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While indoor spots might make it a bit more difficult to take photos, some outdoor spots have poor quality speakers, so the narration can be hard to hear. One of the Gateway Clipper’s ships sails past the Duquesne Incline. Since seating is not reserved, riders can choose from a variety of spots, both indoor and outdoor. The onboard experience is fairly similar no matter which boat you board for your sightseeing cruise. There are also evening sightseeing cruises that travel the rivers both before and after sunset. The Gateway Clipper offers sightseeing cruises of Pittsburgh from April through October, with multiple sailings on each sailing day. The entrance to the Gateway Clipper is painted with scenes from the city’s history.
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During a recent visit to Pittsburgh, I had the opportunity to climb on board and see what these tours are all about. While the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers a variety of cruise options, such as diners, fall foliage tours, and even pirate-themed trips, most visitors opt to take the one-hour sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.
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The fleet has been sailing the rivers of Pittsburgh since 1958, and now features six boats with capacity of up to 1,000 visitors. The Gateway Clipper leaves from Station Square on the city’s South Shore, just steps from the Monongahela Incline, which takes passengers to the top of Mount Washington. While several companies rent small personal watercrafts, a river boat tour of the city is more my speed. Given the three rivers’ historical and cultural significance, as well as the way they wrap around the downtown area, there is no better way to explore the city than by boat. In fact, the rivers are so ingrained into the layout of the city that Pittsburgh is home to more bridges than any other city in the world. However, the three rivers (the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio) still dominate the city’s landscape.
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Today, Pittsburgh’s rivers do not have as much cultural impact on the city as they once did. Pittsburgh’s three rivers at sunset as seen from the Gateway Clipper. It’s also the reason for the high concentration of industries throughout the city of Pittsburgh. Access to the Forks of the Ohio, as the area is officially known, was one of the major catalyst that began the French and Indian War. The city of Pittsburgh was first settled by Europeans in the mid-18th century. However, there probably isn’t anything that’s had more of an effect on Pittsburgh history and culture than its three rivers. From its many championship sports teams to its iconic skyline and industrial past, there are many different qualities that make Pittsburgh Pittsburgh. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something at no additional cost to you. Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. For more information or to make reservations, visit. Travel down the same river that Lewis and Clark did but in a much more stylish fashion. The combination of great views and food creates the most enjoyable environment and will give you the most memorable introduction to the great city of Pittsburgh! Gateway Clipper Fleet also poses the opportunity to schedule private events and has themed events such as kids’ night, holiday cruises, and dance + music cruises! The most popular boat rides are the sightseeing tours, taking sailers to see all of the best views of Pittsburgh, or the dinner cruises, featuring a delicious buffet prepared by an award-winning chef who uses locally grown and prepared products. There are many options for the type of boat experience you want to pursue. Some say the best way to see Pittsburgh is from the water! Now there is a whole fleet of vessels, and they make up one of Pittsburgh’s most popular attractions! Pittsburgh’s three rivers – the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio – are the key feature to getting a tour like no other. The original Gateway Clipper became Pittsburgh’s first official sightseeing boat in 1958.
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