Best Things to Do in Haines on Your Alaska Cruise

Haines, Alaska offers stunning natural beauty and cultural experiences for cruise visitors. Top activities include viewing wildlife at Chilkoot Lake, exploring Native Tlingit heritage at the Alaska Indian Arts Center, hiking scenic trails in Chilkat State Park, visiting the American Bald Eagle Foundation, and taking flightseeing tours over glaciers and mountains.

Quick Facts About Haines

Want to know more about Alaska cruise ports and what each destination offers?

Why Haines Stands Out Among Alaska Ports

Most Alaska cruise itineraries focus on the heavy hitters like Juneau and Skagway. Haines is the quieter sibling that doesn’t get as much attention, which means fewer crowds and more authentic interactions. You won’t find jewelry stores lining the streets or a Starbucks near the dock. What you will find is the real Alaska that existed before cruise tourism became big business.

The town sits at the northern end of the longest fjord in North America and serves as the gateway to some of the most pristine wilderness in Southeast Alaska. Unlike ports where you feel herded through tourist attractions, visiting Haines on your Alaska cruise gives you space to breathe and explore at your own pace.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Let’s be honest: you came to Alaska to see animals in their natural habitat, not in some staged environment. Haines delivers on this front better than almost any other cruise port.

Bear Watching at Chilkoot Lake

The wildlife viewing opportunities in Haines center around Chilkoot Lake, located about 10 miles from town. During salmon runs, brown bears congregate along the river to fish. The viewing platform puts you safely close to the action without disturbing the bears.

• Best timing: July through September when salmon are running
• Book a guided tour through your cruise line or a local operator
• Bring binoculars even though bears often come surprisingly close
• Pack layers because it’s cooler near the water

One thing nobody tells you: the mosquitoes near the lake can be brutal. Bring bug spray or you’ll be miserable despite the incredible bear viewing.

Eagle Viewing

Haines hosts the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world during late fall and early winter. Even during cruise season in summer, you’ll spot eagles everywhere. They’re so common that locals barely glance up when one flies overhead.

The American Bald Eagle Foundation in town offers educational programs and has a raptor center where injured eagles receive rehabilitation. It’s a quick stop that adds context to the eagles you’ll see throughout your visit.

Cultural Experiences Worth Your Time

Alaska Indian Arts Center

Located inside the old Fort Seward buildings, this working arts center showcases Tlingit carvers and artists creating traditional pieces. You can watch them work on totem poles, masks and other cultural items. The artists are usually happy to answer questions about their techniques and the meanings behind different symbols.

This isn’t a sanitized demonstration for tourists. These are working artists in their actual studio space, and the pieces they create are commissioned works headed to homes and institutions around the world.

Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center

Small but packed with fascinating artifacts, this museum tells the story of the Chilkat Tlingit people and the later European settlement. The Chilkat blankets on display are particularly impressive, woven from mountain goat wool and cedar bark in intricate designs that take years to complete.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking in Chilkat State Park

Battery Point Trail offers an easy 2.4-mile loop with stunning views of Lynn Canal and the chance to spot sea lions, seals and whales. The trailhead sits just 7 miles from downtown, making it doable even with limited port time.

For something more challenging, Mount Ripinsky trail climbs 3,600 feet and rewards you with panoramic views. However, this is a full-day commitment that doesn’t work well with typical cruise schedules unless you’re in port overnight.

Flightseeing Tours

Helicopter or small plane tours take you over glaciers and mountain ranges that are otherwise inaccessible. Some tours include glacier landings where you can step out onto ancient ice. These trips are expensive but provide perspectives you simply cannot get from ground level.

The challenge: flightseeing depends entirely on weather. Clouds and rain can cancel your tour with little notice. Book early in your port day if possible, and have a backup plan ready.

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids changes your port strategy completely. The family activities in Haines lean more toward outdoor exploration than structured entertainment.

• Rent bikes and ride along the coastal roads with minimal traffic
• Visit the eagle foundation where kids can learn about raptor biology
• Take a gentle float trip on the Chilkat River suitable for all ages
• Explore the tide pools at Battery Point during low tide
• Stop at the local playground near the harbor for younger children who need to burn energy

Practical Transportation Tips

The cruise dock sits about a mile from downtown Haines. You have several options:

• Walk: Flat and scenic 20-minute stroll along the water
• Shuttle: Many cruise lines provide free shuttles to downtown
• Taxi: Available but limited in this small town
• Bike rental: Several shops rent bikes near the pier
• Tour bus: Included with shore excursions

For Chilkoot Lake bear viewing or Chilkat State Park, you need either a rental car or guided tour. Rental cars are available but book up quickly during cruise season. If you want the flexibility of your own vehicle, reserve well in advance.

Where to Eat

Haines has limited dining options compared to larger ports, but the quality is solid. A few standouts:

• The Pilotlight: Casual spot with burgers, sandwiches and local beer
• Mountain Market: Excellent deli sandwiches and baked goods, plus grocery items if you need snacks
• Mosey’s Cantina: Surprisingly good Mexican food in the middle of Alaska
• Food trucks near the harbor: Fresh halibut and chips, often the best meal you’ll have all day

Fair warning: restaurants in Haines keep inconsistent hours and some close between lunch and dinner. Don’t count on grabbing a meal at 3 PM. Stock up on snacks if you’re particular about eating times.

