Valdez

Travel Guide
Valdez showing mountains and kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Surrounded by tall coastal mountains, this port town in southern Alaska is a gateway to year-round outdoor adventures.

You may have heard the name Valdez in the news in past decades when it was hit by a major earthquake in 1964 or led cleanup for a large oil tanker spill in the area in 1989. However, the story of Valdez today is one of a friendly small town with excellent amenities and great access to the varied landscape of southern Alaska. Plan a visit any time during the year to enjoy the splendor and excitement of this rugged region.

The area surrounding Valdez is a great place to try heli-skiing. Arrange to be dropped by helicopter or travel by snowmobile into the Thompson Pass to make first tracks in Alaska’s snowy backcountry wilderness. Some call the Valdez region the snowiest place on the planet. Experience challenging conditions on the Chugach Mountains where the first World Extreme Skiing Championships were held in 1991.

Valdez summers offer warm days with unique opportunities to kayak next to large

blue icebergs. Alternatively, take a cruise to see Columbia Glacier, one of the five glaciers near Valdez. Listen for the rumblings of the ice as it melts and shifts and see giant chunks of ice calving from the glacier into Prince William Sound. For closer views, try hiking, trekking, rappelling or sunbathing on the glaciers.

Visit Valdez in early July for two holidays, a traditional Independence Day and the one-of-a-kind Pink Salmon Festival. Join the excitement of the pink salmon cook-off or participate in a 5K or 10K Uncle Salmon run, canoe jousting or kids’ pink salmon toss.

The salmon is very important to the economy in Valdez, as it is sent whole, canned, filleted or as roe around the world. Visit local restaurants to sample amazingly fresh grilled salmon. Even better, go fishing and cook your own fresh salmon or halibut.

Explore some of the 2,700 miles (4,300 kilometers) of coastline along Prince William Sound. Reach Valdez easily by ferry from Whittier or Cordoba. Alternatively fly here from Anchorage in less than an hour.

Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
3 out of 5
100 Harbor Drive, Valdez, AK
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM639 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM639
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Valdez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (485 reviews)
"bathroom pipes were noisy and acoustics were poor. noise from halls and adjacent rooms were significant. however, the staff was nice, the restaurant surprisingly very good and the bar area very lively. the setting along the harbor is a plus."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn
Keystone Hotel
Keystone Hotel
2.5 out of 5
400 Egan St, Valdez, AK
Stay at this hotel in Valdez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
6.8/10 (587 reviews)
"Cozy and clean"

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2023

Keystone Hotel
Glacier Hotel
Glacier Hotel
2.5 out of 5
210 Egan Dr, Valdez, AK
Stay at this hotel in Valdez. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (295 reviews)
"Hostess went above and beyond to make us comfortable. Such a sweetheart, she knows how to treat guests."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2023

Glacier Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Susitna Suites
Susitna Suites
2 out of 5
4590 W Amanda Dr, Wasilla, AK
Stay at this aparthotel in Wasilla. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"We were very pleased with our stay. Would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Susitna Suites
Alaska Creekside Cabins
Alaska Creekside Cabins
2 out of 5
11886 Old Exit Glacier Rd, Seward, AK
Stay at this cabin in Seward. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private yards. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Seward ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (470 reviews)
"Clean and very nice"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2023

Alaska Creekside Cabins
North Star Place
North Star Place
3 out of 5
1313 22nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Fairbanks. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
"Nice cozy place! Host was super responsive and helpful in providing recommendations. Located in a great location and we were able to see the lights every night!"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

North Star Place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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