Haines, Alaska

Haines is a beautiful seaside harbor town that offers a wonderful sampling of Alaska’s history, scenic beauty, arts and culture, wildlife and lifestyle.

Haines is located on the pristine shores of America’s longest fjord and is surrounded by glacier-covered mountains rising from the sea and numerous lakes and rivers teaming with fish and wildlife. Thousands of majestic bald eagles gather every fall in the welcoming embrace of the nearby Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

The white buildings of historic Fort William H. Seward, the first army post in Alaska, form a distinctive landmark on the hillside clearly visible to those approaching by sea. This historic site is now a unique arts and culture district. Renowned as an artist’s haven, Haines galleries and shops offer exceptional artwork in traditional native and contemporary styles.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find unlimited opportunities for recreation, from biking, hiking and skiing to a variety of excursions on local rivers and lakes. Charter boats offer sightseeing and sport fishing for salmon and halibut. Around town, visitors can browse quaint shops and galleries and visit four museums. Walking and cultural tours are popular. Visitors can also drive the highway loop connecting Haines with Haines Junction in Canada, which is one of the most spectacular scenic drives in North America.

Eagles and Wildlife

Haines is famous for its large bald eagle population of about 300 year-round resident bald eagles. Known for abundant wildlife, Haines offers great opportunities to see moose, bears, 260 species of birds, humpback whales, harbor seals, otters, orca whales and more, all in their natural hatitat.

Haines Bald Eagle Festival

Bald Eagle Festival - November

Over 3,000 eagles gather along a four-mile stretch of the Chilkat River north Haines each fall to feed on a late run of salmon. This wildlife spectacle is the largest gathering of eagles in the world. Eagles flock from as far away as Washington State for the abundant feast. Starting in late October, eagles by the hundreds can be seen along the sand bars and in cottonwood trees in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. This world-famous festival has a full schedule of events catering to birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers. Events include guided eagle viewing tours, photography workshops, speakers, presentations, entertainment, and more.

Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was created by the State of Alaska in June 1982 to protect and perpetuate the world’s largest concentration of Bald Eagles and their critical habitat. It also sustains and protects natural salmon runs.

Hammer Museum

This interesting museum is a unique attraction in Haines. There are over 1500 hammers on display. Visitors will see everything from a 200 A.D. Roman battle hammer to a hammer used for applause at the Cotton Club, in New York City. The museum is located at 108 Main Street in Haines and is a popular attraction for summer visitors to Haines. Go online to www.HammerMuseum.org to learn more.

Access: Alaska Marine Highway ferry system; fast ferries for walk-on passengers between ports. All classes of cruise ship. Scheduled air taxi service from Juneau, Skagway and Whitehorse. By road via the Haines Highway which connects with the Alaska Highway in Canada.

Location: Haines is located on the western shore of Lynn Canal, between the Chilkoot and Chilkat Rivers. It is 128 km northwest of Juneau, just south of the Canadian border of British Columbia.

Population: 2,400.

Accommodations: 6 hotels/motels; 8 lodges/cabins; 9 bed and breakfasts; 16 restaurants/cafes/snackbars.

External Link: Hianes Convention and Visitors Bureauofficial website.