Valdez is the northernmost ice-free port in the Western Hemisphere. Known as "Little Switzerland" because of its setting amidst steep mountains, glaciers and waterfalls.

Originally founded as a remote whaling station, the town boomed during the 1898 gold rush. It was hit hard during the 1964 earthquake.

Valdez is a fishing port, both for commercial and sport fishing. Freight moves through Valdez bound for the interior of Alaska. Sightseeing of the marine life and glaciers, together with both deep-sea fishing, and heli skiing support a tourist industry in Valdez. The oil from the Trans-Alaska pipeline is loaded onto ships at the Valdez oil terminal. It is sometimes called the Switzerland of Alaska.[citation needed]

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company is one of the biggest employers in town.

Valdez is connected to the interior of Alaska by the Richardson Highway, and is a port of call in the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Just north of Valdez on the highway is Thompson Pass, which has spectacular waterfalls and glaciers next to the highway. Thompson Pass is also known for treacherous driving conditions during the winter.

Valdez is also known as the "North Shore" of heli-skiing and is home to no fewer than five heli-ski operations.

Valdez is also home to the Last Frontier Theatre Conference, hosted by the Prince William Sound Community College. The annual conference attracts playwrights and actors from around the United States.

Visit the Valdez Museum.

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