Best things to do in Valdez, Alaska
Valdez is a stunning and unassuming little community nestled into a beautiful fjord in southcentral Alaska. The town is surrounded by towering peaks carefully carved by the movement of glaciers, which are still visible today. There is an abundance of land and marine wildlife, including (but by no means limited to!) sea lions, brown bears, eagles, salmon, and more. The weather in Valdez is often rainy, but if you happen to visit on a sunny day, you are in for a treat!
Valdez Harbor in spring
Valdez (pronounced Valdeez) was named by a Spanish cartographer in 1790 after the Spanish Admiral Antonio Valdés, head of the Spanish Marines. The community began to grow after 1899, when a road was constructed that connected the town with the interior city of Fairbanks. Valdez has survived several catastrophic events in the last century, including the deadly 1964 Alaska Earthquake and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill that devastated the local ecosystem. Valdez is also the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that transports oil from Alaska's north slope in Prudhoe Bay.
Today the town has a population of just under 4,000 people. Valdez thrives off of the fishing industry - both commercial and tourism. Many people visiting Alaska skip Valdez as it is a bit off the beaten path. It is about a 5.5-hour drive from Anchorage or 6.5 hours from Fairbanks (both drives are beautiful!). To reach Valdez, you must drive over Thompson Pass, known for being one of the snowiest places in Alaska. From Thompson Pass, you descend through the waterfall-lined Keystone Canyon and arrive at the mouth of the fjord surrounded by tall mountains. It is also possible to take a ferry to Valdez from Whittier, about a 1.5-hour drive from Anchorage. You will need to plan ahead as the ferry only operates on specific dates.
Once in Valdez, you can enjoy many activities, including chartered fishing trips, glacier cruises, wildlife watching, glacier lake kayaking, and more! Many local businesses in Valdez offer guided services to help you enjoy some of these activities better.
We have spent a lot of time in Valdez and are happy to share how we would spend a perfect couple of days in the little town.
Is Valdez, Alaska worth visiting?
Though Valdez is a little off the beaten path, it is one of the places we always recommend visiting. The road to Valdez from Anchorage or Fairbanks is beautiful, with picturesque stops. The town is filled with friendly people excited to share a little of their life and make you feel like a real local. Every time we visit Valdez, we have been lucky to view tons of wildlife, including bears, sea lions, eagles, and more. There are many exciting activities, including kayaking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. It is often rainy in Valdez, but this should not stop you from making the trip!
What to do in Valdez
Visit Worthington Glacier
Worthington Glacier on the road to Valdez
As you approach Valdez, the Worthington Glacier is one of the first exciting stops you will visit. This glacier is visible from the road and easily accessible from the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. There is a large parking area, and you must pay for parking or display your Alaska State Parks Pass sticker on your windshield. From the parking area, there is a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible that leads to a viewing platform. Along the way, there are several signs with information about the glacier. This area is open until it is closed off by winter snow conditions. As this is a popular place, keep in mind that large groups with bus tours will also stop here to take a walk around.
If you want to go on a glacier trek, visit Alaska Guide Co.
Drive Over Thompson Pass
To reach Valdez, you will need to cross the summit of Thompson Pass. The pass reaches an elevation of 2,678 feet and is known for being one of the snowiest locations in Alaska. On average, they report an annual snowfall of over 500 inches! Though Alaska Native Ahtna People had used the trail along this pass for generations, the official road was constructed in 1899 for use by Klondike Gold Rush miners. One fun fact about this road is that the first automobiles drove the entire length of it in 1913! The views of the mountains from the top of the pass are stunning. We recommend taking a walk and spending a little time here.
View the Waterfalls in Keystone Canyon
Looking out over Thompson Pass
After enjoying the views from the top of Thompson Pass, you will descend into Keystone Canyon. This canyon is filled with waterfalls (especially after heavy rains!), enormous rock walls, and history. The most famous waterfalls in the canyon are Horsetail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which cascade down steep cliff edges. The canyon transforms into a popular destination for ice climbers in the winter. During the early 1900s, copper and gold mining was prevalent in this area. There was even an unsuccessful attempt to build a railroad through the canyon. A large tunnel, which was built at the time, can still be seen here.
Explore the Harbor
When you arrive in Valdez, you will probably be hungry. We recommend headings towards the harbor area of town. Here you will find a few small food trucks and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. Scroll down to see some of our favorite restaurant recommendations.
After eating, you can take a stroll around the harbor. It’s fun to look at the boats; if you’re lucky, you might have a chance to see some of the giant fish that are brought in off the fishing boats. Near the harbor, there is also a nice walk/gentle hike called the Dock Point Trail. This trail offers some of the best views of Harbor Cove, the Duck Flat wetlands, and some of the wildlife in the area. The trail runs along a small peninsula with overlook platforms for safe viewing. This is a family-friendly trail!
Wildlife Watching
Valdez is home to tons of different animals. Some of the most common you will find in the area are brown bears, black bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, eagles, and salmon. Our favorite spot for wildlife viewing is on the south side of the fjord on Dayville Road. There is a long road with many places to stop to look for wildlife. On the ocean side of the road, it is easy to observe sea lions resting and seals and sea otters playing and feeding in the water. We most commonly see brown and black bears on the mountainside of the road. The bears come out of the forest and fish in the waters and streams along the bottom of the mountain.
On this side of the fjord is the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery. The hatchery serves to ensure an adequate number of salmon return each year. The facility can release up to 270 million pink salmon and 2 million coho salmon annually. Because so many salmon return to this area annually, it is easy to spot wildlife feeding on the fish around the hatchery. The best time to view the returning salmon is between July and October. There is also a free self-guided tour along the hatchery walkway from May through October.
