We have so much fun with every trip in Alaska, but when it comes to a place that really is both fun AND beautiful, Valdez, Alaska is amazing. It is one of the most scenic coastal towns in the state, and despite its small size, there’s an impressive range of outdoor activities for every age. We’re a family of four with teens and I can say that Valdez is a hit with everyone in our crew when we travel to Alaska. Between the really cool kayaking and the easy hiking, you get no complaints from us. Also, being on Prince William Sound, Valdez is a great place for wildlife and glaciers!
We’ve got a round up of fun and exciting things to do in Valdez, Alaska as well as a few lesser-known experiences that go beyond a standard checklist. We’ve got suggestions for things to do, where to see wildlife and how to make Valdez a part of your unique Alaska road trip. If you have any questions about anything we suggest or if you need additional recommendations for activities or adding onto your Valdez trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun, unforgettable vacation!
Things to Do in Valdez, Alaska
I love hearing that people want to visit Valdez and enjoy all the activities. Not a lot of tourists get to visit Valdez as very few cruise itineraries stop here, so you usually have to plan it as part of a bigger Alaska road trip or visit via the Alaska Marine Highway. There are some cruise lines that offer a stop in Valdez (Holland America, Princess, Viking, Azamara, Silversea and Hurtigruten) but it’s not every itinerary or every ship, so the best way to visit is to do it yourself! We’re all about exploring independently of a cruise ship (love the Inside Passage on our own) and Valdez is a great place for it.
When you’re starting to plan your visit to Alaska, think about the things to do that will become highlights of your trip. When you get to our suggestions for activities, we’ve listed them in order of what we think are the most unique and memorable experiences, so listen to our advice if you’re up for a little bit of adventure. You’ll find that Valdez is a good mix of being VERY active and having some relaxing time just enjoying the scenery, as the mountains tower all around you and the waterfalls flow everywhere you look.
Where Is Valdez, Alaska
Valdez, Alaska is located southeast of Anchorage on Prince William Sound on an inlet called Port Valdez. Yes, this is the same Valdez and area of the famous Exxon Valdez oil spill, but when you visit today, that horrible environmental event and its effects aren’t visible. The impact of the oil spill into Prince William Sound was terrible and killed off about 40% of the sea otter and 30% of the orca population, but recovery has been solid and now you can’t swing a cat without hitting a sea otter. As far as the setting and wildlife today, it is most similar to Haines, Alaska, IMO.
You can get to Valdez either by driving or taking the Alaska Marine Highway. Driving will take about 6 hours or so from Anchorage, which is also how long it takes on the ferry. Both routes are fun and beautiful, but only one lets you relax and watch for humpbacks and orcas along the way. And then the other allows you to watch for moose and bear… Choosing which method of transportation you’ll take to get to Valdez is usually a matter of budget, as the ferry will cost more than filling your gas tank. I think traveling one way on the ferry and then driving for the return trip is a great way to experience it.
If you’re driving, you’ll love how gorgeous it is driving through Thompson Pass, and Keystone Canyon, and making stops at places like the Worthington Glacier and the different waterfalls. For anyone not driving to Valdez, but who has a car while they’re here, we do have some activities listed below that will help you experience all of this beautiful scenery along the Richardson Highway (the road to Valdez).
Is Valdez Alaska Worth Visiting
If you want glacier experiences without cruise ship crowds, and a more rugged and less commercial atmosphere compared to destinations like Ketchikan or Juneau, then you’ll love Valdez. It’s worth the trek to get here for the quiet of the town and the truly amazing landscape all around the bay. Adding this to an Alaska road trip is so fun. If you’re a photographer, a wildlife enthusiast (Alaska wildlife is my fav!) and you love the outdoors, this is THE town for a great experience with far fewer people than the primary cruise destinations. I would say that Valdez is one of Alaska’s most rewarding lesser-known destinations, or at least less-visited…
What Is Valdez Alaska Known For
I like to think of Valdez as that cool town in Alaska where we go to actually have vacation. You know, it’s not a place where we’re going to visit and be on the go, never taking a break (although you could), but it’s a solid destination where we can have fun and be outside continually. There’s a lot to see both on land and on the water, and Valdez has a fascinating history too. And there are wild bunnies EVERYWHERE, so much so that there are bunnies on the town flags and banners. Here’s the scoop on Valdez and what makes it such an interesting Alaska town.
Access to Prince William Sound and Glacier Cruises
Prince William Sound is a part of many cruise itineraries, although it’s not common in the grand scheme of Alaska cruises. Less than 200 sailings go through Prince William Sound on their way to Whittier or Seward each summer, while more than 700 will stop in Ketchikan and Juneau. The number is a huge difference in both how many actually pull into port in Valdez and how many people actually ever get to see the glaciers of Prince William Sound. The Columbia and Meares Glaciers are the two closest tidewater glaciers to Valdez, and they’re both really cool to see. In comparison with Dawes Glacier and some of the others in Southeast Alaska, far fewer eyes get to see these ones.
