Valdez: Gateway to the Prince William Sound
Valdez: Gateway to the Prince William Sound
Valdez is beautifully situated amidst the mountains, where many waterfalls originate. The original Valdez was founded around 1900 as a port, during the time when Americans began their quest for gold from this location. The great earthquake of 1964 devastated the original village, especially the port. Valdez was subsequently rebuilt in a safe location about eight kilometers from its original site. The harbor serves as the starting point for both fishermen and tourists, who seek marine life and natural beauty. The surroundings of Valdez also showcase remarkably impressive nature. In short, Valdez is well worth a visit!
Valdez as the epicenter of two major disasters
Valdez was the epicenter of the great earthquake in 1964, one of the largest disasters Alaska has experienced. Another defining aspect of Valdez is oil. The city serves as a transfer point for oil delivered via the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which is then further transported by boat. In 1989, an enormous oil spill occurred here when an oil tanker (the Exxon Valdez) ran aground, releasing 100 million liters of crude oil into the sea. The consequences of this disaster for the environment were immense. More than half a million seabirds, 5500 otters, and many seals and sea lions perished as a result.
Fortunately, a large part of the environment, including the Prince William Sound, has since recovered in terms of orcas, whales, otters, birds, and fish. However, a layer of sludge remains underground, and the effects of this pollution are still evident in the fauna. During a visit to Valdez, this may not be immediately noticeable, but it is part of the city’s history.
Most visitors come here to fish or observe fishing. The harbor clearly reflects this. The numerous RV (camper) parks look full, but the tourists themselves are only limitedly present in the town. They are out at sea fishing or exploring the surroundings of the Prince William Sound.
Attractions in Valdez and the surrounding area
From Valdez, you can undertake various activities. The weather is a determining factor in the choice of activities. In good weather, it is advisable to take to the water. This can be done with a boat excursion or by canoe. In less favorable weather, walking or exploring the town itself is a good choice.
Valdez Museum: small but informative
Due to the moderate weather on this day, we decide to visit the local museum first. It is small but informative and certainly a nice start to a visit to Valdez on a rainy day. The museum provides ample information about the original inhabitants. The people living there experienced a veritable invasion of Americans, especially from Seattle, who sparked a huge gold rush in the early 1900s. In those days, these gold prospectors had to cross the Valdez Glacier to venture further into the country. It was a grueling journey, as depicted in the images from that time.
Much information about the Exxon Valdez disaster can be found in the museum. Especially the video shown there vividly illustrates the effects of the disaster.
The museum’s annex is entirely dedicated to the 1964 earthquake. The video displayed there shows the impact of the disaster. Former residents return and tell their experiences of what turned their lives upside down in this city and far beyond at that time.
Valdez Glacier Lake
After the museum, we feel the need to explore the surroundings. The first destination is a visit to Glacier View Park. This is where the Valdez Glacier meets the water. It is a beautiful sight to see the large ice blocks floating in this lake. The park is located about 15 minutes’ drive outside the city and is freely accessible. You can park your car in front of the lake, where you are immediately in a place that is great for photography. Some fellow visitors explore the lake with their own canoe. It’s a unique experience to see them paddling through the ice floes.
On the way back to Valdez, we cannot resist the temptation to see what remains of the original old town. However, the roads we follow all lead to dead ends, and we do not find any clear remnants.
Fish processing in the harbor
Upon entering the harbor, there is a lively atmosphere. There are facilities for cleaning caught fish. Especially salmon is processed here with great craftsmanship. We naturally linger in this place and capture the processors and the fish with the camera. The seagulls patiently await the scraps, which provide them with an easy and ample meal.
Starting from the harbor, we take a short walk, the Dock Point Trail. Within half an hour, we are rewarded with a beautiful view of the harbor. Across from the harbor, we see several restaurants and some shops. Occasionally, the sun breaks through, but today it cannot outshine the clouds.
Prince William Sound
A popular excursion from the harbor leads through the Prince William Sound. Spotting whales and orcas is quite possible here. The excursions start in the morning. Due to the low-hanging clouds and the rain, we decide to skip this excursion. Possibly, this is a mistake according to our host at the B&B. She says, “just a little further, the weather can be completely different.” The advantage of these excursions is that a genuine effort is made to search for marine animals, and you can view the Columbia Glacier up close. Given the poor visibility on this day, we decide not to take this excursion now. We hope to get a good impression from the ferry that is scheduled for tomorrow.
Early the next morning, we take the ferry from Valdez to Whittier. This is en route to Seward. The boat’s route largely passes through the area of the Prince William Sound. This way we hope to get some insight into this unique area. However, weather is not something you can control. During this crossing, we have a visibility of about 50 meters. We do not see any whales or orcas. Things can change…
Valdez leaves a mixed impression. The impact of the devastating earthquake and the consequences of an immense natural disaster persist as a legacy here. The beautiful surroundings of mountains and glaciers, together with the entertainment in the harbor, showcase the city’s beautiful aspects.
FAQs about visiting Valdez in Alaska
Valdez is located in Alaska at Port Valdez, an inlet of the Prince William Sound. The port town has 4000 residents and is situated at the same latitude as Anchorage, but about 200 kilometers to the east.
Valdez is accessible via the Richardson Highway, especially the stretch before reaching Valdez has incredibly impressive scenery. Valdez can also be reached by boat. A ferry operates between Whittier and Valdez, and vice versa. Additionally, small planes depart from various locations to Valdez.
We stayed at B&B a place on Coho. This accommodation has three rooms with a shared shower and bathroom. There is also a large common area with a kitchen, seating area, and dining area. The property is well managed and kept clean by host Dianne, who is almost always present (the owners live upstairs, the B&B is downstairs). The address is in a new residential area, about half an hour's walk from the town centre, so a car is necessary.
Valdez also has a large Best Western hotel, which, due to its central location near the harbor, comes highly recommended. All other accommodation in Valdez.
The Valdez Museum. This museum consists of a main building and an annex. The museum itself is small in size but exceptionally informative. The annex covers the 1964 earthquake. The two museum locations are about a kilometer apart. A ticket provides access to both locations.
Glacier-view Park. Here, you can witness the Valdez Glacier disappearing into the water. There are no immediate active excursions in the vicinity; it is mainly a beautiful place to be and take photographs.
Excursions in the Prince William Sound. Excursions from Valdez go to the Columbia Glacier, the largest glacier in the area. The Prince William Sound itself is known for its whales, sea lions, and other marine life.
We had good meals at two locations:
- The Fat Mermaid is located at the harbor. It offers, among other dishes, seafood and pizzas. The restaurant has a lively, positive atmosphere and is often fully booked.
- Chinese restaurant Fu Kung. There is a wide variety of Asian dishes available here, from sushi to Peking duck. Takeaway options are also available.
According to experts, these are the best restaurants in Valdez.
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