Tourist Information for Valdez, Alaska
Valdez Facts
Valdez is 304 miles by road from Anchorage and 45 minutes by air.
Population: 4,036
Temperature Ranges: Summer 49°F - 58°F, Winter 19°F - 27°F
Surrounded almost completely by the majestic Chugach Mountains, Valdez is located at the head of a beautiful glacial fjord that leads to Prince William Sound. 304 miles from Anchorage by road or a 45-minute flight by air, the scenic landscape on the seven-hour drive is laced with sheep, caribou, moose, bald eagles, and an occasional bear. Valdez is also accessible on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system out of Whittier or Seward.
Weather can change in the blink of an eye but when the weather is clear and sunny, expect to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the area. The average summer temperature is 53 degrees Fahrenheit and the average winter temperature is 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
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:
- Take a wildlife & glacier cruise into Prince William Sound.
- Go on a kayak tour and see seals and fish jumping.
- Bike from town to Allison Point for an amazing view of the town.
- Explore the Valdez Museum & Historical Archive.
- Visit the Whitney Museum, which has one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world.
- Go fishing!
- Hike the Gold Creek trail and camp for the night.
- In winter, take a heli ride to ski 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
- June - PWSCC Last Frontier Theatre Conference
- July - Annual 4th of July Festival
- July - Valdez Silver Salmon Fishing Derby begins
- July - Valdez Kids' Derby
- Late July/Early Aug - Valdez Gold Rush Days
- Aug - Women's Fishing Derby
- Nov - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Dec - Valdez Community Christmas Program
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