One or two days in Valdez

Question

Planning a 17 day trip to Alaska. Last 2 weeks of June.

Is 1 day enough or 2 days is needed for Valdez? Traveling with young kids. Not into fishing. Will be driving from McCarthy- Chitina area to Valdez before driving to matanushka. Is Columbia glacier cruise worth it? Will be doing kenai fjords cruise at Seward and 26 glacier cruise at Whittier. Not sure how unique this glacier cruise will be or can we skip it. Any other must do activities?

Thanks,

Brad

Answer

Valdez is a beautiful and scenic part of Alaska, but for a family traveling with young kids and not into fishing, 1 day can be sufficient to see the highlights if you plan efficiently. However, 2 days will give you a more relaxed pace and time to enjoy some optional activities without feeling rushed, especially considering travel from McCarthy-Chitina and onward to Matanuska.

The main attraction in Valdez is the surrounding natural beauty, and the Columbia Glacier cruise is the standout activity for most visitors. That said, since you’ll already be doing the Kenai Fjords cruise in Seward and the 26-glacier cruise in Whittier, you may find the Columbia Glacier cruise less unique. It’s still impressive, but it can be somewhat similar in experience — seeing tidewater glaciers and wildlife from a boat. If your goal is to maximize time with young kids on land or hiking, skipping it is reasonable.

Here are some other recommended things to do in Valdez that are family-friendly and don’t involve fishing:

Shoup Bay hike or kayak: Short walks and beautiful glacier views; kayaking is an option for older kids.
Worthington Glacier viewpoint: Easy stop on the road to see the glacier up close.
Valdez Museum and Historical Archive: Small, educational, kid-friendly overview of the area’s history.
Waterfalls Drive: Drive or short walks to see Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls near town; very scenic and easy for kids.
Day hikes near town: Tonsina Trail or Solomon Gulch Hatchery area for a short nature stroll and possible salmon viewing.

Suggested pacing depending on 1 vs 2 days:

1 day: Focus on driving into scenic viewpoints (Worthington Glacier, Waterfalls Drive), a short hike, and the town highlights. Skip the Columbia Glacier cruise if kids may get restless on a long boat ride.
2 days: Day 1 could include local hikes, waterfalls, and museum; Day 2 could be the Columbia Glacier cruise if desired, or longer exploration of nearby trails and viewpoints.

Overall, Valdez is beautiful but compact. For families with kids, 1 day covers the essentials, while 2 days allows for a slower pace and optional activities. If you enjoy nature and scenic drives rather than multiple glacier cruises, you can plan accordingly and still have a memorable experience.

One or two days in Valdez

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