Seattle Two-Hour Sightseeing Locks Cruise

Discover the best of Seattle on a scenic cruise through the heart of the city and experience the iconic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a ‘boat elevator’ connecting Puget Sound and Lake Washington Ship Canal. On the saltwater of Puget Sound, take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and majestic mountain ranges. Then, glide through the freshwater canal for a closer look at historic neighborhoods, commercial fishing vessels, floating homes, seaplanes, and more. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories of Seattle’s past and present from a live, local guide. 

Meeting Point

Argosy Cruises - Lake Union

Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a one-way tour
- If your Locks Tour departs from Elliott Bay / Pier 54 on the waterfront
- Then it will end at AGC Marina on Lake Union

Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront

1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Suite 201, 1101 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a one-way tour
- If your Locks Tour departs from AGC Marina on Lake Union
- Then it will end at Elliott Bay / Pier 54 on the waterfront

What's included:

• Live narration
• 2-hour sightseeing cruise
• Interior and exterior seating areas
• Restrooms available on board

Not included:

• Snacks and beverages (available for purchase)
• Gratuities
• Transportation between start and end location (return bus ticket available for purchase seasonally)

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Lake Union

Seattle, Washington

Begin OR end (depending on your tour direction – check your ticket) your cruise on the bustling southern end of this lake in the heart of the city. Lake Union is a natural body of water surrounded by city buildings and highways. This is a popular spot for recreational activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating.

Pass by without stopping

Lake Union Drydock Co

1515 Fairview Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA

This is a popular shipyard providing full-service repairs and renovations for vessels. Passing by you’ll see large commercial fishing vessels. This is one of the oldest businesses on Lake Union and a go-to area for large vessels to be put into dry-dock.

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Floating Homes Association

2329 Fairview Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA

Unique to Lake Union is the large floating home communities on it. See a variety of floating homes and houseboats, including the famous home featured in the classic 90’s movie “Sleepless in Seattle”. Spot quirky, colorful exteriors as well as luxurious, modern floating homes.

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Gas Works Park

2101 N Northlake Way, , Seattle, 98103-9122, Washington

Get clear views of one of Seattle’s most picturesque and popular park. Gas Works Park is a decommissioned coal gasification plant that became later known as local-favorite for people to socialize, play, and visit. Nestled in the neighborhoods of Fremont and Wallingford, this park was also a filming location for the popular 90’s movie “10 Things I Hate About You”.

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Fremont Bridge

Fremont Bridge, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

One of the few bridges you’ll go under on the Locks Cruise, the Fremont Bridge is one of the busiest in the United States. As you go cruise through the colorfully-decorated drawbridge, be in awe of how close our vessel fits right under.

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Ship Canal Trail

W. Nickerson St & 6th Ave. W., Seattle, Washington

Cruise down Lake Washington Ship Canal and follow the actual footpath from the boat. This trail stretches 1.9 miles and peeks at several of Seattle’s historic neighborhoods. The trail follows an abandoned railroad and has views of Ballard’s maritime industrial area.

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Fishermen's Terminal

3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, USA

Opened by the Port of Seattle, marvel at the many commercial fishing vessels at Fisherman’s Terminal. Learn about Seattle’s fishing and maritime history and how this terminal has housed hundreds of fishing vessels over the years. Also, famously known for housing some of the boats from the popular show “Deadliest Catch”.

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Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

3015 NW 54th St, , Seattle, 98107-4213, Washington

Be in the center of all the action of the nations busiest locking system. Experience your vessel being lowered an average of 20 ft (6m) from the freshwater level of Lake Union to the saltwater of Puget Sound. This locking system is 100+ years old and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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Discovery Park

3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, 98199-1029, Washington

Learn the history of Seattle’s largest natural park and enjoy the photo opportunities of West Point Lighthouse on its beaches. With about 560 acres of land, enjoy tranquility and overlook views of the Puget Sound. Visit the park in-person and visit the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.

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Puget Sound

Puget Sound, Washington, USA

Enjoy sweeping views of this large inland estuary, that lies between the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle metropolitan area. Approximately 95 miles long, see views of popular mountain ranges like the Olympics. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of some wildlife!

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Space Needle

400 Broad Street, Seattle, 98109-4607, Washington

The Locks Cruise makes sure to go by the iconic landmark, the Space Needle. You’ll have both up-close and panoramic views while on the tour. You’ll be able to take photos from our unobstructed view of the famous Space Needle, while also snapping the landmark itself in the skyline as a whole.

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Argosy Cruises - Seattle Waterfront

1101 Alaskan Wy Pier 55, Seattle, 98101, Washington

End OR begin (depending on your tour direction - check your ticket) your cruise from Seattle’s historic and lively central waterfront! Learn about both the past and present from your local tour guide as you cruise by the many piers and landmarks. You’ll see popular sights like the Space Needle, Great Wheel, Overlook Park, etc.

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