Valdez, AK

One of the most popular excursions is a boat tour into Prince William Sound to witness the majestic Columbia Glacier, a massive tidewater glacier. These tours often last several hours and provide opportunities to see icebergs calving and spot marine wildlife like sea otters, seals, and whales.

For a glacier experience accessible by road, visitors can take a short 30-minute drive to the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. A paved path leads to excellent viewing platforms.

In town, the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive offers fascinating exhibits on the city's unique history, including the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, the Klondike Gold Rush, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Another point of interest is the Solomon Gulch Hatchery, where you can see millions of salmon returning to spawn during the summer months.

A popular nearby destination is the drive along the Richardson Highway, which offers stunning scenery. This route takes you through Keystone Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Lowe River, famous for its numerous waterfalls like Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls. The canyon is just a 20-minute drive from Valdez.

Further up the highway, about 45 minutes from town, you'll find Thompson Pass. This area is known for its breathtaking mountain vistas and record-breaking snowfall. It provides access to incredible landscapes and is a highlight for those interested in photography and scenery.

Cruise ships in Valdez typically dock at the Valdez Container Terminal, which is located on the south side of the bay. This facility is situated about 3 miles (5 km) from the main downtown area where most shops, restaurants, and museums are located.

Due to the distance and industrial nature of the port area, walking to town is not practical or recommended. Cruise lines almost always provide complimentary shuttle buses that run frequently between the ship and a central drop-off point in the heart of town. The port facility itself has minimal to no passenger amenities.

The local currency in Valdez is the United States Dollar (USD).

Credit cards are widely accepted at most shops, restaurants, and tour operators. It is a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit smaller, family-run establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the small downtown area, particularly at local banks and some convenience stores.

Valdez is a very safe community with a low crime rate, and it is generally safe for tourists to explore the town independently. The primary safety concerns are not related to crime but to the natural environment.

When venturing onto trails or near wilderness areas, be aware of wildlife, particularly bears. It is important to be "bear aware": make noise while hiking, never approach wildlife, and properly dispose of all food and garbage. If you plan to explore the backcountry, it is highly recommended to go with a guided tour as weather can change rapidly and trails can be challenging.

The weather in Valdez during the cruise season (May through September) is characterized by cool temperatures and significant rainfall, as it is one of the wettest places in Alaska. It is essential to be prepared for variable conditions, as sunny skies can quickly give way to clouds and rain.

Average summer daytime temperatures typically range from 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C). Packing in layers is the best strategy. A waterproof and windproof outer jacket is a must-have, along with warm layers like fleece or wool sweaters, long pants, and comfortable, waterproof walking shoes. A hat and gloves are also recommended, especially for boat tours or glacier viewing excursions.

Valdez is a small, walkable town, and many of its downtown attractions can be explored on foot from the shuttle drop-off point. For destinations further afield, several options are available.

Local taxis are available but can be in high demand when a cruise ship is in port. Tour operators provide transportation for their specific excursions. The City of Valdez operates a public bus service called the V-Link, which can be useful for getting around. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally not available in Valdez.

Shopping in Valdez is centered in the small, easily walkable downtown area. You will find a variety of locally-owned shops and galleries rather than large chain stores.

Look for authentic Alaskan-made goods, including native arts and crafts, jewelry, and local artwork inspired by the stunning scenery. Smoked salmon and other local food products are popular souvenirs. You can also find plenty of apparel and memorabilia related to Valdez's unique identity, such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the region's abundant wildlife. Prices are generally fixed, and bargaining is not a common practice.