Glacier
Floatplane Flightseeing
(1 1/4 hours) Via floatplane, you will have the
opportunity to see aerial views of Shoup Glacier; the Valdez Narrows and the tanker
terminal for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline; Old Town, where Valdez was located prior to the
1964 earthquake; and the site of the first local gold strike. The highlight of this trip
includes a flight over the massive Columbia Glacier with a water landing near the glacier,
affording a spectacular close up marine view! By the end of the flight, you will know why
they call Valdez the "Switzerland of Alaska". Trans-Alaska Pipeline Terminal Tour
(2 1/4 hours) Valdez, a postcard-pretty town ringed by tall mountains, is the
northernmost which traverses 800 miles of Alaskan wilderness. Here, Alaska's crude oil is
transferred to tankers for shipment to the lower 48 states. Observe the oil storage tanker
berths, the ballast treatment facility, and a giant tanker taking on a cargo of crude oil,
as your guide gives an informative explanation of the entire pipeline operation.
Thompson Pass and Worthington
Glacier
(2 1/2 hours) Leaving Valdez, you will pass Old Town Valdez,
completely destroyed in the 1964 earthquake. The drive continues through Keystone Canyon,
revealing the stunning sights of Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls; take a glimpse of where
the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is buried; stop to admire the beauty of this alpine setting and
Worthington Glacier. On the return, a short stop will be made at Crooked Creek to view
salmon spawning.
Keystone Canyon Raft Trip
(2 hours) Passing by Old Town, where the 1964 earthquake destroyed Valdez, you
continue up the Lowe River Valley with its mountain scenery. Then the 4.5 mile whitewater
rafting begins. The Lowe River flows through a deep canyon with sheer cliff walls and
beautiful waterfalls. You will float past Bridal Veil Falls, which cascades 900' from the
canyon wall. The surrounding mountains are capped with snow and many spectacular glaciers.
NOTE: Warm clothing, gloves and extra
socks are recommended; raingear and boots will be provided. |
Valdez
Harbor Kayaking Nature Tour
(2 1/2 hours) Experience sea kayaking and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
After a safety and instruction briefing, you will board the 2-person kayaks and paddle
past the Jubilee, Duck Point and into the Valdez duck flats where the marsh-like area
abounds with bird life. Quietly glide around the Mineral Creek Islands, exploring the area
in search of harbor seals, bald eagles, sea otters and a variety of birds and ducks which
inhabit the area.
NOTE: Warm clothing is recommended. Historical Sightseeing Cruise
(2½ hours) On the mv Glacier Queen II, you will see the forces that have shaped
Valdez, geologically, historically and socially. Your captain and crew will provide
you with interesting information as you travel by the Petro Star Oil Refinery, Solomon
Gulch Fish Hatchery and the Alaska Pipeline Terminal. Learn about the experiences of
the 1964 earthquake at Anderson Bay. As you cruise through the State Marine Park, you will
view Shoup Glacier, the remains of the Cliff Gold Mine - the largest producer of gold in
South Central Alaska, and the locations of the Gold Creek and Mineral Creek mining
operations. In Valdez Bay, you will see the resident wildlife eagles and sea otters.
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