The 5 Best Things to Do in Valdez, Alaska

Valdez Glacier is incredibly accessible. After a short drive from downtown Valdez, you can park in a free lot and walk right up to the shores of the glacier lake, where you can pick up a floating chunk of ice, or just sit and admire the scenery. You can also kayak, canoe, or go stand-up paddleboarding here, but it's best to go with a knowledgeable guide, as the glacier is very unstable and can calve at any time.

This short and easy hike brings walkers to an incredible viewpoint directly above the towering Bridal Veil Falls and Keystone Canyon. This trail follows the restored Trans-Alaska Military Pack-train Trail, and there is good educational signage along the way to explain the site's history.

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Pangaea Adventures' Gold Creek Coastal Kayak Tour is a great way to see one of the lesser-known areas of Valdez. Gold Creek State Park encompasses wild beach and rainforest, and can be accessed by a relatively easy kayak from Valdez's small boat harbor. You'll paddle through beautiful Prince William Sound, keeping an eye out for wildlife like seals, whales, and otters, before landing on a deserted beach for lunch. After you eat, you'll walk through a lush rainforest to a hidden waterfall before kayaking back.

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The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive showcases Valdez's colorful history, from the European exploration in the 1700s all the way through to more contemporary events, like the tragic Valdez oil spill. Rotating temporary exhibits showcase local artists and change about four times a year. The permanent exhibits include unique artifacts such as a restored vintage steam fire engine, pieces from the gold rush, and even an ancient saloon.

Anadyr Adventures' 10-hour Columbia Glacier Kayak Tour begins with an hour-long cruise through Prince William Sound, where you'll see everything from waterfalls to otters. When you arrive at Columbia Glacier, you'll load into kayaks and paddle around Alaska's second largest glacier. You'll observe active icebergs crackling and popping and flipping, plus have the chance to hike around the nearby forest.

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Caroline Morse Teel was hosted by the Alaska Tourism Board. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos of the best things to do in Alaska and the rest of the world.