A humpback whale says hello during a tour with Stan Stephens Cruises
1. Go on a Glacier & Wildlife Tour
Take a day cruise out on Prince William Sound, where you’ll pass icebergs and spot glaciers. Keep an eye out for the marine wildlife that’s common in this part of Prince William Sound, like sea otters, puffins, eagles, and whales. Or get even closer to the scenery by taking a kayaking tour, paddling along the shimmering waters and through a glacial cave!
2. Hear the History
Valdez has a notable history, with events both natural and man-made. Learn all about the 1964 earthquake that resulted in Valdez relocating to higher ground, as well as the Exxon oil spill. In addition, you can visit one of the town’s many historic parks and sites, including a historic railroad tunnel.
Enjoy the lush environment along the Horsetail Falls trail
3. Explore by Foot
Love to hike? Valdez was made for you. You’ll find a number of breathtaking hiking trails here that lead you to spectacular spots like waterfalls and mountain passes. And in winter, the snowy Chugach Mountains make for fantastic skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, and ice climbing.
Valdez Day Tours & Attractions View All
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Season: May 11 to Sep 17
$135+
6 or 8.5 hrs
This family-run company operating out of Valdez will show you the best glaciers, with great customer service along the way. On any given day trip you’ll likely see huge rafts of sea otters, horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, humpback whales, or even bald eagles. Stan Stephens offers two daily tours, one of which features Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Southcentral Alaska.
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Season: May 15 to Sep 20
$74+ day tours, $452+ multi-day trips
3 hrs - 7 days
Throughout the decades, Anadyr has carefully tailored its trips to offer an option for just about anyone. Never kayaked before? Try the Valdez Glacier Tour for a relaxing paddle on a lake with an easy hike to the glacier. You’ll explore icebergs and even kayak into a glacial cave. Got a six year old that can’t wait to get out there? At 3 – 4 hours, the Duck Flats tour offers a mix of wildlife (sea lions and otters are common) and Valdez history. ...more
Valdez Parks & Trails View All
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Difficulty: Easy
Bridal Veil Falls and the Valdez Goat Trail: This two-mile-long hike is a restored section of the Trans-Alaska Military Pack-train Trail that was the first glacier-free route from Valdez to the interior of Alaska. There’s a fantastic overlook about a mile down the trail.
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Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles
Hike uphill until you reach about 3100ft where you will find a good place to cross the stream. At 3500ft you will need to cross yet another stream. Walk alongside the hill until you reach a laks. The trail opens for many options here, all with excellent views of glaciers, ravines, and peaks.
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Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
About four miles in, there is a fish hatchery on this trail. The trail was created to provide a close look at the hatchery’s dam, lake, and aqueducts. It also offers a good view of the Port of Valdez. It can be a step hike at times.
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Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is made up of 113 acres, and includes one of the most visited spots in the Copper River Basin, Worthington Glacier. There are trails, picnic sites, and picnic shelters within the roadside park, along with water and restrooms. Make sure to stop at milepost 28.7 on the Richardson Highway to view this favorite glacier, or take a short walk to the glacier and see it up close!
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Difficulty: Easy
There are only a few places where you can spend time along the Lowe River without the sound of cars and motor homes — this unmarked turnoff is one of them. From here you can explore a little bit upstream and find a nice place to relax next to the river. And the only people you may see are local rafters, as this is used as a pickup spot after floating through Keystone Canyon.Just one warning: don’t fall into the water! Alaskan water temperatures… ...more