4.7 / 5
Haines is Alaska with the volume cranked up—bald eagles crowd the sky, emerald rivers cut through valleys, and icefields loom just beyond town. Step off the pier and you’re in a place that feels both wild and welcoming, where “downtown” means mom-and-pop shops and a laid-back pace.
Don’t let the town’s size fool you. Haines has always punched above its weight—from its roots with the Chilkat Tlingit (master traders of the Inside Passage), to its Gold Rush heyday when fortune-seekers turned the Dalton Trail into a highway north. The U.S. Army followed, establishing Fort William H. Seward in 1903, giving the town its historic bones alongside the mountain backdrop.
Today, Haines is an outdoor mecca with its frontier vibe intact. Think fewer crowds than Skagway, but all the scenery—and then some. And thanks to years of fine-tuning small-group tours here, Shore Excursions Group makes it easy to step off the gangway and straight into the real Alaska.
Planning Your Trip
A short port stop in Haines can still feel like a full-blown Alaska story if you plan smart. Decide what you’re hungry for: wildlife, water, photography—or a mix of all three.
Early outings are golden, with calmer water and more animal activity, so those morning slots disappear fast. Book ahead to lock in small-group space and pier pickup, and build in a little wiggle room. The views here are notorious for turning “five more minutes” into a missed schedule.
Best Time to Visit
Cruise ships swing into Haines from late spring through early fall. May and June show off long daylight hours, crisp air, and peaks brushed with fresh snow. July and August crank up the warmth (and the crowds), while salmon runs turn rivers into feeding grounds for hungry eagles and bears.
September trades busy trails for autumn colors and quieter streets, though rain likes to tag along. Whatever the month, pack layers; you’ll thank yourself when the weather mood-swings before lunch.
How To Get There
Haines makes the cut for big-name lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Norwegian, along with smaller expedition ships. Most ships tie up at Port Chilkoot, right next to Fort William H. Seward—a five-minute stroll into town.
Smaller vessels sometimes tender here, but either way you’re in the heart of things. Port calls are daytime affairs, often four to eight hours long, so plan on one standout tour and a relaxed stroll, not a marathon checklist.
Getting Around in Haines
The pier places you within easy reach of cafés, galleries, and the fort’s old parade grounds. On ship days, taxis and shuttles are handy for Chilkoot Lake or trailheads, while most Shore Excursions Group tours scoop you up right at the dock.
Heading out solo? Add buffer time—the views along Beach Road are a world-class distraction. Just don’t forget that your ship’s clock won’t wait for you.
Essential Travel Information
Haines is easy for cruise visitors. Your ship card gets you on and off, but a photo ID is wise to carry. Cash works for small vendors, though cards are widely accepted. And Alaska’s top rule: dress like the weather could change twice before noon.
Entry Requirements
Since Haines is a U.S. port, most cruisers stroll off without a hitch. If your itinerary dips into Canada earlier, immigration is usually handled onboard before you arrive.
Planning a side trip across the border? Bring your passport. Otherwise, your ship card and an ID cover you fine. Security checks happen at the gangway, not at the pier.
Currency
It’s all U.S. dollars here. ATMs are easy to find, and most shops take tap-to-pay cards. International visitors usually get the best rates by letting their bank card do the converting. Tipping follows standard U.S. customs.
Health and Safety
No extra vaccines are needed. Think layers, insect repellent in summer, and sturdy shoes for slick docks or pebbly beaches. Guides carry safety gear and know the terrain, and dialing 911 works for emergencies. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife—let your camera’s zoom do the close work.
Top Excursions and Tours
Haines is a buffet of “only-in-Alaska” moments, and Shore Excursions Group teams up with local guides who live and breathe the rhythms of salmon runs and eagle migrations. Translation: they know exactly where to go when the action starts.
Small groups mean less waiting, more doing, and easy pickups. Whether you want to float, paddle, or snap photos, you’ll find an outing that fits your style. Check out our guest-favorite categories with handpicked tours below.
Wildlife & Nature Viewing
Haines is famous for its wildlife corridors, especially around river mouths and turquoise Chilkoot Lake. Bears follow the salmon, eagles stack the treetops, and seals cruise the estuaries. The scenery stands on its own—but the animals turn the volume up. These outings are all about steady, calm time in prime habitat.
Nothing beats a quick, focused outing when your ship time is tight. The Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing Express from Haines fits a scenic drive and wildlife stops into just two and a half hours.
In a small group of 14, you’ll watch for eagles, salmon, and bears along the Chilkoot River, then step out at a lake so blue it looks edited. With binoculars ready and a guide who knows the best pullouts, this express trip makes every minute count.
If you want more time on the ground and a picnic, choose the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing from Haines.
The route lingers at prime pullouts where your guide keeps a scope on salmon, eagles, or even bears. Between the big scenery and a lakeside meal, you’ll get a relaxed look at the valley while learning how its wildlife fits together.
Prefer your wildlife with a paddle in hand? The Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour from Haines swaps roads for quiet water. With easy instructions and all gear included, you’ll glide past waterfalls, salmon, and eagles in a two-person kayak. It’s a calm, close-to-the-water way to see Chilkoot Lake without the crowds.
