What to do in Haines?

[chrismch]

Looks like Haines is a small town with a fort and cultural museum to see which we can probably do without booking a ship's excursion. Does anyone have any other good options for this port?

[mapleleaves]

Most towns have a web site to promote local activities, businesses, etc. Google any town's name with visitor information or chamber of commerce to find it:

http://www.haines.ak.us/activities

[OldBoot]

We docked in Haines on our Alaska cruise. The town is tiny and has its charm. Do take a stroll, but do not miss out on a chance for a wonderful excursion. The ship's excursions are quite good on the Alaska itinerary. If you are at all able to take advantage of them, do. We took the ferry from Haines to Skagway and rode the Whitepass train.

 

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[Suzanne123]

We've done a few ship's excursions in Haines when we docked in Skagway: Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, Fishing on Chilkoot Lake, and Kayaking on Chilkoot Lake. The high speed ferry ride is part of all three, and Glacier Point was the highlight for us.

[karatemom2]

If you prefer to venture out on your own you can rent a car. Avis has an office at the Halsingland Hotel a short walk from the dock. The town is small and easily explored on foot if you prefer, but we are very glad we opted to rent a car and explore outside of town where you can really take in the beauty of the area.

[donaldsc]

Looks like Haines is a small town with a fort and cultural museum to see which we can probably do without booking a ship's excursion. Does anyone have any other good options for this port?

 

Halibut fishing.

 

DON

[Koali]

We went on an ATV ride. They bring you up the mountain. You stop halfway at the lodge from some snacks before heading up to the top. At the top is absolutely gorgeous view of the lake. They stop at several points to take pictures ( on a bridge, in front of the waterfall). On the way down, you stop at the lodge for a home cooked meal, pretty delicious. We saw a few birds, which the guide pointed out. We even ran across a bear, a little too close though! I highly recommend it.

http://www.takshanuktrail.com/

 

 

 

 

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[frugaltravel]

I would definitely try to do something in/near Haines vs. going to Skagway. Skagway is much more commercialized. Haines is quieter, more "real" if you want to use that word, no big commercial shops, jewelry shops, etc. The Glacier Point excursion is popular. Renting a car and driving up the Haines Highway and/or to Chilkoot Lake will be very scenic and popular.

 

You don't say when you are going, but if later in July or Aug/Sep, you have a good chance of seeing bears as you drive to Chilkoot Lake.

[mikaula]

We walked around the town & went to a totem pole shop where a man was carving a huge totem. We also bought some homemade soap nearby. We saw lots of eagles & enjoyed a fish & chips lunch. It was a great low key day.

[fleckle]

Looks like Haines is a small town with a fort and cultural museum to see which we can probably do without booking a ship's excursion. Does anyone have any other good options for this port?

First, download for free

 

Murray's Guide to the Haines Highway

 

Yes, it was written by Cruise Critic's own Murray, the same guy who wrote the wonderful, famous highway guide for the drive north from Skagway.

It describes the sights to see, mile by mile, along with photos.

 

 

Also send for the free Haines vacation planner at this link

 

Request a Vacation Planner | Haines Alaska

 

 

If you happen to be going to Haines in late August - early September, take a drive out along the Chilkoot River at sunset and drive slowly for a good chance of spotting the bears out there.

 

Here is a link to a nice video preview of the type of scenes many of us have been fortunate enough to see there without needing to take a commercial tour.

 

 

You can just park right by the side of the road and watch them.

Even get out of your car, as long as you don't try to get too close.

They are more interested in the salmon than the tourists.

 

But there are no guarantees that the bears will be there. It can be hit or miss.

 

Edited February 25, 2014 by fleckle