21 Awesome Things to Do in Valdez You Can’t Miss
Daniel and I didn’t really have any expectations when it came to the things to do in Valdez. We knew we wanted to kayak near a glacier, but other than that, we weren’t planning on doing much. However, when we arrived, we found that there were some pretty incredible outdoor activities, and that the Valdez restaurants were perfect for filling up after we finished them! Here are some activities you’re going to want to make sure to book on your time there.
Things to do in Valdez you can’t miss on your trip
You’re going to want to make sure that you factor in these things to do in Valdez on your Alaska road trip!
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Valdez Glacier
Valdez Glacier Offering stunning glacial views and a variety of adventurous activities, a visit to the Valdez Glacier is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Valdez. Situated just a few miles outside of the city, this glacier and its runoff lake can easily be reached by way of a 15-minute drive.
There’s a park on the outskirts of the lake where you can take photos and watch icebergs float. During the summer months, there are even kayaking tours that you can join if you’d like to get a closer look. Meanwhile, winter visits offer the chance to ice skate, ski, or snowshoe up to the face of the glacier.
Keystone Canyon
Keystone Canyon Carved out of the Earth thousands of years ago by glaciers, the Keystone Canyon is a massive gorge with walls that tower several hundred feet into the air. Home to a number of waterfalls, including the Bridal Veil Falls, which cascades more than 600 feet, this canyon has become a popular spot for outdoor adventure.
During the summer months, you can head out and hike along the canyon’s many trails. There are also rafting and kayaking tours available for those who’d like to take in the views from the canyon’s river. While in the winter, it’s possible to sign up for ice climbing and spend an afternoon ascending the frozen waterfalls.
The Solomon Gulch Hatchery
For those who love wildlife, a visit to the Solomon Gulch Hatchery is one of the most interesting things to do in Valdez. Strictly regulated by the Alaskan government, the hatchery was created to safeguard the salmon population by incubating, rearing, and releasing several types of salmon.
When you visit the hatchery, you’ll not only have the opportunity to see these fish, but you’ll also get to learn about their life cycles, as well as the conservation efforts of the hatchery. If you come during the summer, you may just be lucky enough to spot a sea lion or a bear as they attempt to catch their next meal in the nearby river.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum
If you’re a history buff wondering what to do in Valdez, consider visiting the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. Situated in the heart of the city, this museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts. Here you’ll find everything from fur clothing to taxidermy polar bears, whale bones, traditional masks, and children’s toy dolls.
Through the use of these artifacts, the museum aims to tell the story of Alaska’s indigenous populations.
Valdez Museum and Historical Archive
The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive is another great destination for history buffs looking to learn more about Alaska’s past. Consisting of two buildings, this museum provides a complete insider’s look at all of Alaska’s most important historical events.
At the Valdez Museum on Egan Drive, you’ll find exhibits on everything from early explorers to the Gold Rush, the oil industry, native Alaskan Culture, as well as the natural history of the area. Meanwhile, the Valdez Museum on Hazelet offers exhibits on the history of Valdez city, including its creation and development.
Columbia Glacier
A visit to the Columbia Glacier is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Valdez. There are several ways to reach this glacier, which is believed to be one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America. You can opt to take a boat cruise, which will provide you with stunning up-close photo opportunities of the glacier.
Or, if you prefer to travel by air, you can always take a helicopter over the glacier and view it from above. For those feeling particularly adventurous, there are kayak tours that will allow you to get up close and personal with the glacier!
Go kayaking in Prince William Sound
Often hailed as one of the world’s best sea kayaking destinations, Prince William Sound is a must-visit for kayakers looking for adventurous things to do in Valdez, Alaska. With a variety of kayaking companies to choose from, you should have no problem finding a tour that suits your needs. Whether you’re hoping to visit waterfalls, glaciers or go out in search of wildlife, the opportunities here are endless.
There are even overnight trips if you’d like to combine your kayaking excursions with a night spent under the stars.
Go whale watching
Prince William Sound is home to a wide variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, sei whales, fin whales, and orcas. Given this, it should come as no surprise to hear that whale watching is one of the best things to do in Valdez.
In addition to whales, you are likely to spot several other creatures from your cruise boat, such as sea otters, sea lions, puffins, dolphins, bald eagles, and maybe even a bear along the shoreline. And of course, we can’t forget the glaciers – chances are you’ll cruise past one or two of them on your tour!
Go hiking
Go hiking Hiking is, without a doubt, one of the best Valdez, Alaska things to do. With a wide variety of scenic and historical hikes in the area, you could easily spend days out on the trails. One of the most famous hikes in the area is the Trail of ’98; this trail follows the path that miners took inland during the Gold Rush.
The trail is broken up into four parts, each offering a different level of difficulty and distance: Keystone Canyon Pack Trail, the Goat Trail, the Wagon Road, and the Thompson Pass Pack Trail. These trails can be hiked all in one go or one at a time.
River rafting
River rafting is another popular activity for those visiting Valdez, and one of the best places to do this is in the Lowe River. Flowing through the Keystone Canyon, this excursion into the gorge offers both calm and rapid waves, providing you with the opportunity to experience the thrill of rafting while also offering you the chance to take in the views.
