A special note about Haines: Haines is a 45-minute beautifully scenic ferry ride from Skagway. Most shore tours we offer that operate in Haines include ferry transportation from Skagway and back. Otherwise, for Haines guests opting to take a Skagway shore excursion, they will need to purchase the Fast Ferry ticket on their own and ensure safe timing with the tour and their cruise ship schedule. Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee does not apply to guests who opt to book tours in Haines when they are docked in Skagway and vice versa. Please speak with our helpful reservations agents for any questions about this!

Haines has been dubbed “The Adventure Capital of Alaska” with its endless opportunities for year-round fun outdoors. Glaciers helped form this majestic and tranquil area that features stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and canals. Cruise ship passengers will enjoy a less-crowded experience during their time in Haines as the dock only allows for one cruise ship at a time. If your ship is docking in Skagway but you have your heart set on visiting Haines, we’ve got you covered. Our Haines tours also include the option for guests to take the Fast Ferry 14 miles over to Haines and back. This is noteworthy for Skagway guests mainly interested in viewing wildlife as Haines is known as “The Valley of the Eagles” and is home to an abundance of both black and brown bears, and moose. Guided tours such as the Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing, Chilkat River Adventure, and the Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari offer the best chances as your guide will take you to remote and breathtakingly beautiful areas that aren’t typically accessed or well-known.

History buffs won’t be disappointed in Haines. The first settlers in the Chilkat Valley were the Tlingit Indians, and their traditions are still alive today with a large number of native artists and museums that honor and showcase the Tlingit culture, with artifacts that date back at least 1,000 years. Alaska’s first permanent military post, Fort William H. Seward, still stands and is a distinctive landmark of Haines. These white buildings are now privately-owned homes, galleries, and restaurants. The local guides in Haines live for the outdoors and are excited to show visitors the stunning natural landscape and what makes this part of Alaska so special.

 

What Will I Experience in Haines?

Whether you’re looking to take in the sights on a relaxing van tour, or experience the adventure capital of Alaska for yourself, Haines has something for you! Take a look below to see a selection of some of our favorite Haines tour varieties! Or keep scrolling to see our hand curated staff picks.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

From bears, to eagles, to goats & more, experience alaska's wildlife

Adventurous Expeditions

Kayaks, hikes, canoes & plenty of other thrills for the adrenaline junkies in your group.

Or Sightsee in Skagway

 

2400 Population

64 Average July Temperature (degrees farenheit)

4 Tours Offered

20,000,000 Acres of Surrounding Protected Wildernes

            

Want to Learn More? Check Out Our Travel Tips!

Bears Love Haines

Take a look at our Zipline guide to decide if Grizzly Falls is the stop for you!

Skagway is an Exciting Little Town!

Take a look here at what to do between shore excursions, with this list of Cheap & Free stops.

We Give Back!

Skagway is a stunning port surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes: find out what we're doing to help preserve them.

 

Why I Love Skagway

“It’s the adventure Capital of Alaska! As an avid skier, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast, I love Haines because you are always just a few steps out your front door from the next great adventure. Surrounded by the soaring Chilkat Range, multiple winding rivers, and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage, you are never far from another stunning view or awe-inspiring activity. It’s the perfect community for adrenaline junkies & sightseers alike!”

Haley M.

 

How to Explore Haines

All of our excursions provide roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship docks! Haines Shuttle offers rides from the ferry terminal and cruise ships into town. The cost is between $5 – $10 per person. For guests docking in Haines and booked on tours, the guides will be waiting for you on the shore side end of the pier. Captain’s Choice Car Rentals is available year-round with car, SUV, and truck rentals.

CRUISE DOCKS

• The Port Chilkoot (PC) Dock sits less than a half-mile from downtown and directly in front of the historical Fort William H. Seward.

NOTABLE LANDMARKS

• Alaska Indian Arts Center – Located in Fort Seward in the historical former hospital building, the Alaska Indian Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the craft and culture of the Northwest Coast Native Tribes. The center features totem and silver carvers, printmaking, blanket weaving, and historic displays.
• American Bald Eagle Foundation – This foundation places a focus on education and fostering an appreciation for all species in the Chilkat Valley. The raptor center houses twelve avian ambassadors with up-close demonstrations, and the natural history museum displays over 200 specimens in taxidermic exhibits.
• Fort Seward – Alaska’s first permanent military post and a distinctive landmark of Haines, Fort William H. Seward was built in 1904 as a peacekeeping fort and still stands today. The buildings are now privately-owned homes, galleries, restaurants, and a visitor center with a walking-tour map.
• Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage & Bald Eagle Preserve Visitor Center – Sitting on the banks of the Chilkat River, the village of Klukwan is the ancestral home of the Tlingit tribe. This center houses impressive heirlooms of the native culture and features a museum, clan house, carving studio, and gift shop.
• Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center – Explore the fascinating history of Haines and the Chilkat Valley with this museum’s collection of ancient artifacts from the native Tlingit culture, the Presbyterian Mission, shipwrecks, logging days, and the work of local artists.

 

PLACES TO EAT

• Alpenglow Wood Fired Pizza – $$ Pizza
• Fireweed – $$ Bistro, Pizza
• Pilot Light – $$ Diner, American
• Rusty Compass Coffeehouse – $$ Café
• Commander’s Room Restaurant – $$$ Modern American
• Mountain Market & Café – $$ Health Market, Deli
• Chilkat Restaurant & Bakery – $$ Bakery, Thai, American

 

Hungry?

Want to know a little about our favorite spots?

Fireweed Restaurant –

A fantastic view out the window and pizza done right! This place can get very busy, as it’s frequented by locals and visitors. If you’re not in the mood for pizza or calzones, other offerings include salads, sandwiches, and seafood. Beer from Haines Brewing Co is available as well as wine.

Rusty Compass Coffeehouse –

Coffee lovers rejoice! Besides consistently great coffee, this cozy shop offers quick and delicious breakfast items like burritos, sandwiches, bagels, muffins, and other treats. Conveniently close to the cruise ship docks, they also offer free Wi-Fi.

And if you’re thirsty, Haines has plenty for that too!

Haines Brewing Company –

Centrally located on the corner of 4th and Main Street, this brewery offers indoor seating as well as an outdoor beer garden. Their unfiltered and unpasteurized beers feature a rotating lineup of ales, IPAs, stouts, and barleywine.

Port Chilkoot Distillery –

Focusing on local ingredients and flavors, their lineup offers gin, bourbon, rye, vodka, and absinthe. Their gin has won multiple awards and was featured in Travel + Leisure magazine. Cozy up in the tasting room and try these delicious hand-crafted spirits in a flight or cocktail.

 

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