In the past, we have taken an Argosy Lakes Cruise and a Harbor Cruise, so this time we thought it would be fun to take an Argosy Locks Cruise. The Locks Cruise is a unique tour in the fact that you take off from one place and end up in another, rather than going roundtrip from one point. With the Locks Cruise you start off at Pier 56 and then eventually dock Lake Union to be shuttled back to Pier 56 by bus. In between you cruise along the Puget Sound while you pass Magnolia and Discovery Park. Then you enter Shilshole Bay, pass through the Hiram Chittenden Locks, go up the Lake Washington Ship Canal, pass by Gasworks Park and then arrive at your final destination, Lake Union.

We booked this tour last minute on a warm Summer Friday evening. We figured the boat would be packed, but were delighted to find the boat half full with plenty of room to move around and take photographs. As we pulled away from Pier 56 the views of Mt. Rainier and the city were spectacular. It is moments like this which remind me why I love this city, especially in the Summer.

As went past one of our favorite restaurants, Rays, it was fun to see it from the waterside. As we entered the Hiram Chittenden Locks we past several boaters and I was able to pick out which sailboats I liked best. One day, I hope to own a sailboat and cruise along the waters of Elliott Bay at my leisure.

Passing under bridges was an exciting part of the journey. In one place we went under a bridge while a train passed overhead, in another we narrowly cleared the bridge by a few inches. Another interesting tidbit is that in the off season, the Deadliest Catch boats like The Wizard dock in our waters. It is fun to see something you have seen on television right before your very eyes. Another highlight is seeing the Sleepless in Seattle house. It doesn't matter how many times I have seen it, since I love that movie it always brings back fond memories of watching it as an adolescent.

Sleepless in Seattle House

The colorful houseboats which dot Lake Union.

Mount Rainier in the background, as the sun sets on Lake Union.

Gasworks Park being drenched in warm light as the sun sets.

Argosy Cruises are not just something tourists enjoy. If you are new to the area, looking for an excuse to get out on the water, want to beat the Summer heat or are searching for a different kind of date night the Locks Cruise is a fun way to view the city from the water while enjoying all the best of what the city has to offer.