What to do and see in Valdez, Alaska (AK): The Best Things to do Good for Couples

May 31, 2021 Jeremy Dunfee

Valdez /vælˈdiːz/,/vəlˈdɛz/ (Alutiiq: Suacit) is a city in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. According to the 2010 US Census, the population of the city is 3,976. The city was named in 1790 after the Spanish Navy Minister Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán. A former Gold Rush town, it is located at the head of a fjord on the eastern side of Prince William Sound. The port did not flourish until after the road link to Fairbanks was constructed in 1899. It suffered huge damage during the 1964 Alaska earthquake, and is located near the site of the disastrous 1989 Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill. Today it is one of the most important ports in Alaska, a commercial fishing port as well as a freight terminal.
Restaurants in Valdez

1. Columbia Glacier

Valdez, AK
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 242 reviews

Columbia Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in Alaska.

Reviewed By wsultemeier - Oklahoma City, United States

A remarkable day! Views, animals, kayaking, glacier, glacier ice and great guide. The equipment was exceptional as well.

2. Keystone Canyon

Valdez, AK http://www.valdezalaska.org/discover-valdez-history/valdez-history-keystone-canyon
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 179 reviews

Keystone Canyon

Area known for great river rafting.

Reviewed By andreamV2711SW

The drive around to Valdez is spectacular and I've seen lots of spectacular scenery. A must do experience. I selected January 2020 but it was actually 20+ years ago.

3. Alaska Guide Co

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 56 reviews

Alaska Guide Co

Guided glacier hikes, iceberg tours, rock and ice climbing around Valdez and Worthington Glacier. Operating year round by local residents, we are experts on the area. Join us to climb inside and under a glacier or canoe inside an iceberg, our tours not only show you the best of Valdez but leave you with a sense of thrill and adventure. We also offer custom private tours, and northern lights tours.

4. Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 399 reviews

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises has been at home in Valdez and Prince William Sound since 1971. Known then as North Star Marine Charters, Stan and Mary Helen Stephens operated fishing and hunting charters on their first vessel the 26 foot m/v Mary Helen. Seven year later in 1978, the entire family joined the business as Stan, Mary Helen and their three daughters operated their first tour to Columbia Glacier on board the m/v Vince Peede. At this time the company changed it name to Stan Stephens Charters, Inc., and to Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises in 2003. Between 1987 and today Stan, Mary Helen, their daughters and extended family (also know as co-workers) have worked to develop their operations and increased awareness of Valdez and the Sound amongst travelers. During this time the company has operated a variety of tour boats between the three larger communities of Prince William Sound; Valdez, Whittier and Cordova. In addition to operating cruises, Stan Stephens Cruises also operated Growler Island Wilderness camp located just south of Columbia Glacier for 15 years. On Good Friday 1989, life for the residents of Prince William Sound changed when the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef. Stan's vessels were some of the first to carry response observers to the site. Due to the need for spill research, the Stephens's purchased two additional boats. It was the early days of the spill as Stan was observing the response that he dedicated the remainder of his life to working with industry to protect Prince William Sound. Today, the crew at Stan Stephens Cruises lives by Stan's example and works to share the corner of Alaska he worked so hard to protect. Since 1971 the vessels and tours that Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises have operated have changed, but the one thing that has not changed is their commitment to the customer and the company's long term dedication to the Valdez and Prince William Sound.

5. VSHelicopters Tours

Excellent
97%
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2%
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5.0 based on 153 reviews

VSHelicopters Tours

Don't miss the trip of a lifetime! The most beautiful flying in all of Alaska is HERE in the world famous Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound. Experience walking on a glacier...drink the water, see your reflexion in a crystal clear blue pool of glacier water! See the majestic Columbia Glacier up close. See huge pieces of ice calve off into the ocean and hear the thunderous roar. Walk amongst the massive icebergs that get trapped on the shore as the ocean tide goes out. This is a MUST DO in Alaska!!! It's like having your very own National Geographic experience...in person! An experience to remember for a lifetime! If you are planning a flight seeing tour in Alaska, THIS is the one to do!!! We have the longest tours for the best prices in all of Alaska and the scenery is absolutely breath taking. Read what our guests are saying about us! We look forward to creating a magical experience for you...one that you will be talking about for years to come.

6. Valdez Water Taxi and Charters

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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Valdez Water Taxi and Charters

Salmon fishing, Rock Fish, Ling Cod in pristine Prince William Sound. Valdez is the jump off point for some of the best fishing experiences in. Alaska. Salmon runs start mid July to mid August onwards. Other fish can be caught anytime. Water taxi services to any Prince William Sound destination also available April through to October. Sightseeing and hiking available April through October as well.

7. Worthington Glacier

Valdez, AK +1 907-269-8400 http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/worthglsrs.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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1%
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4.5 based on 488 reviews

Worthington Glacier

An accessible glacier with a hiking trail that offers spectacular views.

Reviewed By seescokid - Grand Rapids, United States

The drive down to the Worthington glacier from Glen Ellen is awesome and the ride into Valdese the same just spectacular scenery on the most beautiful drives. A nice little stop off point and you can walk up fairly close and get a good look at the remaining glacier just an awesome place

8. Anadyr Adventures

Excellent
83%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 300 reviews

Anadyr Adventures

Half day to 7 day wilderness kayaking expeditions departing from Valdez Alaska. Glacier kayaking at it's finest with small group sizes and naturalist trained guides.

9. Lu Lu Belle Glacier Wildlife Cruises

Excellent
81%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 163 reviews

Lu Lu Belle Glacier Wildlife Cruises

Join Captain Fred Rodolf on board the Lu-Lu Belle, as he takes you to the mighty Columbia Glacier, the second-largest tidewater glacier in North America and largest in Prince William Sound. Experience some of the most spectacular calving events in the world, from the decks on the Lu-Lu Belle. See for yourself as the ice falls into the sea causing thunderous explosions resulting in massive plumes of spray and wave activity. We will stay at the glacier for at least an hour to make sure you have a chance to photograph and/or record some of those amazing events.

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