EXPLORING VALDEZ AND THOMPSON PASS

Valdez is situated on a deepwater fjord in Prince William Sound. The Chugach Eskimo and Ahtna Ahthabascan people were the first to use the area for fishing and trading. In 1897, Valdez was established as a base camp for gold prospectors making their way to Interior Alaska and the Klondike.

Visitors traveling north view the Lowe River in historic Keystone Canyon. The sheer canyon walls contain a number of waterfalls and interesting rock formations. Thompson Pass climbs to 2,678 feet, showcasing tundra meadows, numerous lakes, streams, and glaciers.

Together, the three largest hotel properties in Valdez offer over 220 guest rooms. Each hotel is centrally located for easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions. Valdez is just 45 minutes by air from Anchorage.

Marine services in Valdez include the newest Alaskan fast ferry and several private tour and transportation services experienced in transporting cruise passengers between Cordova, Whittier, and Valdez. A new cruise ship terminal is planned for completion in 2008.

There are a number of tours and attractions in Valdez, including several new adventure tour options.

1. Glacier & wildlife cruises to Meares and Columbia Glaciers
2. Kayaking in Prince William Sound or one of several interior rivers.

Plus, if you're visiting Valdez in winter, add the following activities to your itinerary:

1. Premier Heli and Snowcat Skiing. Valdez and the surrounding Chugach mountains define skiing and boarding. You are sure to find a vast winter wilderness and thousands of long untracked wide-open runs.
2. Ice Climbing. Whether top-roping or multi-patch lead climbing, the dozens of routes around Valdez will become your pathway to adventure.
3. Snowmobiling. Valdez has a full race schedule and an abundance of snow sure to challenge even the best riders. Our mountains, valleys, and glaciers also offer the ultimate in backcountry snowmachine experiences.
4. Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing. Nordic skiing and showshoeing can be an adventure on either groomed trails or backcountry terrain. Several world-class areas exist in and around Valdez.
5. Fishing and Sightseeing. Fish without the crowds or sightsee many species of wildlife, marine animals, and birds.

Suggested Activities in Valdez.

Whether you fly, drive or cruise to get here, Alaska's Adventure Corridor is waiting for adventurous independent travelers as well as small groups desiring unmatched scenic beauty and personal, hands-on activities.

+ Whitewater rafting through historic Keystone Canyon.
+ Enjoy sailing the Sound on a chartered boat or a guided windrider excursion.
+ Hike one of several historic trails.
+ Glacier treks on Worthington or Valdez Glaciers.
+ Experience ice climbing and rapelling on Worthington Glacier.
+ Take a Valdez Historical Tour through 'Old Town' Valdez and historic Keystone Canyon.
+ Stop by the Valdez Historical Museum and see exhibits on Native culture, Gold Rush history, Richardson Highway construction, and the pipeline.
+ Visit the 'Remembering Old Valdez' Exhibit to learn about life in Old Town and the 1964 'Good Friday' Earthquake.
+ The Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum houses the largest privately owned collection of Alaska Native art, artifacts, and wildlife mounts.
+ See Gold Rush and Trans-Alaska Pipeline movies.
+ Freshwater fishing is easy in one of many freshwater lakes and streams.
+ Take a half- or whole-day salmon or halibut charter or fish right from shore.
+ Bike, boat, and kayak rentals are available for exploring the area on one's own.
+ Enjoy tax-free shopping.