The Best of Prince William Sound via the Alaska Marine Highway
Season
April, May & September
Visit
Transportation
Why This Trip?
This itinerary begins in Anchorage and includes travel by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system between the towns of Whittier, Cordova, and Valdez, before driving back to Anchorage, creating a perfect loop.
You’ll truly see the best of Prince William Sound. And traveling by ferry provides a relaxing intermission between towns; you’ll get to absorb the beautiful scenery of the Sound, looking for glaciers and wildlife along the way.
**This itinerary is limited by the availability of a connection between Cordova and Valdez. A connection is available throughout the summer, but the Cordova to Valdez ferry is approximately 12 hours instead of 5, because it includes a brief stopover in Whittier.
In 2024: Direct ferries depart Cordova at 7 a.m. and arrive in Valdez at 8:30 p.m.
Itinerary
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You’ll start this itinerary on a Tuesday so that you’ll be ready for the ferry by Sunday. Begin by driving from Anchorage to Whittier, taking your time along scenic Turnagain Arm. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Anchorage, and you have to pass through the Whittier Tunnel, which operates on a strict schedule. There’s a tunnel opening every hour, on the half hour, beginning at 5:30 a.m. from May to September.
Orient yourself in town. Take the 30-minute self-guided walking tour and check out the buildings that have been here since WWII. Walk the beach at the head of the bay, stroll the harbor, and hike one of the trails. Or get out on the water! Day cruises last around 5 hours and allow you to see a variety of glaciers in the Sound. You can also kayak, Jet Ski, or fish.
Ferry over to Cordova with your vehicle. There are direct ferries approximately 3 times a week, and the trip lasts 7 hours aboard the MV Aurora. While this isn’t a cruise, it can feel like one. Maximize your chances of seeing wildlife by spending as much time as possible out on the deck. This vessel has a cafeteria, observation lounge, heated solarium, and showers (if you feel the need to freshen up)! You’ll arrive in Cordova in the evening. Check in to your accommodations and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Today you’ll drive the scenic Copper River Highway. How the adventure unfolds is up to you. Here are some ideas:
Highlights
- Wildlife: Mile 17, Alaganik Slough. There’s great wildlife viewing, especially in early May/June during the shorebird migration.
- Hiking: Mile 21.4. Combine the McKinley Trail and Pipeline Lakes Trail for a roughly 5-mile round-trip hike.
- Glaciers: Mile 13.7. Walk 1.5 miles on the Sheridan Glacier Lake Trail for views of icebergs bobbing in the lake, with the gorgeous glacier in the background.
- Check out more ideas for great things to see along the Copper River Highway.
You have another full day to explore Cordova! Some ideas:
Highlights
- Discover the history and culture of the area at the Cordova Historical Museum or the Ilanka Cultural Center. It’s easy to spend about an hour in each spot.
- Time your visit so it coincides with a festival.
With another great day in Cordova, get outside!
Highlights
- Find a charter to spend the day out in Orca Bay sightseeing or fishing
- Hike a local trail.
It’s time to hop on the ferry from Cordova to Valdez. Don’t miss it! It departs at 5 a.m. and arrives at 11 a.m., giving you plenty of time to explore and do some sightseeing. Drive just beyond town to Valdez Glacier Lake, where you can marvel at icebergs that have calved from the glacier. If you want to get closer, book a kayaking tour and paddle around them!
Valdez has some fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, depending on the time of year. Stop at the Solomon Gulch Hatchery (from mid-June through August) or the Crooked Creek Information Site (from mid-July through October) to see salmon returning to their spawning grounds, as well as the chance to spot bears fishing. At the hatchery, the fish also attract sea lions and seals looking to catch their fill!
Set spectacularly on shimmering waters and surrounded by mountains, Valdez boasts wildlife and glaciers galore. So get out there! If you crave more time on the Sound, take a day cruise, go kayaking, or try some fishing.
Today is also a great opportunity to hike one of Valdez’s spectacular trails. Dock Point is a short trek and features great views of the harbor. Goat Trail is a little more moderate, and offers views of Bridal Veil Falls. For a full list, check out our Valdez Trails page.
Today you’ll drive back to Anchorage—a trip that will take about 5.5 hours nonstop. Plan for 6 or 7, though, as you'll find some beautiful distractions along the way. Just beyond town is Keystone Canyon. Tuck into the roadside pullout to take in the views of Bridal Veil Falls. A little further on, you’ll be treated to views of Worthington Glacier. You can stop and get a little closer from the viewing platform. (There’s a $5 parking fee.) About 2 hours from Anchorage, pull off to marvel at the mammoth Matanuska Glacier; it’s one of Alaska's few roadside glaciers, and it’s spectacular!