Beautiful Valdez, Alaska!

During our travels through Alaska, so many people kept asking if we were

planning on going to Valdez. Well, I have to admit that it wasn't in the plan, but when we looked at the map it was clearly along the way, so why not dart down over the highway for a visit? And boy, we were so glad we did! 

With a population of just under 4000 people, this former Gold Rush town is located at the head of a fjord on Prince William Sound. In 1964, it suffered catastrophic damage from the Good Friday earthquake that shook the Alaska region and was eventually relocated a few

Looking down over the harbour and town

 miles further inland. Then in 1989, Valdez was the site of the disastrous Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill. It has since slowly recovered and is today one of the most important ports in Alaska from which a commercial fishery operates as well as a freight terminal. However, we were most impressed with this town's spectacular beauty and peaceful easy feeling!



As we walked along the harbour front and out through to where the freight terminal buildings stand, mountains and hills surrounded us on all sides. There was no wind and Prince William

Sound was still, reflecting the many mountains and boats that stood all around. Locals went about their business as they prepped their boats for a day at sea. Many stood on the shore casting a line to catch a Coho that were literally jumping out of the water. 

                  Watch below as the salmon literally jump out of the water!

A local fisher gutting a catch of Coho!

Wooden sculptures could be found throughout the harbourfront.











We also had an enjoyable morning hiking to the Worthington Glacier! Such an impressive sight!

The drive through Keystone Canyon was particularly pretty as we passed by waterfalls and creeks. 

As we leave Alaska behind and head back over the border into the Yukon, the enormity and beauty of this vast landscape does not leave us....we are often left feeling like specks of sand!

Kluane National Park, Yukon