You may have heard the name Valdez in the news in past decades when it was hit by a major earthquake in 1964 or led cleanup for a large oil tanker spill in the area in 1989. However, the story of Valdez today is one of a friendly small town with excellent amenities and great access to the varied landscape of southern Alaska. Plan a visit any time during the year to enjoy the splendor and excitement of this rugged region.
The area surrounding Valdez is a great place to try heli-skiing. Arrange to be dropped by helicopter or travel by snowmobile into the Thompson Pass to make first tracks in Alaska’s snowy backcountry wilderness. Some call the Valdez region the snowiest place on the planet. Experience challenging conditions on the Chugach Mountains where the first World Extreme Skiing Championships were held in 1991.
Valdez summers offer warm days with unique opportunities to kayak next to large
blue icebergs. Alternatively, take a cruise to see Columbia Glacier, one of the five glaciers near Valdez. Listen for the rumblings of the ice as it melts and shifts and see giant chunks of ice calving from the glacier into Prince William Sound. For closer views, try hiking, trekking, rappelling or sunbathing on the glaciers.
Visit Valdez in early July for two holidays, a traditional Independence Day and the one-of-a-kind Pink Salmon Festival. Join the excitement of the pink salmon cook-off or participate in a 5K or 10K Uncle Salmon run, canoe jousting or kids’ pink salmon toss.
The salmon is very important to the economy in Valdez, as it is sent whole, canned, filleted or as roe around the world. Visit local restaurants to sample amazingly fresh grilled salmon. Even better, go fishing and cook your own fresh salmon or halibut.
Explore some of the 2,700 miles (4,300 kilometers) of coastline along Prince William Sound. Reach Valdez easily by ferry from Whittier or Cordoba. Alternatively fly here from Anchorage in less than an hour.