Besides the glaciers, Prince William Sound is also full of wonderful marine wildlife. This is a great place for whalewatching, seeing seals, sea otters and sea lions, and also getting to see puffins. When you visit Valdez you can do boat tours to see all of this! It’s a great place to access the beauty of Prince William Sound.
Keystone Canyon Waterfalls
Just fifteen minutes away from downtown Valdez is the amazing Keystone Canyon, which is full of waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. This area became famous when the railroad was blasting its way through for transporting copper from the mines up in what is now Wrangell-St Elias National Park. There are old railroad tunnels, the old Wagon Road and little pieces of history all through Keystone Canyon. I love it for the waterfalls though, because they’re simply beautiful.
Terminal of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
I mentioned the Exxon Valdez oil spill from 1989, but why was there oil here in Valdez in the first place? The Trans-Alaska Pipeline that moves crude oil from the Arctic Circle down to Prince William Sound for shipping ends here in Valdez. Very little of the pipeline is visible, but there are some spots along the Richardson Highway that you can see it. Here in Valdez, when you look across the water you can see the giant holding tanks at the end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which then fill the tanker ships that are always coming and going through Port Valdez.
Salmon and Halibut Fishing
People love to visit Valdez for fish, especially during peak summer runs. There’s a salmon hatcher across from town, and this brings the sea lions and bears to the shore during the runs to feast on salmon, just like the humans that are trying to catch them. And then the halibut are another thing Valdez is known for. Every year there is the Valdez Halibut Derby with runs from the end of May to the beginning of September. There are actually a few famous fishing derbies in Valdez each summer, so if you’re looking for a fun day on the water AND a chance at $10K, plan to participate in the derby during your visit.
Heavy Snowfall and World-class Heli-skiing
Did you know that Valdez actually gets the most annual snowfall or anywhere in Alaska? This means that over the course of a winter the town will see between 300 and 330 inches of snow… that’s around 27 feet! This makes for epic heli-skiing, which is the primary winter activity people visit Valdez for. It’s not something I’m up for, but I love being immersed in astounding amounts of snow. Keep in mind, the 27 feet of snow blows around, sublimates and may even melt a bit throughout the winter, so if you show up expecting to see 27 foot snow drifts downtown, you likely won’t… but you may get some 15 footers.
The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake
One last thing that Valdez is known for, and you’ll be able to check out when you visit, is the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake which led to the destruction and relocation of most of the town. The shaking alongside a tsunami led to the historic structures being destroyed (except a few) and the town being both moved and rebuilt on more stable ground at a higher elevation. When you visit, be sure to walk the old streets of Valdez. You’ll be surprised what it’s actually like now (see below).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Valdez Alaska
It’s pretty obvious that for the regular traveler, visiting Valdez in the summer makes the most sense. It’s got the best weather and everything is open, but it’s not the only option. If you’re open to it, consider both summer and winter and see what you’d like to do.
Summer in Valdez – Amazing Views and Fun
I love summer in Valdez! You’ve got amazing wildlife activity in the water and on land. The continuous daylight means that you can be on the water or out hiking for hours on end and not be out after dark. I love the warm Valdez days, because they’re still not crazy hot but they’re fun and the world is open to exploring. Having said that, summer does bring the mosquitos and even if you’re not normally bothered by bugs, you may find it to be a bit much. It’s not as bad as the Interior in the summer, but it’s annoying. Even with the mosquitos, summer in Valdez is beautiful and my pick for visiting.
Winter in Valdez – the Snowiest Place in Alaska
I mentioned before that Valdez is the snowiest place in Alaska, getting between 300 and 330 inches of snow each year. If that sounds interesting to you, you can absolutely visit Valdez in the winter and enjoy opportunities for snowmachines (snow mobiles), snowshoeing, Nordic and downhill skiing, and of course the heli-skiing that Valdez is famous for. Many of the restaurants and businesses in Valdez do close down for the winter, but you’ll still be able to dine out a bit and if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, you’ll be able to get groceries and cook for yourself. One perk of visiting Valdez in the winter that summer just doesn’t offer is the chance to see the Northern Lights. It may not be as bright and consistent here as up in Fairbanks, but it’s still beautiful and such a treat to get to see.
What To Do In Valdez Alaska
Time to dig into all of the fun and beautiful things to do in Valdez, Alaska! I think it’s a really fun town and our family really gets into the activities here. We love glaciers, kayaking, wildlife and just being outside, so if you’re anything like us, you’ll be able to fill your time in Valdez easily.
