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Valdez is a small city know as "little Switzerland" It is nestled in a glacial fjord, called the port of Valdez, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Valdez is a self sustained town of about 4200 residents, with grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, bed &breakfasts, restaurants, museums, a hospital, schools, many shops, and an airport. The small boat harbor is a great place to watch the fishing boats and kayaks head out into Prince William Sound.
Valdez is located just over the Chugach mountains from Anchorage about 100 miles as the crow flies. If you drive the Glenn and Richardson Highways to Valdez the road will be 300 beautiful miles.
Getting to Valdez
A short 45 minute flight from Anchorage is the easiest way to get to Valdez. Visit the Era Aviation website to make reservations and check the schedule. They usually fly 3 times a day. Flying to Valdez gives you the convenience of speed and an unforgettable flight over the mountains and Prince William Sound.
A scenic 300 mile (5-6 hour) drive will get you to Valdez from Anchorage as well. From Anchorage, rive North to Palmer and turn right on the Glenn Highway. When you get to Glennallen, turn right again onto the Richardson Highway. When you get to Valdez, turn left on Meals Dr. and then Left again on N. Harbor Dr. Our shop is the 3rd building on the left. Driving offers spectacular views and the ability to explore other towns along the way.
Lastly, You can drive or take the train from Anchorage to Whittier and take the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry from Whittier to Valdez. There is also rare ferry service from Juneau and Seaward. Go to the Alaska Marine Highway Website for schedule and fare information. This is a beautiful option as well, but takes all day and is more expensive than the flight.
There is no Bus or Train service to Valdez. You can however hire a Pangaea Adventures Van to pick you up in Anchorage. This is affordable for groups of 6+ otherwise you should just rent a car.
We would be happy to pick you up at the airport or ferry terminal when you arrive. Just let us know when you will be here.
Once in Valdez, there are many other activities to join other than Sea kayaking. There are glacier hikes, ice climbing, glacier cruises, bicycle rentals, hiking, and river rafting. The town is very traveler friendly with restaurants, hotels, and B & B's. You can find all of your outdoor equipment needs at one of the two outdoor stores or buy extra groceries at the full service market (Wow, Safeway!).
For more information on Valdez call the:
Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 770-5954
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