The "Little Switzerland of Alaska" sits at the head of a deep fjord in Prince William Sound, ringed by glaciated peaks and roaring waterfalls. It's a working Alaskan town with minimal crowds and maximum scenery.
Ships dock pierside — walk straight into town or hop a shuttle from the outer terminal.
💡 Pro move: Valdez is a real working town, not a cruise village — shops and restaurants may close earlier than in larger ports.
Cruise ships dock at a pier in Valdez — no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Kelsey Dock (John Thomas Kelsey Municipal Dock) — end of Hazelet Ave, steps from downtown📍 | Docked |
| Some ships (varies by season) | Valdez Container Terminal — ~1.5 miles east of downtown; shuttle typically provided📍 | Docked |
Columbia Glacier dominates the must-do list, but Valdez also delivers world-class kayaking, dramatic canyon scenery, and fascinating earthquake history.
One of North America's largest and fastest-retreating tidewater glaciers. Operators like Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises run 6–7 hour tours weaving through massive ice fields, with sea otters, whales, and puffins along the way. Book well in advance — this sells out.
Find Columbia Glacier tours →Valdez is a world-class kayaking destination. Guided tours take you to the face of Valdez Glacier or among icebergs in Shoup Bay — suitable for beginners with a guide.
Find kayak tours →A dramatic canyon just outside town with towering walls and spectacular falls — Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. Combine with a whitewater raft on the Lowe River for an adrenaline twist.
Find Keystone Canyon tours →The 9.2-magnitude 1964 Good Friday Earthquake leveled the original Valdez and triggered a massive tsunami. Two museum sites (Egan Drive + Hazelet Ave) tell the story of how the entire town was relocated. Admission ~$10.
Find Valdez museum tours →Millions of pink and coho salmon return here in July–August, drawing bald eagles, sea lions, harbor seals, and black bears. Free self-guided walking tour with viewing platforms — about 5 miles from the dock via taxi or tour.
Find wildlife tours →Downtown Valdez is flat and walkable from Kelsey Dock; venture a bit further for trails with stunning bay and mountain views.
From Kelsey Dock, stroll along the small boat harbor to the Valdez Museum on Egan Drive, then continue to the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum at Prince William Sound College. Flat terrain, great mountain views.
A beautiful loop trail at the edge of the harbor offering views of the bay, salt marshes, and wildflower meadows. Excellent for birdwatching. Trailhead is a short walk from Kelsey Dock.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Valdez, Alaska, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F / -1°C | 22°F / -6°C | 4 | 9:41 AM | 4:09 PM |
| Feb | 32°F / 0°C | 19°F / -7°C | 0 | 8:26 AM | 5:33 PM |
| Mar | 36°F / 2°C | 24°F / -4°C | – | 8:01 AM | 7:48 PM |
| Apr | 44°F / 7°C | 31°F / -1°C | – | 6:23 AM | 9:08 PM |
| May | 53°F / 12°C | 40°F / 4°C | – | 4:58 AM | 10:27 PM |
| Jun | 59°F / 15°C | 46°F / 8°C | – | – | – |
| Jul | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | – | 4:39 AM | 11:01 PM |
| Aug | 61°F / 16°C | 48°F / 9°C | – | 5:55 AM | 9:41 PM |
| Sep | 53°F / 12°C | 42°F / 6°C | – | 7:13 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Oct | 44°F / 7°C | 34°F / 1°C | – | 8:29 AM | 6:31 PM |
| Nov | 33°F / 1°C | 24°F / -4°C | – | 8:52 AM | 4:06 PM |
| Dec | 28°F / -2°C | 18°F / -8°C | 2 | 9:55 AM | 3:26 PM |
Source: Meteostat (10-yr monthly averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Kelsey Dock is just 0.25–0.75 miles from downtown — a 5–15 minute walk. Most shops, restaurants, and the Valdez Museum are easily reached on foot.
A complimentary shuttle runs on busy ship days from the North Dock to key downtown stops including the small boat harbor and Egan Drive. Runs roughly every 30 minutes — confirm schedule on arrival.
Valdez Yellow Cars (907-835-2500) must be called in advance — no street hailing. Expect a 15–20 minute wait on cruise days. Fare to Valdez Glacier Lake (~5 miles) is around .
Alaska Auto Rental and Valdez U Drive offer local car rentals — ideal if you want to explore the Keystone Canyon or Thompson Pass independently. Book ahead on ship days.
Bike rentals are available in town and well-suited for Valdez's flat waterfront paths and the small-boat harbor area.
Upcoming cruises that call at Valdez, Alaska, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.