First, choose the best way to get to Valdez. You can drive from the lower 48 via the Alaska Highway, an adventure you'll long remember. Or take the ferry from Bellingham, Washington to Haines and drive from there. That's a terrific, scenic and much shorter drive. You could also choose to simply fly to Anchorage, rent an RV, and drive, east to Glennallen and south down the Richardson highway to Valdez. There are lots of ways to get there. The important thing is to just do it.
On arrival you have two good campground choices, as well as numerous motels, hotels and lodges. There are B&B's and even remote rental cabins too. Finding a nice place to park your RV or rest your bones is not difficult, though in the tourist season ( May to September ) advance reservations are suggested. Call 1-800-770-5954, the Valdez Convention & Visitor's Bureau, for more information.
Deciding what to do and see after you arrive is the hard part. There's so much to choose from. To see it all would take weeks, and that might not be a bad idea, come to think of it. But, most of us don't have that much time to spare, so choices must be made.
If fishing is your thing, you've certainly chosen the right place. Dozens of charter boats are available for salmon and halibut expeditions. There's even an annual fishing derby with terrific prizes.
Or, take boat rides and automobile side trips, for magnificent vistas of mountains, wildlife and waterways worthy of picture postcards. Be sure to bring your camera.
Stroll the waterfront and dockside walkways. You'll amaze your friends with pictures showing the beauty of Valdez. Don't miss the opportunity to see the famous Alyeska oil pipeline and the busy terminus, where tankers load that precious cargo. There's a free guided tour of the oil terminal, across the bay from Valdez, something not to be missed for its awesomeness and educational value. You'll be impressed with how much has been done to avoid another tragic oil spill. Things are different now.
To see the Valdez Bay and Prince William Sound close up, there's no better way than by sea kayak. Bring your own or rent one there. Guides and outfitters can assist in making your trip memorable. Whether you prefer short local paddling or extended overnight excursions, simple or deluxe, it's all available.
Viewing the scenery, wildlife and even the tankers coming and going to the Alyeska Terminal is more impressive from your kayak. Some like to fish from kayaks, and I guess the ultimate challenge would be retrieving a 200-pound halibut from one. But more realistically, catching a silver or King salmon from your kayak would be thrill enough.
Valdez also offers nearby glaciers, hiking trails and even white-water rafting, for those wanting a break from saltwater. Or take a short sidetrip to historic copper and gold mining towns, like McCarthy and Kennicott, to the north. It's all there, from your vacation destination of Valdez, Alaska.
Your author has no vested interests in Valdez. In fact, he is a resident of New Mexico far to the south.