You'll spend the day floating the scenic Chena River right back to your car at our shop.

How It Works

We make exploring Fairbanks' rivers incredibly simple. Just show up, and we handle the rest.

01
Step 01

Arrive & Park

Check in at our Pioneer Park location on the Chena River. We have plenty of free parking right at our shop.

02
Step 02

Get Geared Up

We provide all the essentials: top-quality canoes, kayaks, or SUPs, life vests, paddles, and a quick safety briefing.

03
Step 03

The Shuttle Service

Depending on your route, we either shuttle you upriver to float back to the shop, or you launch from the shop and we pick you up at the end.

04
Step 04

Float the Chena

Enjoy a scenic, self-guided float down the gentle Chena River at your own relaxing pace.

05
Step 05

Finish Your Trip

Whether you're paddling back to our dock or ending at Pike's Landing (a lovely riverside restaurant), we ensure a seamless finish to your Alaskan adventure.

More Than Just Day Trips

From wilderness expeditions to cruising around town, we have you covered.

Wilderness Outfitting

Dreaming of exploring Alaska's remote rivers? We offer complete wilderness trip outfitting, gear packages, and shuttle coordination.

Plan Your Expedition

Large Groups

We specialize in organizing smooth, safe, and fun river experiences for corporate retreats, wedding parties, and organizations.

Organize an Event

Bike Rentals

Walk-in bike rentals available daily! No reservation needed. Perfect for cruising the trails around Pioneer Park or touring downtown Fairbanks.

View Bike Details

Loved by locals & travelers alike.

We've been helping people explore the Chena River since 1975, and we're proud of the community we've built along the way.

4.8

Based on Google Reviews

"What a fantastic experience! We rented a 6-person paddleboard for our family (3 adults, 2 kids) and floated down to the Pumphouse. Saw bald eagles and had a beautifully relaxing time. The staff made the rental process and shuttle so easy."

S

Sarah M.

"The perfect way to spend a Fairbanks afternoon. Rented a kayak and two canoes. The river is incredibly scenic and peaceful. The fact that they shuttle you from the end point back to your car makes this an absolute breeze."

D

David R.

"Best customer service ever! Located right at Pioneer Park so access to the river is immediate. The equipment was top-notch and the staff gave us a great safety briefing before our 17-mile lower Chena float. Highly recommend!"

J

Jessica T.

"Incredible way to see Fairbanks. We did the Pioneer Park to Pike's Landing route. The boats were in great condition and the instructions were clear. We even stopped at a gravel bar halfway down for a quick picnic."

M

Michael B.

"We booked relatively last minute and they were super accommodating. Taking the shuttle upstream and floating back down was the highlight of our Alaska trip. Peaceful, beautiful, and so much fun."

E

Emma L.

"Great prices and very friendly staff. They helped us pick the right route for our skill level. The Chena is a very gentle river, perfect for beginners holding a paddle for the first time."

J

James K.

Walk-in rentals welcome at Canoe Alaska in Fairbanks

Walk-ins Welcome!

Spontaneous adventures are easy at CanoeAlaska! While online bookings are only available the day prior, we welcome walk-ins every day for same-day rentals.

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