Kayaking in Alaska: What and Where

By
Erik Olsen
January 7, 2006, 8:30 AM ET
2 min read

May 10, 2004 -- If you're going to explore the majesty of Alaska by kayak (see related story at right), here are some tips on how to get there and what to do.

Northwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines have numerous flights into and out of Valdez.

If you fly into Anchorage, rent a car and take the Richardson Highway, the only road to Valdez. This scenic, six-hour (without stops) drive crosses Thompson Pass and descends into the narrow valley where Valdez lies. Try to make the drive in daylight, in clear weather, and stop at Worthington Glacier.

WHERE TO STAY IN VALDEZ:

L&L's Bed & Breakfast, 533 W. Hanagita St., Valdez, Alaska 99686; (907) 835-4447, http://www.lnlalaska.com. This clean, five-room B&B is close to the harbor and has friendly owners. Doubles $70-$80 a night.

Valdez Harbor Inn, 100 Fidalgo Way, Valdez, Alaska 99886; (888) 222-3440 or (907) 835-3434, fax (907) 835-2308, http://www.valdezharborinn.com . At west end of the harbor. Doubles $129-$139.

OUTFITTERS:

Pangaea Adventures, 101 N. Harbor Drive, Valdez, Alaska 99686; (800) 660-9637 or (907) 835-8442, http://www.alaskasummer.com . Day trips and extended kayaking and camping trips.

Anadyr Adventures, P.O. Box 1821, Valdez, Alaska 99686; (800) TO-KAYAK (865-2925) or (907) 835-2814, http://www.anadyradventures.com . Similar offerings and prices to Pangaea.

TO LEARN MORE:

The Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau, 200 Fairbanks St., Valdez, Alaska 99686; (800) 770-5954 or (907) 835-4636, http://www.valdezalaska.org .

Alaska Travel Industry Assn., Visitor Information Center, 2600 Cordova St., Anchorage, Alaska 99503-2745; (800) 862-5275 or (907) 929-2200, fax (907) 561-5727, http://www.travelalaska.com.