Every summer Cordova’s population swells with young idealists, opportunists and stragglers hoping to make a mint by canning salmon on 16-hour shifts. Whether you’re curious about the effects of sleep deprivation on adventurous teenagers or just want to see how some of the finest salmon in the world is processed, ask at the Chamber of Commerce about canneries offering tours. You can watch your own catch get processed at Northern Fish Alaska (northernfishalaska.com), a smaller-scale operation that packs salmon and ships it to your home.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.15 MILES
In Cordova, the standard greeting among locals is ‘Been fishing?’ Unsurprisingly, the harbor is the community’s heart, humming throughout the season as…
0.36 MILES
Cordova's Museum has been relocated to new digs in the impressive Cordova Center. It was on the cusp of opening at the time of research and was due to be…
0.42 MILES
This compact museum operated by local Alaska Natives has a small but high-quality collection of Alaska Native art from all over the state. Don’t miss the…
Prince William Sound Science Center
0.16 MILES
This dockside research facility offers themed ‘Discovery Packs’ for kids, which include information on the birds, flora and geology of Cordova. Inside the…
0.4 MILES
Standing sentinel over the small-boat harbor, this bronze study of a fisherman at the wheel of his trawler in inclement weather was commissioned in the…
Nearby attractions
0.15 MILES
In Cordova, the standard greeting among locals is ‘Been fishing?’ Unsurprisingly, the harbor is the community’s heart, humming throughout the season as…
2. Prince William Sound Science Center
0.16 MILES
This dockside research facility offers themed ‘Discovery Packs’ for kids, which include information on the birds, flora and geology of Cordova. Inside the…
0.36 MILES
Cordova's Museum has been relocated to new digs in the impressive Cordova Center. It was on the cusp of opening at the time of research and was due to be…
4. Cordova Fisherman’s Memorial
0.4 MILES
Standing sentinel over the small-boat harbor, this bronze study of a fisherman at the wheel of his trawler in inclement weather was commissioned in the…
0.42 MILES
This compact museum operated by local Alaska Natives has a small but high-quality collection of Alaska Native art from all over the state. Don’t miss the…