Shopping Without the Tourist Trap Feel

Haines doesn’t have the endless jewelry stores and T-shirt shops that dominate other ports. What it does have are a few genuine art galleries and craft shops:

• Wild Iris Gallery features local artists and photographers
• Sea Wolf Gallery showcases contemporary Tlingit art
• The gift shop at Alaska Indian Arts Center sells authentic pieces created on-site

Prices for authentic Native art are high, but you’re buying directly from artists or their representatives rather than through multiple middlemen. If you want something meaningful to take home, this is where to find it.

Bonus Tips Most Visitors Miss

• The public library has free wifi and bathrooms cleaner than those at the dock
• ATMs in town charge high fees; get cash on your ship if needed
• Cell service works in town but disappears quickly once you leave
• The Hammer Museum exists and displays thousands of hammers in one building, if you’re into quirky roadside attractions
• Fort Seward’s old parade grounds make a scenic picnic spot with mountain views
• Local fishing charters can be booked if you’re in port long enough and want to catch salmon or halibut
• The visitor center near the harbor has clean restrooms and free maps
• Battery Point offers the best sunset views if your ship departs late

Weather Realities

Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest, which is a polite way of saying it rains a lot. Haines gets slightly less precipitation than nearby Juneau, but you should still prepare for wet weather.

• Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood
• Wear layers you can adjust as temperatures fluctuate
• Waterproof boots or shoes keep your feet dry on muddy trails
• Bring a small backpack to stash layers as you warm up

Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. That’s cooler than most people expect, especially if you’re coming from a warm climate. The upside is you won’t overheat while hiking or walking around town.

What Could Go Wrong

Being realistic about potential challenges helps you plan better:

• Limited tour availability: Haines receives fewer ships than major ports, so tour operators run smaller operations. Popular excursions book up fast.
• Weather cancellations: Flightseeing and some boat tours cancel in poor weather. You might not get a refund if you booked independently.
• Wildlife is wild: Bears don’t operate on a schedule. You might visit Chilkoot Lake and see nothing, or you might see a dozen bears. That’s nature.
• Timing pressure: With only 6-8 hours in port, you need to choose between activities rather than trying to do everything.
• Limited dining: If you have dietary restrictions or are a picky eater, options are slim. Bring backup snacks.

Making the Most of Limited Time

Here’s a realistic itinerary if you only have one day:

Morning (8 AM – 12 PM):

• Take the earliest bear viewing tour to Chilkoot Lake
• Tours typically run 3-4 hours including transportation

Afternoon (12 PM – 3 PM):

• Walk or shuttle to downtown
• Grab lunch at a local spot
• Visit Alaska Indian Arts Center and Sheldon Museum
• Browse galleries on Main Street

Late Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM):

• Walk Battery Point Trail if time allows
• Or relax at a cafe and soak in the small-town atmosphere
• Head back to ship with time to spare

Alternatively, skip the museums and spend your afternoon on a longer hike or flightseeing tour. You can’t do everything, so pick what matters most to you.

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need to book excursions through my cruise line?

No, but there are tradeoffs. Cruise line excursions guarantee the ship won’t leave without you if tours run late. Independent bookings offer more flexibility and often cost less, but you’re responsible for getting back on time. If you book independently, build in a buffer of at least 45 minutes before all-aboard time.

Is Haines wheelchair accessible?

Downtown sidewalks are generally accessible and the terrain is flat. However, popular activities like Chilkoot Lake bear viewing involve uneven ground and viewing platforms with stairs. The museums and Alaska Indian Arts Center are accessible. Check with specific tour operators about accessibility before booking.

Can I see the Northern Lights in Haines?

Haines sits far enough north to see aurora borealis, but cruise season runs during summer when Alaska gets nearly 24 hours of daylight. You won’t see Northern Lights unless you visit during darker months when cruise ships don’t typically operate.

Are there lockers or luggage storage at the port?

No formal luggage storage exists at the Haines dock. Most people carry small daypacks. If you need to store larger items, ask at the visitor center near the harbor. Some shops might accommodate you if you’re making a purchase.

What’s the deal with Fort Seward?

Fort William H. Seward was a U.S. Army post established in the early 1900s. The fort decommissioned after World War II and was purchased by veterans who converted the buildings into homes, businesses and art centers. The Alaska Indian Arts Center now operates in one of the old fort buildings. You can walk around the grounds and see the restored structures.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water in Haines is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up rather than buying disposable bottles.

Will my credit cards work in Haines?

Most businesses accept credit cards, but some small vendors and food trucks are cash-only. Having $40-60 in cash covers most contingencies.

Personal Experience

When our cruise ship pulled into Haines, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this tiny Alaskan town. Everyone else seemed to be heading to the bigger ports, but something about this place felt different. Within an hour of docking, I found myself watching a mama bear and her cubs fishing along the Chilkoot River, close enough to hear the water splashing. The local guide barely whispered as we stood there – it was one of those moments where you forget to even take photos because you’re so absorbed in what’s happening right in front of you.

After the bear viewing, I wandered through the Sheldon Museum and learned more about Tlingit culture than I expected. The totem poles weren’t just pretty carvings – each one told an actual family story. A woman working there took twenty minutes to explain the symbols to our small group, pointing out details I would’ve completely missed otherwise. Then I grabbed fresh halibut and chips from a food truck near the harbor, ate on a bench overlooking the water, and honestly felt like I’d stumbled onto something most cruise passengers miss entirely. Haines doesn’t try to be flashy, and that’s exactly what makes it worth the stop.