Visitor FAQ
Got Questions? We Have Answers!
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Cordova is open to visitors! The city is doing all it deems necessary to keep the residents and visitors healthy and safe. There are guidelines from the State of Alaska and City of Cordova regarding testing, quarantine, and social distancing, and vaccinations. Familiarize yourself with all that info at covid19.alaska.gov/travelers. There are also local rules within the community of Cordova. Learn more about those at covid19.cityofcordova.net
Learn more on our Travel Safe Page. For more info on COVID-19 resources for Cordova businesses and residents, visit our COVID-19 Resources page.
The majority of businesses have reopened to have patrons inside their stores. Protocols of a mask, how many patrons are allowed inside at once, and store hours may still fluctuate as needed. Thank you for your patience as we do all we can to keep locals and visitors safe and healthy.
Please note that although masks are not mandated by the city businesses have different protocols, carry a face covering with you to be prepared depending on the situation.
The city is doing all it deems necessary to keep the residents and visitors healthy and safe. Learn more on our Travel Safe Page. For more info on COVID-19 resources for Cordova businesses and residents, visit our COVID-19 Resources page.
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. If you need a car to get around contact Chinook Auto Rental.
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 MV Aurora and FVF Chenega serve Cordova, Whittier and Valdez.
You can also fly to Cordova year-around from Anchorage or Juneau with Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com).
First, check out our Outdoor Adventure page. Maps are available at the Forest Service office on 2nd Street and at the Chamber Visitor Center on First Street.
Chugach Forest Hiking, Backpacking, Camping & Cabins: US Forest Service – Cordova District Ranger Office, PO Box 280, Cordova, AK 99574, 907-424-7661, http://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach/.
Cordova City Camping & Cabins: Bidarki Recreation Center (907) 424-7282 to reserve
Ski Hill Cabin: Sheridan Alpine Association (907) 253-7694 to reserve.
Kayaking is a frequented local activity in the world’s richest waters surrounding Cordova. Some lodgers provide kayaks for their guests. If this is not the case then you will need to provide your own kayak either by traveling with it or purchasing one in town if available. Be aware of high/low tides and rainfall before entering any water.
Biking is a great way to see life in the quaint city of Cordova. Ski Hill, Saddlebag, Ibeck and Sand Trail are open trails to mountain bikers in the summer and fat-tire bikes in the winter. Some lodgers have bikes available for guests to use. If you are looking for a bike you can rent one from Cordova Gear year-round.
Fishing: 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.
Fishing and Hunting are big attractions here in Cordova. Home to the famous Copper River Salmon ensures outfitters, charters, and guides are booked a year or more in advance during salmon run season (June-September).
There are regulations to know and licenses to be obtained before fishing or hunting in Alaska.
Contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Cordova for this year’s up-to-date information.
(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. The average annual precipitation is 167 inches and the 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.
We highly suggest playing in the rain but when the time comes to enjoy being dry, the Cordova Museum, Ilanka Cultural Center, and other shopping stores make for an enjoyable cultural experience with exhibits of artifacts and art to view and to buy.
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.
All Year! The warmest and driest weather is usually in June/July, the most snow is usually in January/February and there is fun to be had all year long. The activities you enjoy in the summer can be enjoyed in the winter the only difference is the clothing you wear and the gear you use. For instance hiking in the summer becomes snowshoeing or backcountry skiing in the winter.
Cordova also hosts events throughout the year that are enjoyable for all ages: 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. Download the 101 things to Do in Cordova brochure here.
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 from the airport and around town?
- What is the room layout? How many beds, how many baths, 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?
Cordova is a coastal town in between the world’s richest waters of the Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta. The weather can change quickly and can be different in town or “out the road”. You will want to layer clothing even on warm sunny days.
Clothing essentials: Fleece sweaters, windbreakers, light jackets, wool socks, waterproof rain gear, and waterproof boots.
Day pack: Plan to carry a small backpack 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 Cordova Gear has a variety of clothing and accessories for adventuring.
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.
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.
Be Bear Aware. In the summer months, bears are often seen around town. Bears are wild animals and are not an attraction to get close to in order to get a photo.
Carrying a day pack with a basic first aid kit and bear spray or something for self defense is a good idea when hiking 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 and 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!
There are 3 grocery stores in Cordova open till 8pm (winter) or 9pm (summer). Check them out here.
In Cordova, all roads come to an end. The longest road of the Copper River Hwy stretches 36mi with mile zero starting at the Ferry Dock on the southwest side of town. You may hear a local say “I’m going out the road.” “Out the road” refers to the Copper River Hwy road that is not paved just past mile 13.
Out the road is how you get to many of the outdoor adventures Cordova has to offer.