Some of the sights that you can expect to encounter along the way include waterfalls, sheer rock walls, and a variety of birds, including bald eagles and swans.
Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau
If you arrive in town with absolutely no idea of what to do in Valdez, Alaska, then you should certainly make time to visit the Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau. Here you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your trip to Valdez; this includes maps, city guides, activity brochures, and tour pamphlets.
The staff is also available to assist with any questions or recommendation requests that you may have. In addition to this, this visitor’s center is also a great place to grab a souvenir or two!
Heli-skiing and snowboarding
Heli-skiing and snowboarding Heli-skiing or snowboarding is by far one of the most adventurous things to do in Valdez. On these tours, you are taken by helicopter deep into the Alaskan wilderness and dropped off on the top of a mountain. In most cases, this will be somewhere along the Chugach Mountains, where you’ll have the opportunity to partake in epic backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
With a variety of terrain to explore and a helicopter that will drop you off wherever you like, you’ll never find yourself traveling the same path twice.
Worthington Glacier
Worthington Glacier The Worthington Glacier is incredibly easy to reach, which makes it a great destination for families traveling with younger kids. While the glacier can be seen from the road, there is also a State Recreation Site that offers a great lookout point.
Here you’ll find a paved path to a platform overlooking the glacier, as well as several large binoculars set up around the perimeter for those who’d like to take a closer look. Restroom and picnic facilities are also available on site.
Go on a fishing tour
Go on a fishing tourAlaska is known for its fishing, so it shouldn’t be too surprising to hear that fishing excursions are one of the most popular things to do in Valdez. Most tours take place out at sea, but some companies also offer freshwater fishing excursions along the rivers and lakes for those who’d prefer to stay on land.
Regardless of which you decide to partake in, you’re sure to reel in a few fish and maybe even catch a glimpse or two of nearby wildlife at the same time!
Shoup Bay State Marine Park
Shoup Bay State Marine ParkIf you go to Valdez with the hopes of sleeping under the stars, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Shoup Bay State Marine Park. Located five miles west of Valdez, the park is only accessible by boat or an 11-mile hiking trail. You can typically find water taxis that are will take you over to the park, or you can always rent your own boat or kayak if you prefer.
There are several tent sites available, as well as three cabins that can be rented out on a nightly basis. In addition to camping, visitors typically spend their time kayaking, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in the park.
Dock Point Park and Trail
Dock Point Park and TrailFor those looking for a quick and easy hike near Valdez, look no further than Dock Point Park and Trail. Situated right near the downtown harbor, this loop trail is approximately a mile long and offers great views of the waterfront and Duck Flats wetlands.
While on this hike, you are likely to encounter a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, moose, and bears. The trail also offers several overlook platforms and access to a nearby beach.
Meares Glacier
Meares Glacier is another excellent option for those looking to explore Alaska’s icy landscape. Located in Prince William Sound near the Unakwik Inlet, the glacier is only accessible by boat – as such most tourists who opt to visit the glacier do so on a boat cruise. These cruises are typically able to get quite close to the glacier, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
In addition to the scenery, you’re likely to spot various wildlife from the deck of your ship. Typical wildlife sights usually include some combination of whales, dolphins, sea lions, eagles, puffins, and sea otters.
Shoup Glacier
Shoup GlacierLocated just outside Valdez in Shoup Bay, Shoup Glacier is easily reached via several methods, including boat and helicopter. However, one of the most popular ways to experience the glacier is on a kayaking tour. Through these tours, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the glacier, as well as any marine life that you may encounter along the way.
It’s also possible to hike to Shoup Bay from Valdez. However, the hike is quite long, coming in at 8.5 miles each way, and can be strenuous at times, so it’s only recommended for experienced hikers.
Rudleston Falls
Rudleston FallsLocated within Keystone Canyon next to the Old Railroad Tunnel lies Rudleston Falls, a stunning waterfall that is quite photogenic. Whether you’re looking to photograph the waterfall itself or want to use it as a backdrop for your next profile picture, you’re sure to get more than a few stunning photos here.
The waterfall also happens to be a popular spot for freshwater fishing, especially fly fishing, so be on the lookout for any stray hooks.
Thompson Pass
Thompson PassOffering incredible views and endless adventure, a visit to Thompson Pass is one of the best things to do in Valdez. Situated in the Chugach Mountains, the pass offers 2678 feet of elevation, making it a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The area is often considered to be one of the best places in the world for winter sports, and several events are held here in recognition of that.
During the summer, the pass turns into a hiker’s paradise with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Ice climbing
Ice climbingFor adventure travelers visiting in the winter, ice climbing is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Valdez. And one of the most popular places to do it is in Keystone Canyon. During the winter, the waterfalls along the canyon freeze, creating hundreds of feet of ice for climbers to explore.
This spot is so popular for ice climbing that the town of Valdez even hosts an annual climbing festival here. In addition to the Keystone Canyon, there are also excursions offered out to the Valdez Glacier for ice climbing – although it’s not always available, as conditions need to be just right for safety purposes.
Have you ever tried some of these things to do in Valdez? Let me know your favorite activity in the comments!
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