Welcome to Valdez and Prince William Sound.
Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises (SSC) respectfully acknowledges that we live, work, and operate on the traditional land of the Alaska Native Alutiiq/Sugpiaq peoples. It is because of their stewardship that we are able to share the wonders of Prince William Sound today. We encourage our guests to take time to learn about the history of our region’s Alaska Native people and their living culture.
Valdez – our home since 1971
The Stephens family and coworkers have enjoyed working with and in the community of Valdez since 1971. We love our home and take great pride in being able to employ residents of Valdez. When you visit Valdez, consider making time to enjoy our teams’ favorite things to see, do, eat, and drink in town.
Here are a few suggestions:
We live in a rainforest! Captain Amanda likes to remind folks that the rain is only a problem if you are not prepared. Pack some rain gear or get out the umbrella and plan to enjoy our home. Amanda likes to hike our many trails, and her favorites are the Dock Point Trail, Meals Hill Trail, and Homestead Trail. Find maps to our local trails here.
After a fantastic day on the water, what better way to wrap up the day then with a cold brew from one of our local craft brewers. As a home brewer, Captain Alan enjoys sampling custom brews and flavors at Valdez Brewing or Growler Bay Brewing.
Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery is recommended by Captain Chris as a place everyone should visit at least once while they are in Valdez. While visiting the hatchery you can walk the paths and learn about our local salmon fisheries and have a chance to see seals, sea lions, sea otters, and bears that enjoy feasting on the returning salmon.
Captain Caleb starts his day of at one of our local coffee shops before coming to get the boat ready. A Rogues Garden is a favorite stop for a fresh cup, bagel, or pastry. However, if he needs something closer to the harbor you may find him at The Coffee Co., Klondike Coffee, or Sacred Grounds.
Selah, our Marketing and Reservations Manager, encourages travelers to dine at one Valdez’s many locally owned eating establishments. While there are many delicious options, Selah enjoys the local fish and sushi served at Fu Kung, a quick bite at The Potato, The Nat Shack, or any of our seasonal food trucks, and she loves planning her evenings around the live music and theater at Magpies on the Fly. Menus for the restaurants, food trucks, and coffee shops can be found in our office and on board each boat.
Valdez has many shorter scenic drives that you enjoy before or after a cruise. Our founder Mary Helen loves to venture out the road to Keystone Canyon to see beautiful waterfalls, Thompson Pass to take in the vistas of the Chugach Mountains, Dayville road to look for bears, and to Valdez Glacier Lake to see icebergs.
Scupper and Hitch, our company dogs, know how many of our Valdez travelers like to bring their four-legged friends along for the journey, and want to make the following suggestions so their furry friends stay healthy. Valdez is full of dog friendly paths such as the bike trail and harbor walks, back country routes such as Mineral Creek Trail, Wagon Trail, and John Hunter Solomon Lake Trail, and one of their favorite places to visits and sniff other dogs is the Shana Anderson Dog Park. Find maps to our local trails here.
Detailed Information on Our Community
VALDEZ CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
The official site for travel information for the City of Valdez.
VALDEZ FISH DERBIES
Over $80,000 in cash and prizes awarded annually in our local sport fishing competitions.
VALDEZ MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL ARCHIVE
Valdez Museum has two facilities that are must-visit destinations when you come to our town.
MAXINE AND JESSE WHITNEY MUSEUM
This museum is home to the largest private collection of Alaskan art and artifacts.
VALDEZ FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Visit the Solomon Gulch Hatchery which annually releases approximately 250 million pink salmon fry, and 1.8 million coho salmon smolt.
CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST
Where nature, people, and tradition come together. The Chugach National Forest covers a vast area, over 5 million acres of adventure and rugged beauty.
