Visit
There’s just something Special about Cordova.
From its vast size to its heart-pounding landscape and exceptional wildlife, Alaska is considered a must-see destination for travelers from around the world – a place where you will create memories that last forever. However, even for Alaskans, Cordova is considered a uniquely magical place. Nestled in the heart of a spectacular wilderness, Cordova is shaped by its dramatic natural setting of the world’s richest waters, ancestral cultural heritage and colorful residents. Visitors are compelled by its beauty, but even more by its authenticity and small town character reminiscent of days gone by. Our salmon run wild in the pristine waters of the mighty Copper River and Prince William Sound. Our exceptional hiking trails, from boardwalks to mountain peaks, draw you out of the confines of your daily commute; and our lively community welcomes you into a vibrant world full of independence, curiosity and close ties to the land.
Work & Play
If you are seeking a meeting experience that is both state-of-the-art and uniquely memorable, perhaps even life changing, Cordova is easy to get to.
Sample Itinerary
Spend a long weekend with us
Your 4-Day Itinerary Arriving by Ferry
Plan to take the ferry from Whittier to Cordova, which is a short, scenic drive from Anchorage or Seward. Bring your camera, your binoculars, your hiking boots, rain gear and sunglasses. Dress in layers to prepare for both sun and rain. As soon as you board the ferry, your adventure has begun with a cruise across picturesque Prince William Sound.
Upon arriving to Cordova, you may want to check in to your lodging, grab a quick bite to eat and take in the view of Cordova from the water by way of the Breakwater Boardwalk in the bustling Cordova Harbor. Here you’re likely to see eagles, ravens, sea otters and fishing boats getting ready for the next fishing opener.
With the long sunlit days you can easily fit a nice hike up to Mid-Way or Top Station on Ski Hill in the early morning before breakfast and afterwards visit the shops on First Street and around town. Remember to send a few postcards to friends and family back in the city! You can pick up souvenirs and handmade artisan products at nearly every local retailer; the Cordova Museum and the Native Village of Eyak’s Ilanka Cultural Center carries these products along with a beautiful array of information and exhibits highlighting local history and culture.
Before you head out on a longer hike such as Heney Ridge Trail at the end of Whitshed Road or Crater Lake on Power Creek Road; be sure to pack a lunch, a water bottle and of course your camera. You’ll experience one breathtaking vista after another.
With all the hiking you’ve done and spectacular views you’ve seen an evening on the patio at a local eatery is likely in order! The Reluctant Fisherman, Baja Taco, or The Powder House all offer outdoor seating to complement their delicious dishes. If you’ve brought your bike with you or choose to rent one in town, you still have time to take a leisurely ride out to Fleming Spit (or “Hippie Cove” as it’s called by the locals) to watch a late sunset, salmon jumping, more eagles, ravens, otters, seals and maybe even a coyote!
On your last full day in Cordova, plan to head “Out the Road”. Pack a lunch and snacks and plenty of water or pick something up ready-made at the grocery store’s deli counter. Your first stop along the Copper River Highway, a designated Alaska Scenic Byway, could be the USFS viewing station at 9 mile. It’s a great introduction to the Copper River Delta situated across from a wide-open pond with resident beavers and swans and even a muskrat or two.
From here you can head farther out the road to mile 14 and to Sheridan Glacier for a picnic breakfast. There are a handful of picnic tables, the trailhead for Sheridan Mountain Trail and the easement trail across The Eyak Corporation lands to Sheridan Glacier. A short 15-minute walk and you’ll find yourself on a glacial moraine.
After your visit with Sheridan, your next stop on the Delta should be Alaganik Slough at 17 mile. Your commitment to the dusty gravel road can be rewarded by an afternoon in this favorite spot. You might see moose grazing on the green growth that covers the area, minks fishing in their favorite spots along the slough and wetlands covered in wildflowers in the spring. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk with interpretive signs that end at a magnificent vista.
