Exploring Valdez, Alaska: 10+ Thrilling Things To Do
Nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound, Valdez, Alaska delivers some of the state’s most dramatic scenery and outdoor adventures.
Despite being a small Alaskan town, this coastal town offers glacier cruises, wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and accessible hiking within minutes of downtown.
Valdez appeals to both independent travelers and cruise passengers looking to experience Alaska beyond the typical port stop. Whether you are visiting for a single day or staying longer, the area provides memorable excursions that showcase glaciers, mountains, and marine life.
In this guide, we share the best things to do in Valdez, Alaska, based on firsthand experience. We include cruise-friendly tours, easy self-guided activities, and experiences worth planning around.
Getting To Valdez
Traveling to Valdez offers visitors several scenic options, whether by road, sea, or air. Each route has advantages, from the scenic drive on the Richardson Highway to the thrill of an Alaskan cruise.
The Richardson Highway (AK-4) is the only road to Valdez. This 305-mile scenic route from Fairbanks crosses the Alaska Range and Thompson Pass. From Anchorage, the route passes through the Keystone Canyon, making it one of Alaska’s most picturesque road trips.
Valdez has a small airport (VDZ) that receives regular flights from Anchorage. These 45-minute flights can effortlessly transition travelers from the bustling city of Anchorage to the serene beauty of Valdez.
We arrived by cruise ship, and the Spirit and Kelsey docks couldn’t accommodate our vessel, so we tendered ashore. The slow approach through the Valdez Narrows was incredibly beautiful, with lots of sea otters in the waters.
Other options for arriving by sea include the Alaska Marine Highway System, which operates a ferry from Whittier to Valdez.
Exploring Valdez, Alaska
Valdez is a compact city that’s easy to navigate. The downtown area is walkable, and taxis are available, although limited in number.
If you only have a day, booking a tour might be preferred, although we found excursions through our cruise line sold out quickly. The time of year will factor into which tours are available. Here are some of the activities to enjoy in Valdez, Alaska.
Columbia Glacier Cruise From Valdez
Stan Stephens offers a six-hour tour to Columbia Glacier. The two-level catamarans, Glacier Spirit and Valdez Spirit have indoor heated space, plenty of outdoor viewing areas, and bathrooms. Our Columbia Glacier cruise on the Valdez Spirit included a hot lunch.
While the excursion is sold as a tour to see a glacier, the trip was more about the journey than the destination. Along the way, we saw a minke whale, humpback whales, porpoises, and Steller sea lions.
In early May, we couldn’t get that close to the face of Columbia Glacier. As a very active icefield, warming weather causes ice to break off. Sadly, this glacier is retreating. We were mesmerized by the size of ice, some as big as a house.
Our captain was very knowledgeable and narrated the trip. The Columbia Glacier cruise reminded me of the 26 Glacier Cruise from Whittier, both being worthwhile. As an alternative to the Columbia Glacier cruise, Stan Stephens offers an 8-hour tour to Meares Glacier.
Meares Glacier Cruise From Valdez
As an alternative to the Columbia Glacier cruise, Stan Stephens offers a Meares Glacier excursion. These tours run longer at 7.5 hours, so it may not be ideal for cruise guests. Like the previous cruise, this includes beverages, a hot lunch, and a breakfast bagel.
This route follows much of the previous tour from Valdez through the Tongass Narrows. It then passes Columbia Bay and enters Unakwik Inlet before reaching Meares Glacier. Unlike Columbia, which is retreating, Meares defies the odds and is advancing.
This glacier is smaller in size and displays less calving action. However, both cruises provide many opportunities to see marine wildlife like whales, sea lions, porpoises, and harbor seals.
Kayaking On Valdez Glacier Lake
For adventurous individuals, paddling amongst icebergs provides an intimate glacial experience. Several local outfitters offer guided kayak trips. They range from easy half-day excursions to multi-day adventures. Bear in mind that these tours are rated as strenuous.
The journey typically begins in Valdez, where guides provide boots, waders, and a safety briefing. Paddlers are then bused to Valdez Lake, where the adventure begins.
Seated in double kayaks, we made a slow paddle through a maze of icebergs up the lake. While some areas of the lake seemed shallow due to gravel pockets, the gravel is a layer on top of an enormous iceberg.
These kayaking tours combine paddling with a short hike. They also run rain and shine, so dress appropriately for the forecast.
Valdez Museum & Historical Archive
The Valdez Museum & Historical Archive includes extensive coverage of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake that destroyed the original townsite. Photographs, personal accounts, and recovered artifacts document this pivotal event in Valdez’s history.
The main facility downtown covers everything from Native history to the Gold Rush era. It also covers the Trans-Alaska Pipeline construction and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Interactive displays help visitors understand these complex historical events.
Special exhibitions rotate seasonally, highlighting local artists or exploring specific aspects of regional history. The museum is one of two that offer free admission in Valdez. Expect the walk from the cruise port to take under 10 minutes.