Valdez Glacier Lake Kayaking
Start with kayaking on the Valdez Glacier Lake. This is a wonderful activity to do with kids or adults and it’s very unique. The Valdez Glacier calves off into its lake, so at the end of the lake there are tons of icebergs, making a bit of a maze to navigate. Once you’ve made it through the icebergs, you get to kayak on the beautiful lake with waterfalls pouring into it from all sides. You can paddle up to the face of the glacier and see small canyons and formations in the ice. Safety first though, as glaciers are ever-changing and you don’t want to be too close during a moment of activity.
We highly recommend Stay & Play Valdez for renting kayaks, as this is a wonderful family-run company renting kayaks and providing a full orientation of the glacier lake area to ensure a safe kayaking adventure. They will get you set up with the correct gear, including life jackets, and make sure that you understand all the safety precautions of kayaking on a glacier lake. This is such a fun thing to do and our kids said it was their favorite activity in Valdez.
Stephens Wildlife and Glacier Cruise on Prince William Sound
Getting out into Prince William Sound is something not to be missed when you visit Valdez. Stan Stephens Wildlife and Glacier Cruises has two great tours that go from downtown Valdez out in to the sound and to the face of either the Columbia Glacier or Meares Glacier. Both are beautiful and have great opportunities for seeing wildlife. It doesn’t matter how many times we get to do a boat tour to the face of a glacier, every time is fun and beautiful, and I love watching ice calve off the front and splash down. It’s the quintessential Alaska experience.
Check out Stephens Cruises and use code MYAKTRIP10 for a 10% discount on your booking.
Halibut Fishing from Valdez
Port Valdez and Prince William Sound have some of the best halibut fishing you’ll come across. That’s why they do the halibut derbies here! One of the best things to do in Valdez is to get out on the water with a fishing charter and try your hand at fishing, whether that be for halibut, salmon, rockfish or cod. You can book a full day fishing trip or just a half day of fishing, depending on what you’re interested in catching and what’s running. They’ll clean your fish, package it up and help you ship it home. It’s a pretty cool experience. Yes, it’s costly, but it’s one of the best things to do in Alaska as a whole, and getting to do fishing from Valdez is very special.
Visit the Whitney Museum
Although it’s not a huge museum, the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum is really cool and unusual. Located at the Prince William Sound College campus, this unique museum actually comes from a private collection of both Alaska arts and taxidermy. The exhibits are all framed within the context of tourism history. What I think is the most interesting message of the museum is how pieces produced for tourism are no less art or skilled work than traditional cultural works. The messaging of how traditional skills were used to make popular Alaska souvenirs in the early days of tourism shaped and kept certain art forms alive was fascinating. It really made me rethink indigenous art made for consumers. I know, that’s kind of a heavy topic, but wow. I highly recommend taking your time and thinking about the questions posed within the museum. It’s fascinating.
Look for Wildlife at Solomon Gulch Hatchery
One of my favorite tips for people visiting Alaska when they want to see wildlife is to visit a salmon hatchery or an area downstream/nearby. In Valdez, this is the Solomon Gulch Salmon Hatchery. Between the salmon runs it’s pretty quiet, but has some good exhibits about the hatchery and salmon life cycle. During a run, it’s really extra fun because the sea lions come into the mouth of the creek for easy eating, and the bears come to the shore as well. It can be a little crazy with wildlife if you time it just right.
Walk Old Town – the Non-existent Streets
After the Good Friday Earthquake of 1964 the buildings that remained in Valdez were relocated to where town is now. One of the activities that surprises people when they visit is checking out “Old Town” Valdez. Here you’ll find a series of signs and exhibits showing what the city used to look like, including the ghosts of the street grid and a few remains from the old buildings. You can see the story unfold as you walk around, and then the setting itself is beautiful, so take a walk and appreciate the history and surrounding landscape. It’s one of the best things to do in Valdez.
Hiking Trails Around Valdez
There is no shortage of hiking trails when you visit Valdez. I like that most of the trails around town are really easy and you can just drive a few minutes and be to another trailhead. Our favorite hike in Valdez is the Dock Point Trail. It’s an easy loop, but it’s full of interesting sights and even different habitats. We even got to look into an eagle’s nest from the trail!
Another nice hike is actually a walk on the Shoup Bay Trail. It’s great for birds and if the timing is right, you need to be wary of bears. The Mineral Creek Trail is a fun one that you can either drive partially or hike the whole thing. It follows through a jagged valley to an absolutely gorgeous waterfall, and it’s perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck trail in town.
Valdez History Museum
It’s always good to have rainy day things to do, especially when you’re in Alaska in the summer. The Valdez History Museum actually has two locations because they’ve got so much to share. From the mining history to the arrival of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and then of course everything about the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, you can spend a fair amount of time going through the exhibits and learning about the lesser-known side of Alaska and Prince William Sound.