If you choose to view wildlife in Valdez, please be respectful and keep a safe distance from any bears in the area.
Black bear in Valdez, Alaska
Glacier Kayaking
Kayaking on Valdez Glacier Lake
Glacier kayaking in Valdez is one of our highlights! The Valdez Glacier Lake is a beautiful spot filled with floating icebergs that have broken off the Valdez Glacier. Kayaking through the majestic icebergs is an experience you will remember forever. The lake is easily accessible by car, and there is free parking along the shore. The lake is open for people to kayak on their own, but extreme caution is advised as the icebergs can be unpredictable. We highly recommend joining a guided kayaking tour of the lake. Here are a couple of companies that we recommend:
Tour Valdez by E-Bike
To continue with your adventurous day, our next recommendation is to rent e-bikes! Valdez has a great trail system stretching from the town's entrance to the harbor, along Old Valdez, and all the way to the south side of the fjord. What better to utilize these trails than by e-bike! These speedy machines are easy to use and tons of fun. You can take the bikes to eat lunch in the harbor, visit the interactive tour in Old Valdez, and then view wildlife at a closer distance. Don’t miss out on this fun activity. It is one of our highlights when visiting Valdez!
Learn more about renting e-bikes from Valdez Stay and Play.
Riding e-bikes in Valdez!
Visit the Valdez Old Town
You might never have guessed that the present-day Valdez location was different from the community's original townsite. About 4 miles from town, you will find the remnants of Old Valdez. The city was forced to relocate after the devastating 1964 Alaska Earthquake. This was the largest recorded earthquake to strike North America and measured 8.4-8.6 on the Richter Scale. The shockwaves destroyed everything in town, including streets, homes, businesses, and even the docks. The earthquake triggered a large underwater landslide. Thirty-one people from the town lost their lives in this tragic event. The town was forced to relocate to a safer location.
The Valdez Museum has created an interactive walking tour of the original Valdez Townsite. There are many signs with QR codes that you can scan with your phone to hear the stories of the places that are no longer there. It is also possible to view what’s left of the historic docks.
Take a Columbia Glacier Boat Tour
The Columbia Glacier is the second-largest tidewater glacier in North America. You can visit the glacier by taking a boat tour. On the tour, you will explore Prince William Sound and have the opportunity to observe tons of wildlife (even whales!), endless mountainscapes, and a spectacular glacier view. The cruises range in length from around 6-7 hours. Most serve a light lunch or snacks aboard the boat.
Here are a few of the local companies that offer boat tours out to the glacier
Picking berries on a Valdez hike
Hiking in Valdez
If you still have energy left or are just looking for a hike to regain your land legs after a day at sea, we recommend visiting the John Hunter Memorial Trail. The John Hunter Memorial Trail, formerly Solomon Gulch Trail, is a 3.8-mile advanced out-and-back trail. This trail has an elevation gain of 700 feet and can be steep in places. There is a fish hatchery on this trail, which was created to provide a closer look at the hatchery’s dam, lake, and aqueducts. It also offers a good view of the Port of Valdez. At the end of the hike, there is a beautiful lake. Be cautious of black bears and brown bears on this trail.
Kayaking on Valdez Glacier Lake
Valdez Travel Tips
Be sure to travel with bear spray and practice bear safety precautions, as black and brown bears are common in Valdez.
Valdez can be a very rainy destination. Be sure to pack your best rain gear and a cheerful attitude!
The Potato restaurant in Valdez
Best Restaurants in Valdez
The Potato is all things potato! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have something for everyone on the menu. Dishes include breakfast burritos, wraps, burgers, and of course, fries!
The Nat Shack is an outdoor eatery serving artisan tacos and Cal-Mex cuisine. Our favorite item on the menu is the crunch wrap. Yum!
You might not think the restaurant of a Best Western Hotel is exciting dining, but it is one of the best places to enjoy freshly caught fish in Valdez! The restaurant is situated on the harbor with windows offering world-class views.
The Coffee Co. is located just a block from the harbor. They serve the best coffee in town (in our opinion!).
This is a natural food grocery store that also has a small cafe. They serve daily soup, grilled paninis, smoothies, and baked goods. It’s a great little lunch spot!
Read more about this cafe in our article Tips for Vegetarian Travel in Alaska.
Located in the heart of Valdez, this brewery makes local brews (and sodas, too, for those who don’t drink). They don’t serve food, but you can bring your own meal or enjoy something from Poor Betty’s Po’ Boys located in the parking lot. It’s a great place to relax after a day of adventuring around town.
Best Accommodation in Valdez
One of the charming homes at Valdez Stay and Play
Valdez Stay and Play is one of our favorite things about Valdez. Located just outside of town near the Valdez Glacier Lake and the Old Town is a property that has it all! Magda and Jim, two friendly locals, have built two vibrant tiny houses that are the perfect place to base your Valdez adventures. The homes are cozy inside and offer comfortable outdoor seating and a charming small garden. Additionally, they have a fleet of e-bikes you can rent to travel around town. They also rent kayaks and offer guided kayaking tours of the Valdez Glacier Lake. We highly recommend visiting for an unforgettable experience!
Totem Hotel and Suites is located in the town of Valdez. The hotel is within walking distance of the harbor and several Valdez attractions. This is a new hotel that offers modern and tidy accommodations.
We are conflicted about AirBnb in small towns, but Valdez has a good assortment of local accommodations to choose from on AirBnb. It’s worth taking a look.
Waterfalls in Keystone Canyon
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Valdez, please visit our Design Your Trip page.
Read more about what to do in other towns in Alaska such as Seward and Homer.
