Valdez

Valdez is a city in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the state of Alaska in the United States of America. Valdez is located in Prince William Sound, on a wedge of flat land on the north shore of Port Valdez, a deep-water fjord.

The Good Friday Earthquake in 1964 and subsequent tsunami destroyed the entire historic town site of Valdez. The community was rebuilt on more stable bedrock four miles to the west.

The heart of Valdez is its small boat harbour clustered along its waterfront. From there, the town stretches about a dozen walkable blocks back toward the mountains.

Valdez lies less than 25 miles east of Columbia Glacier, a popular day-cruise destination.

Kayaks can be rented to explore calm inlets and nearby fjords.

Valdez has some of the most scenic and historic trails in Alaska. Trails in and around Valdez vary in length and difficulty, Dock Point Trail (located next to the small boat harbour) is easy, whilst Shoup Bay Trail is split into two parts and is more challenging. Mineral Creek Canyon is an extremely popular 6 mile gravel road that gradually winds its way through a beautiful mountain canyon, across magnificent waterfalls, and back to an abandoned gold stamp mill.

The Solomon Gulch Hatchery presents a unique opportunity to observe salmon as they return to spawn. The best time to view salmon at the hatchery is from July to September. Bears, eagles, seagulls and sea otters can be found feeding on the fish. Take the self guided walking tour along the fish ladder and view how the Hatchery spawns the fish.

The Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum contains one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artefacts in the world. The collection was donated to Prince William Sound Community College in 1998. The museum is located adjacent to the college.

The Valdez Museum preserves and presents the heritage and culture of Valdez, the Copper River Basin and Prince William Sound. Exhibits are located in two buildings, 4 blocks apart - the main Valdez Museum (217 Egan Drive) and the Remembering Old Valdez Exhibit (436 South Hazelet Ave). Guests can visit the Valdez Museum first for an overview then visit Remembering Old Valdez to gain a broader understanding.

There are activities on offer including helicopter flightseeing tours, wildlife boat trips, sightseeing and fishing excursions in Prince William Sound, white-water rafting (summer) and heli-skiing and ice climbing (winter).

Handcrafted items such as authentic Alaska Native moccasins, baskets, jewellery, carvings and artworks make great gifts and are available in stores, museum gift shops, galleries and farmers markets throughout the area. (Note: items with “Made in Alaska” emblems signify products made locally).

Wild Alaska seafood including salmon, halibut and king crab are the main attractions on local menus.

The cruise ship terminal is around 5km away from the centre of Valdez. Most cruise lines offer shuttle buses.

Once in town, it is easy to explore on foot. Car and bicycle hire is available as are taxis.

The Visitor Centre at 104 Chenega Street has maps and information on local attractions.