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7 Things to Do on Pittsburgh's Rivers

Pittsburgh's iconic Three Rivers are part of what makes this city great.

The three rivers that run through our city make for a beautiful picture during the fall and winter months, but now that it’s summer, you can do more than just photograph their beauty! Enjoy the views and take a ride through our city’s water ways with these 7 activities this summer!

1. Gateway Clipper

Climb aboard a member of the Gateway Clipper Fleet for an unforgettable tour around the city. Offering dining cruises, sightseeing cruises, kids themed cruises, private events like weddings and more, these riverboats sail across the shores of downtown allowing guests to get the best views of PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium and the Point State Park fountain!

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Deborah Mwadi, of the North Side and originally from the Congo, left, looks at the city skyline while Elizabeth Masanka, of Northview Heights and originally from the Congo, center, takes a selfie and Blessing Yava, of the Hill District and originally from Namibia, right, talks to friends while taking a boat cruise, Saturday, April 27, 2019, on the Clipper Gateway on the Allegheny River. Riverlife and Hello Neighbor teamed up for the past three years to welcome immigrants and refugees to Pittsburgh with a two hour cruise introduce them to the city. (Michael M. Santiago/Post-Gazette) . #photojournalism #pittsburgh #riverlife #helloneighbor #gatewayclipper #refugees #community

A post shared by Michael Santiago (@msantiagophotos) on Apr 28, 2019 at 10:25am PDT

2. Boat Pittsburgh

Be your own captain and chart your own course through Boat Pittsburgh! Rent a 22’ luxury pontoon boat that can sit up to eight adults and cruise around to get one of a kind views of the city. Rentals are available from sunrise to sunset for fun with friends and family!

3. Kayak Pittsburgh

Paddle through the Three Rivers with Kayak Pittsburgh! Soak up the sun and city views solo or grab a friend for a tandem kayak. Open from May to October. Kayak Pittsburgh is open 6 days a week until 7pm.

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📸: @_sarahad_ | Kayak season is here! @kayakpittsburgh is officially open at all three locations: North Shore, North Park & Aspinwall. And, you can even bring your furry friend along! ☀️🐶🌊 #LovePGH #KayakPittsburgh

A post shared by VisitPITTSBURGH (@visitpittsburgh) on May 28, 2019 at 10:08am PDT

4. Dragon Boat Racing

The ancient tradition of Dragon Boat Racing has finally made its way to our rivers! The Steel City Dragons offer a free paddling lesson and introduction to the sport at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club.

5. Whitewater Rafting

Looking for something more rapid? White Water Adventures or Laurel Highlands River Tours in Ohiopyle State Park (about an hour south of Pittsburgh) have you covered with a variety of whitewater courses based on difficulty.

6. Cruisin' Tikis

Forget that trip to the islands and set sail on a Hawaiian-style tiki boat cruise through the city’s water ways with five of your closest family or friends! Spend up to two hours leisurely floating around the city’s rivers in a tiki hut equipped with a Bluetooth speaker system. Crusin’ Tikis has brought the tropics to the city of champions!

7. Rivers of Steel

All aboard the city’s latest sightseeing tour that includes information on Pittsburgh’s landscape and natural resources. The PGH 101: An Intro to innovation presentation explores how the city’s residents and workers are shaping this dynamic city all while floating through its rivers! The best part? Proceeds from the tour aid student STEM education programs.

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Rivers of Steel boat in front of the Steel Building. #412shooterz #412project #412pics #pafeatured #justgoshoot #instaphotography #instpgh #igerspittsburgh #igerspgh #pittsburghpa #getoutside #riversofsteel #pacollective #riverboats #nikon #nikond7200 #bestinpgh

A post shared by Jason Anderson (@majorissuesx2) on Oct 9, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

About the Author

Kylie M.
Blog Author

Kylie is a Pittsburgh native and Duquesne University alum who loves to travel and explore new things. Follow her on Twitter @KylieMcCracken_ for all things PGH, sports, food & drink.