Location: Haines
Top Things to do in Haines
Top Restaurants in Haines
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Haines, United States
Looking for an authentic Alaskan experience? Visit Haines. A popular cruise port, Haines is a great place to see the outdoors – hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are all popular activities. A top local attraction is the decommissioned military outpost of Fort Seward, now an historic landmark. Bird watchers take note: the world's largest concentration of bald eagles comes to the area every autumn.
Restaurants in Haines
1. Kroschel Films Wildlife Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By Vector123 - Miami, Florida
What led us to take this tour (aside from our love of animals and those who care for them) was a film entitled "Chasing the Phantom". It is about the elusive wolverine and how Steve Kroschel adopts and raises two orphaned wolverine kits. Needless to say you must be experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to try and raise such wild creatures.
So when we saw a picture of Steve with a wolverine in an ad for the wildlife center, it was game on. While we already had X amount of tours booked including the train ride (which was great), we skipped the panning for gold and barbecue to do this tour.
I cannot even begin to describe how happy we were to have taken the time to do this tour.
The bus driver was juggling while waiting for the tour guests to arrive via ferry, and it was evident he is not your typical bus driver. His name is Zumba, and while that name really does not fit a human, it did in this case(I say that affectionately). He was very passionate about the wildlife center and the dedicated staff. A lady greats everyone and gives a brief overview, then introduces one of the gentlemen named Mario. I will not give it away, but he appears in an interesting fashion that lets you know this will not be a typical zoo type experience.
As we walked along, you get to see up close and personal many exotic animals, whether it be a lynx, wolf, bear, virtually every class of weasel,then on to a moose, reindeer, porcupine, etc., etc.
Some of the animals you get to touch, feed or even kiss if you are brave enough. Petting a porcupine was a unique experience, and getting up close to a wolverine was the highlight for us. Steve like Mario is very knowledgeable and informs you of more than just the basics.
Their ability to interact with these well cared for creatures and how they respond tells you a lot about this wonderful place. Steve was very generous with his time, and had even spoken to me in advance, to try and work out the logistics of us arriving outside of the typical cruise ship excursion, if that was the only way for us to get there with limited time.
I am writing this review despite still dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Irma. So that should indicate how enjoyable our visit was for me to take the time and do a review with so much else going on.
We cannot say enough about this wonderful experience, as it was the highlight of our trip to Canada and Alaska.
2. Chilkoot River
Overall Ratings
5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By DickandPaulineP - Worcester, Massachusetts
Our group took a tour out of Haines up the Chilkoot River valley along the Lutak inlet to the lake. Great scenery and lots of eagles. Saw a few mountain goats on hills on other shore up the sides of hills/mountains. Definitely needed biinocs for many. A nice scenic tour.
3. Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
Reviewed By Captnslow - North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
about an hour travel time each way, maybe a little less. Full narrative along the way. Ferry equipped with restrooms that were clean. Coffee bar provided, seats were standard type. Able to walk around from deck to deck. Use the outside upper deck for best photography.
4. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
One of the best places to view the bald eagle.
Reviewed By wegoustay - State College, Pa
Saw several eagles and a few gulls during our raft adventure on the Chilkat River. Adult and immature eagles at various spots on our float trip. Some feeding on salmon. Had high hopes we might spot other wildlife but did not. As we were first raft in our 4 raft flotilla we got closer to the eagles than maybe the other three did. Given other rafting adventures we had on the trip the price for this one was rather steep IMO.
5. Hammer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Museum owner Dave Pahl has built a collection of more than 1,000 hammers over a few decades of construction work.
Reviewed By Frenzyallthetime
We made it a point to stop here and we were not disappointed. Even the young gal who was working that day was very happy, proud to answer our questions and provide interesting information regarding the museum and some of the items inside. Add it to your list of "must see" when in Haines.
6. Port Chilkoot Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Port Chilkoot Distillery is a micro-distillery that handcrafts fine Whiskey, Bourbon, Gin, Vodka, and Absinthe. The Distillery is located in the historical Army Fort William H. Seward (now called Port Chilkoot), in the restored Bakery building. The small Tasting Room onsite allows visitors to see the operation and sample the spirits straight, or in handcrafted cocktails. The seasonally-changing cocktail menu highlights the flavors of Southeast Alaska's wild harvest.
Reviewed By John S - California
If you dock in Haines from a cruise ship, skip the big fancy excursions, get yourself a rental car and hang out locally. There is plenty to do for your one day in port and the Port Chilkoot Distillery is not the least of these.
Port Chilkoot is a local Haines, Alaska distillery of fine whiskies and spirits. It is located in a hip, yet gritty Haines building and smells of hard work, love, fun and know-how. You have the option of trying their vodka, bourbon, absinthe, gin and rye (pay for a round of tasting then decide what you like the best). Or, have the mixologists mix up a drink using one of the aforementioned.
Sure, there are some tourists there from the ship but if you save this as your last stop before you have to board, you will most likely be hanging out with some cool locals. Again, they seemed young and hip with that well-known Alaskan hardiness.
This is walking distance from the ship so you really can go until the last minute. The logo featured on the caps and shirts is one of the coolest I've ever seen. Don't let anyone tell you it is expensive. This is a local distillery, and it is Alaska, so the prices seemed right on to me. Their hours vary seasonally so check their website for more information on this. Definitely go! This is a Haines must-see, even if you don't drink. It is Southeast Alaska's first distillery and the co-owner is one of the nation's first female head distillers (according to their press kit).
7. American Bald Eagle Foundation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
The American Bald Eagle Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization located in Haines, Alaska. Since opening in 1994, our aim is to educate and inspire guests from around the world about the American bald eagle and interconnected species through our natural history museum and raptor center. Anyone who passes through our doors will take a walk through the cultural and natural history of Southeast Alaska. Let our staff guide you to understanding and appreciating the ecology of our unique region.
Reviewed By CMosimann - Whitehorse, Canada
My son (8yrs) and I visited during a rainy day in Haines and found it very enjoyable. The biologist who conducted our tours was knowledgable and personable. He was able to explain things easily for my son to understand while still making it relevant to me. The information about the raptors was great, but so too was the rest of the museum.
8. Haines Borough Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By feltsoul - Boydton, Virginia
This is a beautiful library. A great place to stop and enjoy a peaceful, warm afternoon on a rainy day. Great book and magazine selection for a few hours of reading. Always seems to have a used book sale going on, great for travelers and campers.
9. Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
This educational institution of the Haines Borough collects, preserves and interprets the history, art and unique blending of diverse cultures within the Chilkat Valley.
Reviewed By feltsoul - Boydton, Virginia
This is a great museum with exhibits about the native population including early weavings, basketry, tools, culture as well as history of white settlement in Haines and the surrounding territories. Very very informative and a great little museum store with native carvings, jewelry, fiber art and books. Purchase the 3 museum pass to this, the Bald Eagle Foundation and quirky but fascinating Hammer Museum. You will not be disappointed!
10. Chilkat River
Overall Ratings
5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Geoff W - Sydney, Australia
Our guides were very professional, helpful and knowledgeable. Our guide, female, was informative, spoke well and was enthusiastic about her job of rowing the raft. It was a pleasure to be on her raft, the wilderness swept over you and enveloped itself around you. Vvery peaceful, and enjoyable. there were a few Bald Eagles about, enough to satisfy the photographer within.
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