What to Do: Summer

Valdez and the surrounding Chugach Mountains are home to hundreds of glaciers, and some of our most amazing glaciers are the easiest to access! We invite you to visit Valdez and explore our five magnificent and accessible glaciers: the Columbia, Meares, Shoup, Worthington and Valdez Glaciers. 

Wild berries are an integral part of a hiker's experience in the Valdez area.  From late July until the first snow, one doesn't have to look far to find them on the trails that surround the town. Salmonberries and raspberries abound in the undergrowth along paths, while blueberries are generally located higher on hills and around streams or other moist mossy areas.

The Valdez Small Boat Harbor is a 511 slip harbor with 65’, 50’, 42’, 40’, 32’, 30’, 24’ and 20’ slips and approximately 900’ of transient dock space. The Harbor is open 7 days a week all year. Office hours are 8:00AM to 10:30PM from May 15 to September 1 and 8:30 to 5:00PM the rest of the year.

Day-long or extended tours of Prince William Sound will take you to the best vantage points for glaciers, sealife, and shorebirds. Excursion vessels, rental boats, charters, and sail boats depart from the Small Boat Harbor for fishing, sightseeing and lodge transport. Flightseeing trips over some of the most impressive mountains and glaciers anywhere are regularly made all summer in helicopters and planes.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy both inland and ocean options in Valdez. Guided raft trips will take you past towering waterfalls of Keystone Canyon. Fly-outs and drop-offs are possible to remote locations in the Sound and Chugach Mountains. Skim the seas on a guided nature kayak tour or take an extended camping trip. Be sure to sample Valdez's rich history by visiting one or all three of the local museums.

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Valdez boasts some of the most scenic and historic trails in Alaska.  Trails in and around Valdez vary in length and difficulty ranging from the easy one mile round trip Dock Point Trail to the more difficult Shoup Bay Trail.  There is certainly something for everyone to enjoy.  Dock Point Trail is located next to the Small Boat Harbor and features beautiful south facing views overlooking Port Valdez.

Get a bird's eye view of the spectacular area around Valdez.  For information, call the VCVB office. 

Call the VCVB office for information about the bus tour. 

Valdez has excellent paved bike trails along the highway from town to the Robe River Subdivision and out Dayville Road.   There are many dirt roads around Valdez for mountain biking.  An especially scenic ride is out the Mineral Creek Road.  Call the VCVB office for more information. 

Black and brown bear sightings are frequent during the summer and fall around Valdez.  Call the VCVB office for information on recent sighting locations and for tips on bear safety. 

Climb a glacier in the summer!  Local Valdez guides are available to assist you with your hiking or climbing adventure.  Call the VCVB office for more information.   Photo courtesy of Pangaea Adventures.