Haines, Alaska, has about 2,000 residents and sees far fewer visitors than its northern neighbor, Skagway. Yet there’s no shortage of things to do. Visitors can bike scenic trails, hike rugged paths, look for wildlife, or dive into the rich local art and history.
Nestled in the northernmost waters of the Lynn Canal, the region experiences mild weather in summer, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Cruise ship passengers, especially those looking to escape the crowds, often find Haines to be a refreshing port of call.
Since the port of Haines can only accommodate one cruise ship, guests can enjoy the town’s small-scale charm to themselves.
Visitors can explore the Chilkoot Valley, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for bald eagles and bears.
For culture enthusiasts, Haines showcases its rich heritage through various museums and galleries. Whether seeking outdoor thrills or cultural insights, we feature the best things to do in Haines, catering to diverse interests.
Transportation
Haines offers various transportation options for visitors to reach the town and explore its surroundings. Efficient ferry services and local rental options make getting to and around Haines convenient.
Getting To Haines
Visitors can reach Haines by air or sea. A common method is to fly into Juneau and take a smaller regional airline to Haines. Alternatively, the efficient Alaska Marine Highway System offers year-round ferry service to the region.
From May to September, the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry offers a quick 45-minute ride between Haines and Skagway. This private service provides a scenic journey through Taiya Inlet.
Most visitors arrive in Haines as part of an Alaska cruise. It’s an excellent alternative to the port of Skagway when their docks are full. Cruise ships dock at Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock (PC), a half mile from downtown. Cruise guests can access the town by cruise line shuttles.
Getting Around Haines
Once in Haines, visitors have several transportation choices for exploring the area. While the downtown area is walkable, rental cars are available from Avis, allowing flexibility to see sights at your own pace.
Bicycle rentals are popular as an eco-friendly option. Cyclists can enjoy the town’s quaint atmosphere while getting some exercise.
Some tour companies offer guided bicycle tours lasting a few hours, providing an active way to learn about Haines’ attractions.
Public transportation options in Haines are limited, so having a rental vehicle or using tour services is recommended for accessing areas outside the town center.
Cultural Experiences
This port stop offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, blending history, art, and local traditions. Walking downtown, we immersed ourselves in the area’s heritage, sample craft spirits, and explore the thriving arts scene.
Explore Fort William H Seward
Fort William H Seward, a National Historic Landmark, reminisces on Haines’ military past. It was the last gold rush-era fort constructed in Alaska in 1904.
The fort’s parade grounds host community events throughout the year. Should you visit in July, your visit might coincide with the annual Southeast Alaska State Fair.
Today, the fort’s restored buildings house art galleries, shops, and restaurants. A self-guided tour of the grounds provides a good history lesson of the area.
We enjoyed reading informational plaques, admired the preserved architecture, and enjoyed scenic views of the Lynn Canal.
Ft Seward Street, dubbed Officers Row, has some of the loveliest residences overlooking Lynn Canal.
Port Chilkoot Distillery
Port Chilkoot Distillery offers a taste of Haines’ craft spirit scene. The distillery, founded in 2013, produces small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey using locally sourced ingredients and glacier-fed water.
Visitors enjoy guided tours to learn about the distilling process and the history of spirits in Alaska. The tour’s highlight is the tasting room and an opportunity to sample their award-winning products. Its 50 Fathoms Gin is a crowd favorite, having won gold at the World Spirits Competition.
The distillery’s cocktail garden, open during summer months, serves signature drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s an ideal spot for locals and tourists to enjoy handcrafted cocktails while enjoying mountain views.
Enjoy Arts And Culture
Haines boasts a vibrant arts community, earning its reputation as the “Arts Capital of Alaska.” The town has numerous galleries, studios, and museums showcasing local talent.
The Haines Sheldon Museum offers exhibits on Tlingit culture, local history, and contemporary art. It is not affiliated with Sitka’s better-known Sheldon Jackson Museum. The Haines venue houses an extensive collection of Chilkat blankets and other traditional Native Alaskan artifacts.
The Alaska Indian Arts Center, located within Fort William H. Seward, showcases traditional Northwest Coast Native art and offers carving demonstrations.
Further north, art enthusiasts can visit the many galleries along Main Street, which feature paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted items by local artists. The First Friday art walks provide a chance to meet artists and view new exhibitions.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor activities are plentiful in Haines, from wildlife viewing to hiking and biking. There’s no better starting point than the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, the perfect locale for avid photographers.
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
The town’s Eagle Preserve is a 48,000-acre protected area along the Chilkat River. It’s home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.
