about valdez
Valdez is an Alaskan southern coastal town that has a ton to offer. Since it is a distance from Anchorage it isn’t as visited at some of its other coastal towns, but it really should be on your radar. It is known as the southern terminus of the Alaskan pipeline and well known for its sport and commercial fishing. Valdez is also well known for two catastrophic events: the Valdez oil spill in 1989 and the 9.2 magnitude earthquake in 1964. Are these things not enticing you to go? Let me change your mind! This place is packed with wildlife, beautiful mountains, glaciers, amazing hiking and more! You should make this part of your Alaskan itinerary for sure!
how to get to valdez
You can get to Valdez via driving or via ferry from Whittier. Driving to Valdez is an incredible experience because the drive is stunningly beautiful. You will love driving through the Keystone Canyon and stopping at the beautiful roadside waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Tail Falls. You can also see an old railway tunnel. You will be surrounded by beautiful mountains. If you are coming from Anchorage the drive is 300 miles away and takes approximately 5 hours 15 minutes. On the way make sure to see the Matanuska Glacier. If you are driving from Glenallen the drive is 120 miles or about a 2-hour drive. From Fairbanks the drive is 363 miles or about 6-hour 15-minute drive. On the way from Fairbanks you can stop at the visitor center for Wrangell- St. Elias National Park in Copper Center for a view of this largest US National Park. If you are coming from the Seward area you have the option of taking the car ferry from Whittier to Valdez. The ferry goes through Prince William Sound and takes about 6 hours and costs about $87 per person without vehicle. They recommend calling for reservations if you plan to leave within the next 5 days otherwise you can book online. You can also bring your bike, car, kayak. You can also fly to Valdez from Anchorage by Ravn Airlines or private charter.
getting around
Once in Valdez the best way to get around the area via car. The town is very walkable, and you can see everything in town.
time to visit
The best time to visit is during the summer months of late May through September. During this time the tour operators for kayaking and boat tours will be available. The general weather is predominately overcast but if you get a sunny day you will be overwhelmed with the beauty of this town.
where to stay
Hotels:
Glacier Hotel–Hotel in town with good wifi, free hot breakfast, free parking and friendly staff.
Best Western Hotel–Pricier hotel in town but has exercise room, whirlpool and is right on the water.
Totem Hotel and Suites–Pricier hotel in town but newly renovated and free breakfast.
Keystone Hotel–More budget friendly but rooms smaller. Does include free wifi and free breakfast
There are a number of B&B options and Air BNB options.
If you are traveling via RV you can check out Bear Paw or Eagle Rest RV Parks.
things to do
Valdez Glacier Lake
Only a 15-minute drive from downtown Valdez on Airport Road which is primarily paved except for very last part. This lake has chunks of glacial ice floating in it and spectacular views. You can do a kayak tour of this lake which is perfect if you are new to kayaking (no waves) and stunningly beautiful.
Boat tours of the Columbia or Meares Glacier
We went with Stan Stephens Tours and it was incredible! We did the Meares Glacier tour which is a little longer of a ride but gets up close to the wall of the glacier. The Columbia Glacier is a slightly shorter tour and you get to travel through bay of floating ice but because of that are unable to get too close to the face of the glacier. Both tours allow the opportunity to see great wildlife including whales, otters, eagles, puffins, porpoises and even bears on the shoreline. Make sure to dress warmer than you think because once the boat is moving the wind makes it significantly cooler. The Meares Glacier tour gave a hot lunch and then afternoon snack of soup.
Solomon Fish Hatchery
This place would be excellent to visit during times of the fish to see the process. We were visiting prior to fish season but were informed by many to check it out because otters, seals and other wildlife tend to hang out there. We saw two seals and lots of seagulls but not much else. It was still cool to see the hatchery and read the information. They do also have an informational video.
Dock Point Trail
Right in town you can hike this short 1-mile hike that gives views around Valdez. It is easy but does have a slight steep part. Great place for bird viewing.
Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Tail falls in Keystone Canyon
These waterfalls are just off the side of the road and there are pull-offs to enjoy and take pictures of them. No hikes required. You can see several other waterfalls along this canyon.
Worthington Glacier
This is located on the way in or out of Valdez and costs $5 to park. There some trails to get to the base of the glacier or on the side to view the glacier. If you want to just look at the glacier you can see it very well from the roadside.
