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Surrounded by magnificent mountains, Valdez is a picturesque coastal town located on Prince William Sound and is accessible from the Richardson Highway.

The town has a turbulent history, starting as gateway to the gold fields for hundreds of stampeders and more recently has been the focus of the 1964 earthquake and the Exxon oil tanker accident.

Exploring Prince William Sound

The town is also one of the gateways to Prince William Sound where it is possible to join a cruise and see calving tide-water glaciers, humpback and orca whales and seabirds.

Old Valdez

Valdez was hit particularly hard by the 1964 earthquake and just beyond the new town it is possible to see the remnants of Old Valdez including a memorial to the earthquake's victims.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Anna

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Valdez by contacting one of our Alaska specialists

Map of Valdez

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Valdez

    Accommodation choices for Valdez

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Valdez. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Valdez

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Valdez, and which use the best local guides.

    • Columbia Glacier Kayaking
      Eagle resting on the ice, Meares Glacier

      Columbia Glacier Kayaking

      Columbia Glacier Kayaking

      Search for wildlife such as whales, sea otters and sea lions as you take the two-hour transfer to the Columbia Glacier by water taxi.

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