Bald Eagle in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
 

Haines Information
By Tom Ogg

Language and Currency
What is Juneau Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss" Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Haines Reviews

Language and Currency

English is the language spoken in Alaska and the U.S. dollar is the currency.

What is Haines Like?

Haines is a small town located on the upper Lynn Canal where the Chilkat River emptys into the Lynn Canal.  Haines is one of the only towns that is linked to the Alaskan highway system so many folks using the ferry system in the Inside Passage will ferry to Haines and then continue on in their vehicles. Haines is also home to the largest sanctuary for bald eagles, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. As the Chilkat River is host to a very late run of Chum salmon, the Eagles gather here by the thousands to enjoy the feast. The town itself lacks the quaintness of other Alaskan ports but is interesting to explore.

What is the ‘Weather Like?

Haines shares the same climate at Skagway but tends to be windier than Skagway if there is any kind of weather front in progress.

Where Does the Ship Dock?

The ship docks at the Haines pier, which is approximately 1/4 mile from the foot of Haines' main street. While there is a shuttle provided, one can easily walk into Haines and its surroundings.

Where is the Shopping?

Haines isn't really known for its shopping however there are a few stores that cater to tourists.  There is a relatively large grocery store where one can stock up on on items they might want to return to the ship with.

What is There to Buy?

Haines is very popular with folks that are into nature in a big way and as a result there are a few galleries offering quality Alaskan art in the form of local crafts, wood carvings, gold items, paintings, fabrics and such. 

What is There To Do?

Ships usually only call on Haines for a short period of time so they can offer trips into the Bald Eagle Preserve.  The rafting trip down the Chilkat River through the preserve is considered an excellent trip by everyone that does it. I would suggest that you do this trip from the ship's offerings as it will maximize your time if you want to experience the area up close.  Exploring the town of Haines, while interesting is somewhat anti climatic after stopping in other Alaskan ports, however, the scenery in and around Haines is absolutely awesome.

One fun thing to do is to tour the old salmon canning company that offers a tour of its facilities once during the daytime and then again in the evening when your ship will probably be in port. It is a colorful look at Alaska's past salmon industry.

Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss" Quality?

Not that I can think of but the rafting trip through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Sanctuary is pretty cool.

Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Not that I know of that really stand out.

Check out the Available
 Shore Excursions in Haine

Haines Reviews
(Click on the Review you are Interested in Reading)

N. Suryamega; Wilderness Kayak Adventure Cruise 
Tracy Hames; Wilderness Kayak Adventure Cruise
Karen Knowlton; Overview of Haines on Foot

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