Valdez sits at the head of a fjord that most people only know as the site of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill - but the town itself has recovered, and what remains is one of the most scenically dramatic settings in Alaska. Prince William Sound surrounds it on three sides, the Columbia Glacier (one of the largest in North America) is accessible by boat, and the salmon fishing is legitimately world-class. For the adventurous, Valdez is also one of the premier heli-skiing destinations in the world - though that's a different season entirely.
What we'd suggest: A boat tour to the Columbia Glacier is the essential Valdez experience - the scale of the ice is staggering and the wildlife viewing (sea otters, puffins, harbor seals) is exceptional.
Start Time
Jul 16 7:30AM AKDT
to
End Time
Jul 16 2:00PM AKDT