Kayaking Port Valdez (the bay)
From downtown, you can actually kayak out of the small boat harbor and into Port Valdez, paddling past sea otters and sea lions. The Duck Flats at the end of the harbor are a beautiful spot for wildlife watching, and because the tide is so mellow here, this is a great spot for kayaking with all ages and all skill levels. You can go out with either Anadyr Adventures or Pangea Adventures, and both will show off how pretty Port Valdez is. Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Valdez, whether it’s on your own or with a guided tour.
Keystone Canyon Sights to See
This is one of my favorite drives in all of Alaska, just this short ten miles starting on the Lowe River and heading through Keystone Canyon to the start of Thompson Pass. It’s so pretty and really difficult to focus on driving, but the safety solution to this is to stop at all the pull-outs. You can stop at Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, you can stop and read the roadside exhibits, and there are even some trails you can hike. Keystone Canyon is one of the coolest places in Valdez.
Thompson Pass Activities
Yes, this is something else that’s part of a drive, but the activities in Thompson Pass are great. There’s a wonderful loop trail at the Pass and it has some incredible views, and there are service roads you can wander and watch wildlife. One of the best spots though is Worthington Glacier. This is a State Recreation Site (so pay your $5 fee) and then you can easily walk to the viewpoint for the Worthington Glacier. You can also continue the hike up the valley along the glacial creek to the toe of the glacier. It’s a tricky hike, but fun. For people who are new to glaciers, do not proceed past where you can confidently hike, knowing that the glacier is actually covered in rock at the end, so what seems solid is actually ice. Really cool thing to do near Valdez, but it can also be dangerous.
Wildlife Watching around Valdez
When you’re trying to remember things to do in Valdez in your downtime, you can always fall back on wildlife watching. From the waterfront to the beach at Alisson Point, there are bald eagles everywhere and there’s always a chance for sea otters just off shore. For moose, you can drive along Dayville Road, Airport Road or head out to Robe Lake to look for them. Bears: they’re everywhere, but often near water, so keep your eyes peeled. We love just going for short drives to see what wildlife we can see.
E-Biking around Valdez
Valdez actually has a bike trail that goes between downtown and the far stretch of town. The same great family that does the kayaking at the Valdez Glacier Lake also does E-bike rentals! Yes, Stay & Play Valdez offers E-bikes from 2 to 4 hours, which is perfect for being able to explore on bike and make it all around town and the bay. This is a great way to explore and be able to stop wherever you want, always surrounded by the beautiful Chugach Mountains.
Stroll Downtown Valdez on the Waterfront
I love the waterfronts of Alaska towns, and Valdez is the most mellow of them all. Well, it’s a close second to Whittier. As you walk the waterfront in Valdez, it’s full of cafes and little shops, but not uber touristy shops. There are some galleries, some charter services… it’s just a nice vibe as you walk along. If you’re lucky you’ll see people bringing in their catch from a day of fishing on Prince William Sound. It’s just a nice activity to enjoy Valdez and the surrounding scenery.
Check out the Valdez Breweries
If you’re not a beer person, you can skip this, but if you do like beer, Valdez actually has two breweries across from each other: Growler Bay Brewing and Valdez Brewing Co. They’re very different and both are great for a visit. I like Growler Bay because it’s so chill and they have fun vibes inside and out, including fire pits outside (and a really good food truck). Across the street is Valdez Brewing Co, which is much more mainstream and a little fancy. You can see into their brewing operations and then just hangout in the big tasting room. Here, I really like the local art they display for sale, and there is outside seating too. Both of these breweries are great!
Whitewater Rafting in Keystone Canyon
Keystone Canyon is a great whitewater rafting experience and it’s ideal for all ages. I love rafting in Alaska and we’ve been on quite a few rivers, so getting to go rafting in Valdez is a fun, surprise addition to your activities while you’re here. If you’re new to whitewater rafting, I highly recommend giving it a try here where you’ll be able to start with Class I and II rapids, and then you just get up to Class III. It’s fun, very safe, and it’s just beautiful.
Valdez Helicopter Flightseeing
I know this is the most premium of activities, but if you have it in your budget to do a helicopter flightseeing tour in Valdez, do it. There are so many mountains and glaciers and waterfalls that you’ll have 60 to 90 minutes of some of the most beautiful sights in Alaska. I always recommend booking flightseeing for your first or second day because if the weather isn’t cooperating then you have plenty of chances to rebook it. Check out options for 90 minute flightseeing with a glacier landing here OR 60 minute flightseeing here!
I hope you’re excited to visit Valdez and enjoy one of the prettiest places in Alaska. There really are so many things to do and it can be a vacation all in itself. Whether you drive yourself or arrive via the Alaska Marine Highway, you’ll love the adventure of getting to Valdez. If you have any questions about our suggested things to do or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great Alaska trip!
