Valdez, Alaska

The city of Valdez is located on the eastern edge of Prince William Sound less than 40 km east of the famous Columbia Glacier. The community is surrounded by the beautiful Chugach Mountains.

Visitors to Valdez can enjoy many activities such as sightseeing around town, glacier and marine wildlife viewing cruise tours, flightseeing by floatplane, as well as wildlife viewing, bird viewing, bear viewing, hiking, fishing, boating, and many other outdoor activities.

Many visitors drive to Valdez, as it is connected to the excellent road network in Southcentral Alaska.

Columbia Glacier

Prince William Sound

Valdez is a gateway to Prince William Sound, where visitors can enjoy glacier viewing cruise tours, flightseeing of the glaciers and icefields, whale and marine wildlife viewing, and world class fishing.  The mighty Columbia Glacier is a favorite for day cruise tours and airplane tours.

Worthington Glacier

Worthington Glacier

Worthington Glacier is a spectacular National Natural Landmark. This alpine glacier is about 8 square km in area and is located at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site about 45 km north of Valdez. Visitors can park their vehicle nearby and then walk close to the face of the glacier. High alpine tundra, hanging glaciers and a spectacular view of the grand valley make this an excellent area for photography.

Fishing

Valdez is a premier fishing destination and open all year. Many of the biggest fish caught in Alaska are reeled in from Prince William Sound. Half-day and full-day charter fishing tours area available for salmon, halibut, and other fishing.

Valdez Museum

The Valdez Museum has many interesting displays including a model of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a 19th century saloon bar, an exhibit on glaciers, an exhibit on the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and an exhibit on the Exxon oil spill that includes a piece of the salvaged ship’s hull.

Hiking

In an area surrounded by mountains and glaciers, Valdez provides good hiking. There are a number of developed trails ranging from easy to difficult. Thirteen miles out of Valdez is Keystone Canyon with its many waterfalls and unusual rock formations high above the road. Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls are both magnificent, cascading straight down the sheer canyon wall.

Heli-Ski

Valdez is very popular for heli-ski adventures.

Access: By road via the Richardson Highway, daily scheduled jet service, Alaska state ferry, all classes of cruise vessels.

Location: Valdez is located on the north shore of Port Valdez, a deep-water fjord in Prince William Sound. It lies 488 road km east of Anchorage and 582 road km south of Fairbanks. It is the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline.

Population: 4,454.

Accommodations: 7 hotels/motels, 17 bed and breakfasts, 5 lodges, 5 campgrounds, 1 cabin, 8 restaurants/cafes, all services.

External Link:Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau official website.