Major city · United States
CordovaCordova, Alaska
Two nights minimum: Cordova is a remote fishing town with no road connection — fly or ferry in, then explore the Copper River Delta and glaciers.
Cordova sits on Prince William Sound, cut off from the Alaska road system. It's a base for the Copper River Delta, Childs Glacier and the Million Dollar Bridge. The town itself is small — a day of walks and a museum — but the surrounding wilds need two days minimum. Most visitors come for fishing, kayaking or flightseeing.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, heavy snow, many services closed)
- Airport
- CDV
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cordova911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Cordova Medical Clinic+1 907 424-8000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cordova, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCordova is a small, safe town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 907 424-8000 Cordova Medical Clinic
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCDV Merle K.
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–6
- Sit-down mealDinner entrée (seafood)$25–40
- Street or quick mealLunch (sandwich or burger)$12–18
- BeerBeer (pint)$6–8
- Budget bedCabin or vacation rental (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedHotel or lodge double room, a night, per roomUS$300
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$120 · Mid US$200 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CDV Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (Alaska Airlines from Anchorage, Juneau, Seattle and Yakutat; check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jun
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Sep (19 rain days), driest Apr (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cordova: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
16 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
14 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
13 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
May
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
16 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
18 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
19 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
18 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
15 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable. For the delta and glaciers you need a car, a taxi or a guided tour. Rental cars are limited — book ahead.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Childs Glacier and Million Dollar Bridge
goDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Drive or take a tour about 50 miles east on the Copper River Highway
The road ends at the bridge; the glacier is visible from the viewing platform. Check road conditions — sections wash out.
Copper River Delta
goDoor to door: About 30 min to the delta edge
Drive or guided tour on the Copper River Highway
Birdwatching, fishing and hiking; the delta is huge — a half-day is enough for a taste.
Prince William Sound kayaking
goDoor to door: Full day
Guided tour from Cordova harbour
Paddle among icebergs and see sea otters, seals and tidewater glaciers.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre
A handful of hotels and B&Bs within walking distance of the harbour and restaurants.
Near the airport
A few lodges; you'll need a car or taxi to reach town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $120–180 excl. bed
- Mid
- $200–300 excl. bed
- High
- $350+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or lodge double room1 × 2 nights × US$180 | US$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$200 | US$800 |
| Alaska Airlines Anchorage–Cordova round trip2 × US$350 · check | US$700 |
| Alaska Marine Highway ferry (one way, vehicle not included)2 × US$80 · check | US$160 |
| Car rental per day1 × US$80 · check | US$80 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$210 |
| Trip total≈ US$578 per person per day, bed included | US$2,310 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–6 |
| Lunch (sandwich or burger) | $12–18 |
| Dinner entrée (seafood) | $25–40 |
| Beer (pint) | $6–8 |
| Taxi from airport to towncheck | $20–30 |
| Guided glacier tour (half-day)check | $150–250 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No road connects Cordova to the rest of Alaska: you fly or take the ferry.
- Summer daylight lasts until nearly 11:30 pm; winter daylight runs from about 10 am to 3:30 pm.Summer daylight lasts until nearly 11:30 AM pm; winter daylight runs from about 10 am to 3:30 AM pm.
- Bear safety on trails and the delta: carry spray and know how to use it.
- Many restaurants and tours close or reduce hours in winter; check ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Cordova Medical Clinic
- +1 907 424-8000
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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CordovaCordova, Alaska
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Cordova Medical Clinic+1 907 424-8000
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → town taxi: $20–30 (check)
- Copper River Highway to Million Dollar Bridge: about 50 miles, no toll
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where is the trail? — Where is the trail?
English is universal; no special phrases needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cordova. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, heavy snow, many services closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Childs Glacier, Million Dollar Bridge and the Copper River Delta with verified access and seasonal closures.
- Eat pages with last orders and winter closures.
- Airport-to-bed contract for CDV: last Alaska Airlines departure field-checked, taxi fallback.
Sources
Ask about Cordova
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