Valdez, Alaska
Often referred to as “Alaska’s Little Switzerland,” Valdez is situated at the head of a deep fjord in the northeast section of Prince William Sound. A small seaside community where the “mountains meet the sea,” it is surrounded by the 5,000 foot tall Chugach Mountains and numerous glaciers.
Mother Nature at Her Best
Many say that Valdez must be one of Mother Nature’s favorites. You can see why by enjoying one of the many tour options available such as hiking, fishing, glacier trekking, rafting or kayaking. One of the most popular trips is a cruise to the mighty Columbia Glacier, Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier at 435 square miles.
Trans-Alaska Pipeline
In the 1970’s, the Trans-Alaska pipeline was built to carry oil from Prudhoe Bay to a terminal in Valdez, the northernmost ice-free port in North America. Oil takes five to six days to travel the 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez where the crude is loaded onto oceangoing oil tankers.
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
On March 24, 1989 the town was devastated by one of the largest oil spills in North America. It is estimated that 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled creating one of the largest environmental disasters in the nation’s history. Crews worked into the next year, cleaning the beaches and rescuing animals.
Shore Excursions
Choose from a wide range of activities to enhance your onshore experience.
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