Tourist Information for Valdez, Alaska
A brief tourism guide of Valdez, Alaska
History
Valdez, Alaska
Originally the fishing grounds of Native Alaskans, the English and Spanish laid claims to the area between 1778 and 1790. Named in honor of Admiral Antonio Valdez of the Spanish Marines, Valdez had little importance until, in 1898, it became a major port for prospectors seeking gold, copper and silver further in the interior. The city served as the primary entrance point to the rest of Alaska until the Alaska Railroad was built in 1924. In 1964, the Good Friday earthquake and proceeding tsunami destroyed much of the town, which was soon after relocated to a lower risk area about 4 miles away. The 1970's brought prosperity to Valdez once again thanks to the Alaska Pipeline. However, in 1989, Valdez suffered greatly when the Exxon Valdez ran aground just 25 miles from its port, causing the largest oil spill in North American history. Today, the city is an important tourist and fishing destination.
Attractions
View from the Gold Creek Trail
Valdez is a wonderful place for outdoors enthusiasts, anglers of all levels, history buffs and those just looking for a nice place to get away and unwind. Here are just a few of the many options available:
- Go on a kayak tour and see seals and fish jumping
- Bike from town to Allison Point for an amazing view of the town
- Visit the Whitney Museum to see Alaska animals and history
- Go fishing!
- Hike the Gold Creek trail and camp for the night
- In winter, take a heli ski trip to the best powder anywhere
Events
- Feb - PWSCC Annual Scholarship Dinner & Auction
- Late Feb/Early March - KVAK's Frosty Fever
- April - Valdez Mountain Man Hill Climb
- May Day Fly-In
- May - Valdez Halibut Derby begins
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- June - PWSCC Last Frontier Theatre Conference
- July - Annual 4th of July Festival
- July - Valdez Silver Salmon Fishing Derby begins
- July - Valdez Kids' Derby
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- Late July/Early Aug - Valdez Gold Rush Days
- Aug - Women's Fishing Derby
- Nov - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Dec - Valdez Community Christmas Program