To wrap up your day, you can drive the remaining 20 miles of highway to the end of the road at mile 36.5 where the mighty Copper River has reclaimed the area where a bridge once allowed passage further on to the Million Dollar Bridge. The views are well worth the drive there and back with plenty of places to pull off the road to take a picture, take in the view and breathe the fresh air.
You get to conclude your visit to Cordova with another cruise across Prince William Sound to see more Orca whales, more seals, more salmon jumping and more fishing families out on the water making a living.
You’ve got a few ideas now on how to fill up two great days in Cordova planning for two scenic on-water ferry travel days. Give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions.
Your 4-Day Itinerary Arriving by Airplane
Plan to take the ferry from Whittier to Cordova, which is a short, scenic drive from Anchorage or Seward. Bring your camera, your binoculars, your hiking boots, rain gear and sunglasses. Dress in layers to prepare for both sun and rain. As soon as you board the ferry, your adventure has begun with a cruise across picturesque Prince William Sound.
Upon arriving to Cordova, you may want to check in to your lodging, grab a quick bite to eat and take in the view of Cordova from the water by way of the Breakwater Boardwalk in the bustling Cordova Harbor. Here you’re likely to see eagles, ravens, sea otters and fishing boats getting ready for the next fishing opener.
With the long sunlit days you can easily fit a nice hike up to Mid-Way or Top Station on Ski Hill in the early morning before breakfast and afterwards visit the shops on First Street and around town. Remember to send a few postcards to friends and family back in the city! You can pick up souvenirs and handmade artisan products at nearly every local retailer; the Cordova Museum and the Native Village of Eyak’s Ilanka Cultural Center carries these products along with a beautiful array of information and exhibits highlighting local history and culture.
Before you head out on a longer hike such as Heney Ridge Trail at the end of Whitshed Road or Crater Lake on Power Creek Road; be sure to pack a lunch, a water bottle and of course your camera. You’ll experience one breathtaking vista after another.
With all the hiking you’ve done and spectacular views you’ve seen an evening on the patio at a local eatery is likely in order! The Reluctant Fisherman, Baja Taco, or The Powder House all offer outdoor seating to complement their delicious dishes. If you’ve brought your bike with you or choose to rent one in town, you still have time to take a leisurely ride out to Fleming Spit (or “Hippie Cove” as it’s called by the locals) to watch a late sunset, salmon jumping, more eagles, ravens, otters, seals and maybe even a coyote!
On your last full day in Cordova, plan to head “Out the Road”. Pack a lunch and snacks and plenty of water or pick something up ready-made at the grocery store’s deli counter. Your first stop along the Copper River Highway, a designated Alaska Scenic Byway, could be the USFS viewing station at 9 mile. It’s a great introduction to the Copper River Delta situated across from a wide-open pond with resident beavers and swans and even a muskrat or two.
From here you can head farther out the road to mile 14 and to Sheridan Glacier for a picnic breakfast. There are a handful of picnic tables, the trailhead for Sheridan Mountain Trail and the easement trail across The Eyak Corporation lands to Sheridan Glacier. A short 15-minute walk and you’ll find yourself on a glacial moraine.
After your visit with Sheridan, your next stop on the Delta should be Alaganik Slough at 17 mile. Your commitment to the dusty gravel road can be rewarded by an afternoon in this favorite spot. You might see moose grazing on the green growth that covers the area, minks fishing in their favorite spots along the slough and wetlands covered in wildflowers in the spring. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk with interpretive signs that end at a magnificent vista.
To wrap up your day, you can drive the remaining 20 miles of highway to the end of the road at mile 36.5 where the mighty Copper River has reclaimed the area where a bridge once allowed passage further on to the Million Dollar Bridge. The views are well worth the drive there and back with plenty of places to pull off the road to take a picture, take in the view and breathe the fresh air.
Before you take flight spend your last morning sipping on a heartwarming cup of coffee from one of our 4 cafes (Kayak Cafe, The Jump, Whales Tail, The Little Cordova Bakery) as you pick up a souvenir or two to remind you of the abundant feeling you will take with you, the harmony that has settled in your bones and soothed your soul, and the zest for life on nature’s terms.
Give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions.