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No, there is no road to drive into Cordova from out of town. There are plenty of opportunities to see the sights from your vehicle once here on our scenic Copper River Highway. You can bring your car on the ferry with you. Contact: Alaska Marine Highway (http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/), 800-642-0066. The Alaska state ferries serve Cordova, Whittier and Valdez. You can also fly to Cordova year-around from Anchorage or Juneau with Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com), 800-252-7522.
First, check out our Outdoor Adventure page. You can also ask: US Forest Service – Cordova District Ranger Office, PO Box 280, Cordova, AK 99574, 907-424-7661, http://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach/. Maps are available at the Forest Service office on 2nd Street and at the Chamber Visitor Center on First Street. Contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game (link: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=contacts.cordova) in Cordova for this year’s hunting and fishing regulations and to get a license. (907) 424-3212, 401 Railroad Ave, Cordova, AK 99574.
Yes, see the Outfitter section of our directory or call us for more info. 907-424-7260. If you locate your own local guide, here are a few questions to ask them:
- How long have you been guiding in Alaska?
- Are meals provided? Are snacks and water also available? Is there anytime when meals are not provided and I need to pack my own food?
- Is the guide certified in first aid? Does the guide carry a beacon, gun or bear spray?
- Is the vessel equipped with current life jackets for each passenger? A satellite phone?
- Does the pilot or captain have a license?
- Does the pilot carry a personal beacon and emergency provisions on board?
Cordova rests in a temperate rainforest. Average annual precipitation is 167 inches and average annual snowfall is 80 inches. Winter temperatures average 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, temperatures can range between the 60’s and 80’s Fahrenheit.
Here in Cordova, restaurants proudly serve wild caught Copper River salmon and other seafood from Alaska. Visit the Restaurants and Caterers section in our Business Directory for a full listing of great places to eat or download our Dining Guide here.
The warmest and driest weather is usually in June and July, but there is fun to be had all year long. There’s Iceworm Festival in the winter, Shorebird Festival in the Spring, Salmon Jam in the summer and Fungus Festival in the fall as well as lots of other events. Check out our Events Calendar for a full list!
In our free time, Cordovans enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, trapping, fishing, and camping. They also look forward to festivals each year, such as the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, our Old Time Downtown 4th of July Celebration, the Cordova Iceworm Festival, Copper River Salmon Jam, the Cordova Fungus Festival and our annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa Parade. In the winter Cordova is famous for her potlucks, and we have many talented amateur chefs who love to cook with wild harvested food from right here in Cordova and Prince William Sound. Cordova also has a very active art community and its local art council, Cordova Arts and Pageants brings in artists and performers all year long, mostly performing in the new North Star Theater in the Cordova Center. There’s lots more to do too. Check out our list of 101 Things to Do in Cordova.
Check out the Lodging section of our directory for a full list of Chamber lodging members. Here are a few questions to ask before you book:
- Are you within walking distance to downtown? Do you offer a shuttle?
- What is the room layout? How many beds, how many bath, how many rooms?
- Are you located near any outdoor recreation opportunities I don’t want to miss?
- (If applicable) Is your lodging child/pet friendly?
- (If applicable) Is my room and bathroom handicap accessible?
- How do I contact management if there is a problem with my lodging once I arrive?
- What amenities do you provide that I may not have heard about?
Since weather in the Sound can change quickly, you will want to layer clothing even on warm and sunny days. Fleece sweaters, windbreakers, light jackets, rain gear and waterproof boots are essentials when packing for your trip. Day pack: Plan to carry a small back pack on your adventures with water, snacks like a power bar, a basic first aid kit and waterproof matches. Bear spray and a personal beacon can be small items that make a big difference. If you forget something, don’t worry. Several local retail shops sell the must-have items.
Moose, sea otters, seals, black and brown bears and birds of all kinds are common sightings. Certain times of the year you can also see spawning salmon. In certain areas of the delta you might also be able to catch a glimpse of wolves, coyotes, wolverines and other wildlife. Click here to learn about other Outdoor Adventures available in the area.
Cordova is surrounded on all sides by a beautiful wilderness. Please be mindful and respectful of its spectacular wildlife by educating yourself in proper wilderness etiquette and safety. Always observe wildlife from a distance, and never attempt to feed or entice bears or other wild animals with food. Moose and bears with young can be especially aggressive. Keep your distance and never get between a mother and her young. For more info contact Alaska Department of Fish & Game in Cordova.
For tips on Safe, Legal and Ethical Sportfishing, view our infographic here.
Carrying a day pack with a basic first aid kit and bear spray or something for self defense is a good idea when hiking and adventuring in Cordova’s wilderness. An extra layer or change of clothes can also be helpful as many areas can be very wet and weather can change suddenly. Check with the US Forest Service for current conditions before leaving. Before leaving your lodging, always make sure to tell someone where you are going. You can also leave a trip plan noting the time of your departure and when you plan on returning. Even a simple flat tire can be made a whole lot easier by following these tips!