Valdez is a city in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. The city is one of the most important ports in Alaska and is home to five glaciers which can be accessed by boat, helicopter, walking or driving. Other summer activities include spectacular flightseeing by helicopter, rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking and historical bus tours. You can also visit the local museums and collections displaying Alaska Native and historical artifacts.
Helicopter and snowcat skiing and snowboarding are the best in the world ranging from intermediate to extreme. Backcountry, telemark and cross country skiing provide more options. Snowmobiling near Valdez is also a world class experience with endless peaks, valleys, and glaciers to explore. Cold temperatures serve to freeze waterfalls around Valdez, providing unparalleled ice climbing opportunities.
The seawaters near Valdez abound with sea otters, Dall porpoise, harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, Humpback and Orca whales. Coastal mountain cliffs are home to mountain goats, and the surrounding landscape boasts black and brown bears in addition to many other smaller animal species. Valdez also offers great bird viewing opportunities. Bald eagles are abundant and scores of ducks and shorebirds can be identified through most of summer and fall.
Things to See & Do
* Accessible glaciers: the Columbia, Meares, Shoup, Worthington and Valdez Glaciers.
* Local historical tours and gold rush trails
* Prince William Sound
General information
Cruise Season – May - September
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language - English
Land Area - 574.9 sq km
Population – 5000 +
Electricity – 110 vlt 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus 10
International Country Telephone Code – 1
Port Location The port of Valdez is located at the head of Port Valdez in downtown Valdez.
Transport Links – Scheduled daily flights are available from Anchorage to Valdez or the 300 mile drive takes approximately six hours. The Alaska Marine Highway has a daily ferry service for passengers and cars connecting Valdez with Whittier and Cordova