The One Alaska Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Stumbling across Haines feels like a bonus in a state already filled with breathtaking attractions. Called the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Alaska, it exemplifies everything people travel here for. You will find fjords, glaciers, and wildlife all in one place, including bald eagles and brown bears. And the crowning glory is the magnificent Haines Highway that stretches 246 kilometers between Haines and Yukon, Canada. Haines is also a less rainy destination compared to its Inside Passage surroundings, so there is always time for kayaking, exploring, hiking, fishing, boating, and so much more. Keep reading to discover more reasons why Haines is the one Alaska town you and everyone else should get to experience at least once.
The Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines
If you are a nature lover, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival is something you simply cannot miss. During the late fall, thousands of bald eagles descend on the Chilkat River to make the most of the late salmon run. This event has expanded to three days and attracts hundreds of visitors from across the U.S. In 2026, the festival will take place between 6 and 8 November and includes birdwatching opportunities, art shows, lectures, and Chilkat River expeditions. The eagles sit and wait in the trees that surround the river before swooping down to pluck the unlucky salmon from the cold water.
You can extend your eagle experience by visiting the nearby Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The preserve is home to a museum where you can view eagle exhibits. You can learn even more about bald eagles at the American Bald Eagle Foundation and Raptor Center near downtown Haines.
Camping and Wildlife Viewing at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
Haines is a gateway town to the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site, which lies 10 miles from downtown. The site comprises an 80-acre park where you can camp, boat, and fish for salmon. If you visit in June or October, you will likely see bears feeding on salmon, too. Remember to keep your distance from the bears at all times, especially while they are eating. Other things to do here include enjoying the lake views while having a picnic on the shores of Chilkoot Lake. If you want to avoid the crowds, time your visit for early fall, since it can get very busy in the height of summer.
Mountain and River Views Along the Chilkat Valley
The views in Haines are a big draw, and you will see why as soon as you get there. The town sits between snowy mountains and the Chilkat and Chilkoot inlets. You can go on a Chilkat Valley scenic drive to take in some of the most dramatic landscapes and views in Alaska. The drive lasts around two hours and takes you from Fort Seward onward to Pyramid Island Lookout. From the lookout, you will be able to see the entire river delta. Carry on to Letnikof Cove Cannery Lookout for an exceptional view of the Rainbow Glacier and Chilkat Mountains. The route loops here and takes you all the way back through downtown Haines and onwards to the Chilkoot River mouth. When you get to the point where the river meets the sea, you might spot a bald eagle or two here in the spruce trees.
Indigenous Heritage in and Around Haines
The Tlingit people, particularly the Chilkat and Chilkoot tribes, have lived in and experienced the beauty of the Haines area for thousands of years. They called it Deishú, meaning ‘end of the trail.’ The sunny, mild climate and the abundance of salmon allowed them to thrive. Today, you can have a native cultural experience when you visit Klukwan, 21 miles north of town. Here, the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center displays wood carvings and totem poles dating back to the time when the Tlingit inhabited the area. Klukwan is the last remaining village of the Chilkat people, and you can hear traditional stories told by those who still live there.
You can also find out more about Haines’ Tlingit history at the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center. There are several exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and even artworks here that detail the daily lives of the Tlingit and the early pioneers who settled in Haines.
Glacier Point Wilderness and the Lynn Canal
There is much more wilderness to explore once you have visited the Klukwan village. An exciting option is a Glacier Point Wilderness Safari that takes you to a remote coastline. At the coast, you will go on a short hike that takes you through a forest before you get to a voyager canoe that will transport you to the Davidson Glacier. This safari brings visitors so close to the glacier that you can feel the cold and hear the ice cracking.
Another must-do tour is a boat ride on the Lynn Canal. The canal is one of the longest and deepest fjords in North America and stretches 90 miles from the Chilkat River in the north to Chatham Strait in the south. Haines sits along the western edge of the fjord. The fjord is a natural spectacle, with glacially carved walls rising to 4,000 feet above the water. While you gape at this wondrous sight, you might also spot whales in the fjord and eagles soaring overhead.
Restaurants and Cafes in Downtown Haines
You might not want to tear yourself away from the spectacular sights in Haines, but when you get hungry, you can take a timeout at The Lighthouse Restaurant. There are more views here as well as excellent seafood. At Alpenglow Woodfire Pizza, you can order the gourmet pizza of your choice and a salad to match. They even make fire-roasted sandwiches, which is an experience in its own right. If all you want is a good coffee and a fresh pastry, you will find that and much more at The Rusty Compass Coffeehouse.
Small Towns Within Driving Distance of Haines
You do not have to end your visit to small-town Alaska when you leave Haines. Instead, you can detour to at least three small towns, each with its own charms and attractions. Skagway is 45 minutes away by fast ferry, a gold rush-era town that boasts the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. You can also visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the Gold Rush Cemetery. If you are feeling very adventurous, you can book your spot on a helicopter that lands right on top of a glacier.
Haines Junction in Yukon, Canada, is a little further at 153 miles, but it is so worth the drive. This small village is surrounded by the Saint Elias Mountains. It is also the gateway to the Kluane National Park and Reserve.
If you do not want to drive for two hours, you can head to Mosquito Lake, about 30 miles from Haines and 5.5 miles from Klukwan. Mosquito Lake is all about wildlife and wilderness, and you can learn more about both at The Kroschel Wildlife Center. You can also go fishing on the local lake or ice fishing during winter.
Why Haines Leaves a Lasting Impression
If you are looking for the quintessential Alaskan experience, Haines is it. There is nowhere else on Earth where you can experience bald eagles converge in their masses before feasting on salmon, or where you can tour the deepest fjord of its kind, all in one place. You can connect with the enduring spirit of the Tlingit people and find some peace for your mind and soul in the absolutely magnificent outdoor landscapes. If you have ever wanted to find yourself in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, take that long-planned trip now and make your destination Haines.
