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LIFE ON THE WATER

The Story Behind Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

Women in Business cruises: a six-hour journey to Columbia Glacier or a commercial fishing, or environmental changes, we
seven-and-a-half-hour excursion to Mears Glacier. want to connect visitors with this stunning and
Columbia Glacier, one of Alaska’s most dynamic unique part of Alaska.”
and rapidly retreating glaciers, offers a dramatic Stan Stephens Cruises takes pride in its roots.
spectacle of ice in motion. “It’s lost between 15 and Employees are Valdez residents—students,
16 miles of length since the early ‘80s and sheds teachers, and lifelong locals—bringing authenticity
around 6 to 8 million tons of ice a day.” explains to every journey. “Our employees are passionate
Colleen. “It’s like nowhere else in Alaska—massive about Prince William Sound and are eager to share
bergs, sometimes bigger than our boats, drift their knowledge of the area.”
through the basin.” The tour is not only visually Carrying on a Legacy
stunning but also of deep scientific interest. At its heart, the business remains a tribute to
“Glaciologists haven’t really been able to watch founders Stan and Mary Helen Stephens, who built
Tucked away in the pristine waters of Prince a glacier behave the way Columbia is behaving. the company on a love for Alaska and a desire to
William Sound, a family-run cruise operation has It’s history unfolding.” This tour comes with a light share its beauty. “Every day we are continuing to
been offering front-row seats to Alaska’s most lunch and snacks available to purchase. live out their legacy,” Colleen reflects. “We want
breathtaking natural wonder for nearly five In contrast, Meares Glacier presents a more stable every guest to feel like they’ve been invited into our
decades. Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises, and predictable view of glacial beauty. “We can home, to appreciate it, learn something, and take a
based in the picturesque port town of Valdez, typically get within a quarter mile of the face daily,” memory of it with them when they leave.”
has become synonymous with unforgettable she notes. “The Meares Glacier Excursion often has One thing is certain: whether you’re a first-time
adventures, historical storytelling and dedication an advantage for wildlife spotting, simply because visitor or a returning guest, a cruise with Stan
to the environment. it is on the water longer and travelers farther.” On Stephens is more than just sightseeing—it’s a
“We started as a family business in 1971, doing either tour you can expect to spot seals, sea otters, journey into the soul of Prince William Sound, told
sport fishing trips,” recalls Colleen Stephens, who sea lions, orcas, humpback whales, and even the by the people who call it home.
quite literally grew up on the water. “By 1978, we occasional bear or mountain goat along the rugged
launched our first glacier and wildlife sightseeing shoreline. On board, guests will be served a morning For more information or to book a tour, visit
tour—and we’ve been going strong ever since.” snack and lunch. stephenscruises.com. Phone: 866-867-1297.
Today, the company operates two vessels, each Local Voices, Lasting Impressions
capable of accommodating up to 149 passengers, One unique hallmark of the Stan Stephens
though typical tours average 80 to 100 guests. experience is its deeply personal touch. The
These cruises offer more than just stunning captains—each with 15 to 30 years of experience
views—they’re immersive experiences packed in Prince William Sound, narrate the tours, weaving
with history, wildlife sightings, and personal in stories of the environment, history, wildlife, and
storytelling from captains who’ve spent decades local culture.
navigating these glacial fjords. “Our goal is to give people an understanding
Two Glaciers, Two Perspectives of our home as they travel with us,” says Colleen.
Guests can choose between two signature “Whether it’s the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill,

Keystone Canyon their feet on the ground, the Valdez Goat Trail is
When traveling to Valdez, don’t miss Keystone a great place to hike. It is located at mile 13.5 in
Canyon, a place of spectacular waterfalls, magnificent Keystone Canyon and begins at the Bridal Veil Falls
geology and fascinating history. Keystone Canyon is turnout. Don’t forget to take along your camera and
located at miles 14 through 17 on the Richardson capture the flowing waterfalls on film. The most
Highway #4 just east of Valdez. impressive and world-famous falls are Horsetail at
From 1910 to 1916, copper and gold mining 328 feet and Bridal Veil Falls at 600 feet.
flourished in the area. There were attempts to build
a railroad through the canyon and into the copper Kayaking Around Valdez
country. Rival railroad corporations fought a gun Located on the Alaskan road system, Valdez
battle in the canyon to secure a right-of-way north of offers premiere sea kayaking, hiking, and sailing
Valdez. A tunnel built at that time can still be seen as opportunities in Prince William Sound. Multi day
you drive through the canyon. trips either by sea kayak, sailboat, or motor yacht
Keystone Canyon is the place for thrill seekers. from Valdez venture deeper into the wilderness of
Raft or kayak the multi-colored Lowe River which the Sound. Because Valdez is farther from Anchorage
runs through the canyon. The magnificent, steep- than Seward, Whittier or Homer, the area is less
sided rock walls offer popular summer and winter crowded, making the east side of Prince William
climbing challenges. For those who prefer to keep Sound a favorable destination for boaters seeking a
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