Things To Do In Haines
1. Sightsee Haines
Haines may be a tiny town, but it serves up a wealth of activities.
Check out the abundant bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife as you improve your camera skills on a photography tour.
Then take to two wheels and pedal around this quaint town; rent a bike or opt for a guided bicycle tour of just a few hours or several days. Visit Fort William H. Seward, which dates to 1902 and is now a showcase for Alaska Indian art—it’s just a 10-minute walk from downtown.
And explore the town’s fascinating museums and cultural centers, covering everything from native Tlingit people to hammers.
Take an unforgettable adventure and sharpen your camera skills on a Photography Tour
2. Get Out on the Water
Shimmering waters surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks make for amazing kayaking (single or multi-day) or rafting tour.
You can also easily visit nearby Skagway by hopping on the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry (the fastest way to get between the two towns); once there, enjoy of all of the fun things to do in Skagway.
A guest with Alaska Mountain Guides kayaks past an ice berg.
3. Go for a Hike
Take advantage of the town’s unique location by hiking its variety of trails.
Some of them wind around the beautiful coastline and lead to beaches and magnificent views; others climb high into the mountains, offering stunning overlooks (like Mt. Ripinski, where you can get a beautiful perspective on the entire Haines area).
You’ll also find good hiking trails right in town.
Photo by Vonnie Jones
4. ATV up a Mountain
Drive yourself on a guided off-road ATV tour up Takshanuk Mountain Trail and experience pristine wilderness, unforgettable views, and a delicious meal!
nd at the top, 1,500 feet above sea level, you’ll take in the sweeping vista of shimmering Chilkoot Lake, set in the stunning Chilkoot Valley.
Takshanuk Mountain Trail. Photo by Barbara Mulford
5. Look for Wildlife
The Haines area is home to tons of wildlife—from moose to bears and a variety of birds—and you may even see some of them right downtown!
Join a guided tour with Rainbow Glacier Adventures, and have a local guide bring you to all the best spots.
While you can spot bald eagles here year-round, thousands more arrive in fall; the result is more bald eagles than anywhere else in the world.
Check them out at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. And further celebrate these birds during the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, held every year in November.
Photo by Kara Capaldo
Day Tours & Attractions View All
Guided sea kayaking in Alaska’s Southeast opens up the magical world of water-based touring. Glide through a marine environment with gorgeous views in every direction, and many opportunities to spot wildlife – from eagles and salmon to bears, whales and sea lions. Options include day tours for busy schedules and multi-day immersions, all under the expert guidance of naturalists who help you understand the complex workings of a unique and amazing ...more
Operating from May to September, this private ferry service is the easiest and fastest way to travel between Haines and Skagway. The 45-minute ride passes through Taiya Inlet, a steep-walled rocky fjord just outside of Skagway, and then opens up to the Lynn Canal near Haines. As you ride, look for seals and sea lions, as well as humpback, minke, and orca whales. Don’t forget to look up from the water from time to time to check out the ...more
Drive yourself on this guided off-road ATV tour in Haines and experience pristine wilderness, unforgettable views, and a delicious meal! And at the top, 1,500 feet above sea level, you’ll take in the sweeping vista of shimmering Chilkoot Lake, set in the stunning Chilkoot Valley.
With bald eagles, bears, and gorgeous scenery, as well as fascinating culture and history, these tours out of Skagway and Haines offer an up-close experience with insights from knowledgeable local guides. There are several options, including wildlife and nature tours that focuses on finding and learning about wildlife, a photography tour where you get the chance to enhance your photography skills, rafting, and some fun sightseeing tours ...more