Keystone Canyon Scenic Drive And Waterfalls
Keystone Canyon presents a dramatic landscape carved by the Lowe River with towering rock walls rising 1,000 feet. Whether you take a tour or rent a car for a self-drive, you’ll enjoy spectacular waterfalls, including Horsetail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
The canyon’s rich history includes serving as a transportation corridor during the gold rush era. Today, it’s accessible via a scenic drive along the Richardson Highway, just a few miles from downtown Valdez.
Parking areas near major waterfalls make stopping and enjoying short walks to viewpoints easy. The canyon is especially stunning after rainfall when the waterfalls reach full power.
Thompson Pass And Worthington Glacier
Thompson Pass, just 26 miles from Valdez on the Richardson Highway, offers spectacular mountain scenery. While the route includes multiple waterfalls, the trip’s highlight is Worthington Glacier.
Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site offers a short, paved trail that leads to viewing platforms. During summer, wildflower meadows and hiking trails attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking alpine experiences without challenging access requirements.
This area is entirely free to visit, making it one of the best no-cost activities in Valdez. However, those on a cruise can access the area on a paid shore excursion. The recreation site includes restrooms, picnic areas, and educational displays.
More adventurous hikers can follow ridgeline trails for closer glacier perspectives. The glacier’s blue ice formations create stunning photo opportunities.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum holds one of Alaska’s finest Native Alaskan art and artifact collections. Situated on the Prince William Sound College campus, it features over 25,000 remarkable pieces. Like the Valdez Museum, admission is complimentary.
The exhibit features intricate ivory carvings, traditional masks, baskets, Alaskan Native hunting tools, and an extensive taxidermy collection. Many pieces date back generations and demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
Display cases include text explaining each item’s cultural and historical significance. The museum regularly rotates exhibits to highlight different parts of its collection.
Whitney’s personal story as a collector adds an interesting dimension to the museum experience. Their decades-long dedication to preserving Alaska Native art created this invaluable cultural repository.
Solomon Gulch Hatchery & Salmon Viewing
Located just a few miles from downtown Valdez, the Solomon Gulch Hatchery offers a fascinating glimpse into Alaska’s salmon lifecycle and fishery management practices.
Built in 1981, the Valdez facility is North America’s biggest hatchery dedicated exclusively to one salmon species. This working hatchery releases over 100 million pink salmon fry annually.
During peak season (late July through September), thousands of salmon return to the facility, creating a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity. Brown bears are the most common species seen, and dusk is the best time to see them.
Best Hiking Trails In Valdez
The Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez offer spectacular hiking and climbing options. Mineral Creek Trail provides stunning views and moderate terrain for day hikers.
For serious climbers, the Thompson Pass area features challenging routes on peaks exceeding 5,000 feet. Winter brings exceptional ice climbing opportunities as frozen waterfalls transform into vertical playgrounds.
The Worthington Glacier offers accessible glacier hiking with proper equipment and guides. Alaska Guide Co provides professional guidance for safe glacier exploration.
Dock Point Park features an easy 0.8-mile trail suitable for families and casual walkers, with beautiful harbor views and potential wildlife sightings. We suggest carrying bear spray and hiking in groups when exploring Valdez’s backcountry trails.
Sea Kayaking In Prince William Sound
Valdez boasts world-class sea kayaking opportunities in Prince William Sound. We recommend paddling through the calm waters to witness massive tidewater glaciers up close—a truly mesmerizing experience.
Anadyr Adventures offers guided excursions suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Choose from leisurely day trips to multi-day adventures depending on your length of stay. Port paddles are an excellent choice for families with children.
For a unique experience, try a multi-day kayaking trip with overnight camping on secluded beaches. These start with a 2-day paddle to Shoup Glacier to a longer 8-day trip from Meares Glacier to Columbia Glacier.
Trail Of 98 Historic Route
The historic Trail of 98 commemorates the arduous route gold seekers took during the Klondike Gold Rush. This challenging trail winds through mountainous terrain that tested the endurance of thousands of prospectors.
Today, hikers can experience portions of this historic route through well-maintained trails. Before attempting the hike, the Valdez Museum offers context about the trail’s significance.
We recommend visiting the interpretive signs along the trail describing the hardships gold seekers face. Some original artifacts remain visible along sections of the path.
The best time to hike is between June and August when the snow has melted and conditions are optimal. Even in summer, proper hiking boots and rain gear are essential as the weather can change rapidly.
Salmon Fishing In Valdez
Fishing enthusiasts flock to Valdez for world-class salmon fishing, particularly during the summer runs. Several charter companies offer guided fishing trips, while shore fishing provides an economical alternative at several accessible locations.
For beginner anglers or those on a budget, shore fishing provides a thrill with the chance to catch dinner. Breakwater Beach and Allison Point give the top spots to test your angling skills on land.
Can You Visit Valdez Year-Round?
Valdez boasts activities for every season. While spring and summer bring the most visitors, winter offers a contrasting experience. Winter in Valdez means snowy landscapes, stunning icy fjords, and excellent opportunities for winter activities like:
- Backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
- Snowmobiling.
- Ice fishing.
- Northern Lights viewing.
Remember that the weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures, snowstorms, and limited daylight hours. But if you love off-season adventure and stunning snowy scenery, Valdez can be incredible in winter!