River & Fjord Adventures
The Chilkat and its braided channels define this valley. These are gentle, glacial rivers—broad, shallow, and alive with birds. You won’t be crashing through whitewater here; you’ll be floating past it all with plenty of time for photos. Guides do the rowing while you scan the banks and sky. It’s a relaxed way to cover miles and get deep into the preserve.
The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting from Haines lets you experience unspoiled Alaska in a personal and intimate way: a scenic drive to the put-in, an easy float through the world’s largest congregation of bald eagles, and a riverside lunch along the scenic Haines Highway.
With no paddling required, your hands are free for binoculars or a camera as the raft drifts quietly past salmon runs and forested banks. And, hearing the wingbeats before you spot the eagles is unforgettable.
Want a bit more zip without losing the wildlife focus? The Jet Boat Adventure from Haines uses a shallow-draft boat to slip into side channels and open vistas inside the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Designed for small groups, it’s smooth, comfortable, and covers more ground than a raft—perfect for photographers or mixed-age groups. Expect salmon, eagles, and maybe even moose, all wrapped up with a riverside picnic when you return to the dock.
Traveling with your own crew and want it all to yourselves? The Private Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting in Haines keeps the raft exclusive to your group, with a guide tuned to your pace and interests.
It’s the same serene float, just with the flexibility to linger where the scenery (or the eagles) demand. Pause where the eagles perch, watch them swoop for salmon, and soak in the stillness without sharing the view.
Photography & Private Journeys
Some places are just made for cameras; Haines is one of them. With waterfalls, mirror-flat inlets, and raptors on nearly every snag, your memory card fills fast. If you’re new to your camera, local guides help with settings and composition on the fly. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a day that’s just yours, private options make it simple.
The Small Group Chilkat Photography Tour from Haines is led by a photo-savvy guide who knows the valley’s angles and light. With no more than 10 guests, you’ll frame eagles in flight, chase reflections, and stop at overlooks most visitors miss.
Whether you’re shooting with a pro camera or a smartphone, your guide offers tips on composition and lighting so you come away with “keeper” shots. The small group size allows your guide to spend individual time with each participant, helping you improve your technique while capturing once-in-a-lifetime memories.
If you’d rather shape the shoot entirely, the Private Chilkat Photography Expedition from Haines puts you in charge. Want birds, waterfalls, or driftwood textures? Your guide builds the route around your interests and the day’s conditions.
Stops may include Tanani Point, Lutak Inlet, Chilkoot Lake, and other prime spots, giving you time to capture the valley at its best.
Wildlife your priority, but craving a quieter scene? The Private Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing in Haines keeps the focus on the lake, river, and rainforest at your pace.
A spotting scope brings bald eagles close, and a stop at the historic Letnikof Cove Cannery frames Rainbow Glacier in the background for a classic shot.
Paddlers can keep it exclusive on the Private Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour from Haines. Spend four hours gliding across calm green-blue water in sturdy sea kayaks while watching for eagles, salmon, and shoreline bears. It’s an unhurried, close-to-nature way to experience the lake without the crowds.
Or go coastal on the Private Inside Passage Sea Kayaking, where fjord walls rise on both sides and the water comes alive with porpoises, seals, or even humpback whales. About two hours of paddling are broken up by a remote beach stop for lunch, giving you time to stretch and take in Southeast Alaska’s wild beauty.
Travel Tips and Tricks
A few smart habits can turn a good day in Haines into a great one. Dress in layers you can shed as you warm up, and bring a brimmed hat and light gloves—as summer mornings near glaciers can still be crisp. Cold air drains batteries fast, so pack extras or a power bank. Give yourself a 30-minute cushion before all-aboard and enjoy a slow walk along the waterfront to close out your day.
Packing Essentials
Start with the basics: a waterproof shell, insulating mid-layer, and a quick-dry base. Add wool socks, a beanie, and sunglasses to beat the glare off ice and water. In summer, bug spray and a pocket-sized umbrella earn their keep.
For photographers, a microfiber cloth handles misty moments, and a small pair of binoculars is a pocket upgrade you won’t regret.
Language and Communication
English is the main language, with guides tuned in to the phrases visitors use most. Cell coverage is strong in town but fades once you head into the valleys, so download offline maps before sailing. If you’re roaming internationally, double-check your plan and use ship Wi-Fi to dodge surprise charges.
Cultural Etiquette
Haines is laid-back, but respect runs deep. Give wildlife space, pack out what you bring in, and stick with your guide in sensitive areas. You’ll encounter Tlingit cultural sites, so photograph with care and follow any posted signs. A simple “thank you” goes a long way here; locals appreciate travelers who tread lightly.
Alaska, Your Way
Haines makes adventure effortless. Step off the pier and into wild country—where you can float past eagles, paddle a glacier-fed lake, and still be back in time for sail-away. Skip the crowds and claim your adventure by browsing our Haines shore excursions and booking early. Your ship brings you here. Let our guides bring Alaska to life.