Thousands of bald eagles congregate in the area each fall, drawn by the abundant salmon runs in the Chilkat River. The vital feeding ground allows visitors to witness the eagles’ breathtaking aerial displays and nesting behaviors in a pristine wilderness setting.
While I live in an area of nesting eagles, the sheer number of birds at this location makes it worth the visit. While the eagle population explodes into the thousands in winter, cruise guests can view several hundred during summer.
Kroschel Wildlife Center
Located 28 miles outside Haines, the Kroschel Films Wildlife Center provides up-close encounters with Alaskan wildlife. Wildlife enthusiast and educator Steve Kroschel founded the center, which is dedicated to rehabilitating and caring for various animals.
Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the habitats of species like wolverines, lynx, bears, wolves, and moose. Tours include feeding demonstrations and interactions with some of the friendlier residents. We even got to kiss a moose!
The center’s mission focuses on education and conservation. It offers a unique opportunity to understand Alaska’s diverse wildlife in a controlled setting. Kroschel Wildlife Center was voted the number one activity in Haines by Tripadvisor readers in 2024.
Hiking Trails
While Skagway offers easier hiking options, the trails in Haines are primarily moderate to challenging. The Battery Point Trail is well-maintained and popular for its scenic coastal views. Expect to spend 1.5 hours to complete this out-and-back trek.
For a more challenging hike, Mount Ripinsky provides a steep ascent with panoramic views of the Chilkat Valley. The hike requires proper preparation and equipment, as the trail can often be muddy and overgrown.
For those who prefer a more leisurely walk, the riverside trail at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve delivers. Some of the two-mile route has wooden boardwalks, making it accessible to many visitors.
Explore By E-Bike
E-bike tours provide a fun way to explore the streets of Haines and its surroundings. Guided tours cover scenic routes along the Chilkat River and through the lush Alaskan forests.
We like to rent e-bikes when we travel because they allow us to cover more ground than on foot. E-bikes make riding easier by providing power assist on uphill climbs or more challenging routes.
E-bike Haines offers one-hour to full-day rentals, and safety equipment is included. Alternatively, Sockeye Cycle, which has locations in Skagway and Haines, offers rentals and tours. Some of their excursions combine biking with paddling and beer sampling.
Haines Museums
Haines offers unique museums that showcase the town’s history, culture, and quirky attractions. They’re an excellent option for those on a budget or passing the time on a wet day.
Hammer Museum
Haines, Alaska, might have one of the quirkiest museums in the state. The unorthodox Hammer Museum, dedicated to the history of hammers, is a unique cultural attraction. What was once someone’s bizarre collection is now one of the city’s most popular exhibits.
The museum, located at 108 Main Street, displays over 2,000 hammers from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can see the evolution of hammer design, some without handles.
Dave Pahl’s collection of hammers has grown over the past 20 years, some through donations. Stop by his museum to get a glimpse of the 19-foot hammer that showcases his storefront.
Sheldon Museum
Located on the original Mission grounds in downtown Haines, this museum preserves and interprets the Chilkat Valley’s history, art, and culture. Named after Steve Sheldon, who moved to the area in 1911, the Haines museum houses an extensive collection of local artifacts.
Visitors can dive into displays that bring to life the stories of indigenous cultures, early settlers, and the region’s unique wildlife. Rotating exhibits highlight various aspects of Haines’ rich heritage, making each visit a new experience, especially for residents.
Nearby, the Haines Visitor Center offers additional information on local attractions and assists tourists in planning their museum visits.
Day Trips From Haines
Haines offers exciting opportunities for a day trip to nearby Skagway. The Haines Skagway Fast Ferry provides quick access to explore the historic Gold Rush town. While cruise guests can use this option, sometimes the ferry is sold out if a cruise line books all available spots.
Alternatively, arranging a car rental and driving part way to Haines Junction in the Yukon territory offers a scenic road trip.
Skagway Excursion
The passenger-only Fast Ferry journey across Lynn Canal takes about 45 minutes and includes narrated commentary. From the cruise port, it’s five miles to reach the Haines Ferry Terminal via Front Street and Lutak Roads.
This scenic ferry ride offers breathtaking views of coastal mountains and glaciers. Upon arrival in Skagway, travelers step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era.
Skagway’s well-preserved historic district features wooden boardwalks and Gold Rush-era buildings. Visitors can learn about the town’s colorful past at museums like the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Popular activities include riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This narrow-gauge railway climbs steep mountain passes, offering panoramic vistas. Adventurous visitors can also hike scenic trails or go rafting on the Taiya River.
Before returning to Haines, travelers can browse unique shops and enjoy local restaurants. The ferry’s flexible schedule allows for a full day of exploration in Skagway.
