Nestled amidst the Chugach Mountains and the head of Prince William Sound, Valdez is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Alaska" due to its stunning mountainous backdrop. In September 2023, I had the immense pleasure to explore this lovely gem of an Alaskan town during a multi-day road trip with my family.
Located about 6 hours from Anchorage, Valdez is often an overlooked destination for many travelers coming to Alaska. Visiting in shoulder-season meant that we were treated to some of the best of Alaska’s scenery – without any crowds. This made it one of my favorite destinations in Alaska, and I can’t wait to go back to see even more!
Welcome to the Switzerland of Alaska
When I first heard that Valdez was dubbed the “Switzerland of Alaska”, I was incredibly doubtful. Many Alaskan towns are set on low, flat-lands, and are typically not the most picturesque. However, driving into Valdez from the Richardson Highway will immediately show you how this little town earned its nickname.
Valdez is squished in the middle of the towering Chugach Mountains, which rise imposingly above the town in every direction. Valdez is also perched at the end of a long fjord of Prince William Sound, giving it an equal mix of dramatic mountain vistas and serene ocean beauty. The combination creates an adventurer’s and hiker’s paradise, where hiking trails and thriving salmon streams are all within easy distance from the main downtown.
A trip to Valdez is essential if you love fishing, kayaking, sightseeing, hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying a nice drive through some of Alaska’s most incredible scenery.
History of Valdez
Valdez's history is a rich tapestry of indigenous culture, gold rush expeditions, and tales of resilience. The area around Valdez was originally inhabited by the Chugach people, with the town serving as a gateway to the interior of Alaska.
In the late 19th century, Valdez became a key port during the Gold Rush, with prospectors passing through en route to the gold fields of the Yukon. This led to a boom in population and development. However, in 1964, tragedy struck when a massive earthquake struck off the coast of southcentral Alaska. Waves from the quake wreaked havoc on the town, and Valdez was relocated 4 miles away.
Today, the town has been rebuilt, and is a bustling hub for tourism, fishing, and the oil industry. Visitors can easily spend several days exploring the wealth of trails and waterways that surround the town, and with some of the highest snowfall in the state, Valdez turns into a winter paradise for snowsport enthusiasts.
What to See and Do in Valdez
We spent two days exploring Valdez, before a family emergency pulled us away early. However, in those two days, we were able to pack in the fun, from fishing for silver salmon to spotting black bears at the local hatchery.
While two days was a perfect start to get a feel for Valdez, I recommend at least three to four days to fully explore all it has to offer. Some of the top things to do in the area include:
Things to Do
Prince William Sound Cruises
This is one of the best places to take a scenic boat ride in the state. Cruises depart daily in the summer and navigate the calm waters of the Sound. You can spot tidewater glaciers, waterfalls, and a variety of marine wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and even humpback whales.
Fishing Expeditions
Renowned for its fisheries, Valdez is a great place to try your hand at salmon or halibut fishing. In the summer, you can fish for salmon on one of the many rivers around town or you can take a charter boat out from the marina year round for halibut.
Kayaking
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, consider booking a guided sea kayaking tour in the summer. On these tours, you will paddle amidst floating icebergs and get up close to rafts of sea otters and adorable harbor seals. You can also enjoy the incredible sight of seeing Valdez from the water – which I cannot recommend enough to get a full scope of just how big the mountains are.
Glacier Hikes
One of the great things about Valdez is its easy proximity to numerous glaciers. Throughout the year, you can book a guided hike to explore Valdez Glacier, either on foot or via guided ice-climbing tours. In the winter, you can also skate on a glacier lake just outside of town (just be sure to bring proper safety gear and check with locals on ice conditions).
Historical Exploration
One of my favorite things we did in Valdez was spending the afternoon exploring the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive. This museum dives deep into the town’s history, from its Gold Rush days to the devastating earthquake, with some incredible photos and artifacts from every time period. This is also a great rainy day activity (and be prepared, it rains a lot in Valdez).
Gold Rush Trails
Many of the trails around town are remnants of Alaska’s gold rush. You can follow in the footsteps of gold prospectors by hiking trails like the Keystone Canyon Pack Trail. Pop into the local Discover Valdez center for a trail map and trail update.
Winter Sports
In winter, Valdez transforms into a snowy paradise, with the highest snow levels in the state. Here you can explore the mountains via snowshoe or snowmobiling, or pack your skies and go backcountry skiing in Thompson Pass. Every winter, Valdez also hosts an Ice Climbing Festival, where world-class athletes come to compete and climb frozen waterfalls.
Wildlife Viewing
Valdez is one of the best places in Alaska to spot black bears fishing during the salmon run. If you’re visiting in July-October, head over to the fish hatchery to watch the amazing spectacle of bears, seal lions, eagles, and seals hunting for salmon along the river and bay. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars, and plan on going in the early morning or late evening for the best viewing options.
Where to Eat
The Fat Mermaid
Widely acknowledged as one of Valdez's top sit-down establishments, this venue promises a delicious array of dishes. From crispy fries, yellow curry, calamari, to mouth-watering salmon, their menu caters to diverse palates. With a relaxed setting overlooking the harbor, The Fat Mermaid ensures both a visual and culinary feast.
The Roadside Potato
Casual dining doesn't get better than this in Valdez. Fondly referred to as "The Potato" by locals, this eatery is a must-visit for comfort food lovers. Its harbor-side location is ideal for a leisurely meal after a day of sightseeing. The seafood options and American classics, coupled with a good selection of beer and wine, guarantee a satisfying dining experience.
Northern Treats
This is a must-stop for any soft-served lovers out there. Northern Treats stands out as the best dessert destination in town, and offers an array of flavors with quirky Alaskan names. While I’ve had the pleasure of sampling the yummy flavors here in the past, unfortunately we missed it on this trip as Northern Treats is only open until Labor Day.
How to Get to Valdez
Fly
The quickest way to reach Valdez is by air. You can catch a connecting flight from Anchorage straight to Valdez via Ravn Air. This 45-minute flight offers the scenic bonus of flying over the Chugach range and Prince William Sound. Ravn Air typically operates two flights a day, ensuring flexibility in travel plans. Before embarking on your journey, remember to check their schedule and make necessary reservations directly on the Ravn Air website (you can’t book these flights on third party providers). Also check Ravn Air’s baggage allowance, as they are very strict for carry-on baggage.
An important note: Public transit options and rental car options are incredibly limited in Valdez. If you plan on exploring the area outside of town, consider driving to Valdez with your rental car, as there is a good chance you will not be able to rent a car or get a taxi when you arrive.
Drive
For those who enjoy road trips and the allure of the open road, driving from Anchorage to Valdez is a splendid option (and the one we chose!) This 300-mile journey, which typically takes 6-7 hours, is nothing short of breathtaking. You can split the drive into two days, so you have plenty of time to explore all the wonderful sights along the way.
Alternatively, you can also drive from Fairbanks or make the drive via the Whittier ferry (more details below). Driving allows you the most flexibility and gives you the option to have your own transportation once you get there.
Train & Ferry Combination
If you don’t have a car, you can avoid a flight by combining train and ferry travel. You can catch the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier and then board the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry in Whittier, which will take you straight to Valdez. This route is as picturesque as it is unique, offering travelers a chance to witness Alaska's beauty from both land and water. In terms of cost, this option is generally on par with the flight, but will take over 6 hours (if everything lines up perfectly).
To ensure a smooth trip, I recommended checking the schedule and fares on the Alaska Marine Highway website and making advanced reservations. Just be sure you are prepared for limited transportation options if you don’t have a car once you’re in Valdez.
