Page 167 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

Connected by an 1800-foot causeway, this facility is
helping the city regain its position, lost to earthquake
and tsunami, as the natural gateway to the Interior
and Far North.
Short trips and overnight tours to the Columbia
Glacier are available from Valdez. This impressive
fast-moving river of ice covers 440 square miles
and is three miles wide at its face and 30 stories
high. Constantly calving, the glacier sends towering
chunks of ice into the waters of Prince William
Sound. Seals and whales cavort between the floes
and birds soar everywhere. This is truly a wonder
that shouldn’t be missed. Explore the fjords and
passageways of Prince William Sound from Valdez
with Stan Stephens Glacier and Wildlife Cruises. See Video
The dedicated crew invite you to join them as they
travel the calm waters of the Sound to Columbia and
Meares Glacier.
The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive,
located in the Centennial Building at the corner of
Egan Drive and Chenega Street, features exhibits
of pioneer days, old mining equipment, freight Valdez
sleds, fire fighting apparatus, a glacier exhibit and a photo by:
VC TRAVEL GUIDE
pipeline terminal exhibit. Summer hours are Monday
to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 8 AM to 5
PM. A small admission is charged. Silver Salmon Derby: August years of age. One day, three day and season licenses
With its roots in the generous donation by Mrs. Gold Rush Days: August are available.
Maxine Whitney of reportedly the largest private Ice Climbing Festival: February Most charters in Valdez range from 6-12 hours
collection of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in Snowman Festival: March depending on where you are fishing, what species
the world, the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum Mountain Man Snowmachine Hillclimb: April
provides a unique look at Alaska life, cultures and
wildlife. Enjoy premier displays of Eskimo kayaks Hooked on Fishing Valdez
and umiaks, Native carved ivory and trophy-class Fishing! Just the word can make an Alaskan
mounts of Alaska’s big game animals, including resident or visitor go into a frenzy. The popularity
grizzly bear, polar bear, moose, caribou and musk of fishing in America’s largest state can hardly be
ox. Other favorites include Native dolls, beautiful exaggerated. The first item you will need is a state
Athabaskan, Eskimo and Tlingit bead-work, Native fishing license, which is required for anyone over 16
Alaskan baskets, prehistoric artifacts, fossils,
minerals and Woolly Mammoth tusks.
Arriving in Alaska in 1947, for more than 50
years the Whitneys lived in and traveled to remote
villages of Alaska like Gambell and Savoonga,
buying directly from Native artists. Mrs. Whitney
assumed ownership of the Eskimo Museum in
Fairbanks in 1969 and operated it through the mid-
1980s. In 1998, Maxine gifted her vast collection to
Prince William Sound Community College. Now in
a dedicated facility located adjacent to the college,
it is a cherished cultural and educational asset to
the community, offering a unique view of Alaska
through the eyes of a passionate collector. The
Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum is located at 303
Lowe Street. Open every day May to Sept and most
weekdays during the winter. Free admission. Call
(907) 834-1690.
The Valdez Convention and Civic Center boasts
a variety of events such as movies, conventions and
cultural performances.
Surrounded by the unmatched scenic beauty of
alpine and marine landscapes, visitors can choose
from comfortable accommodations or something
more rustic and remote. There is lodging available
in over 500 rooms year–round, ranging from hotels
and bed & breakfasts to wilderness cabins and
campgrounds. Whatever your selection, you will
be treated to true Alaskan hospitality. Hotel, motel
and bed & breakfast reservations are advised during
July and August. Five full-service RV parks and
three campgrounds are available in town. Services
in Valdez include several restaurants, grocery stores,
service stations, drugstores and gift shops.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Halibut Derbies: May thru Labor Day
Pink Salmon Derby: June–July

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