Official Language:
English
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Currency:
US Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 2000 people call Haines home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Haines Alaska: Haines enjoys the best weather on the Inside Passage with temperatures in the Spring and summer temperatures from 60°F-80°F/16°C-27°C. Nighttime, early mornings and higher elevations are cooler, from the 40's-50's/10°C. If visiting later in the summer, you could encounter slightly colder temperatures. As Alaskan wildlife is unpredictable, so is the Alaskan weather. It is always recommended that you carry a warm jacket, gloves and take along rain gear or an umbrella.
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Cruise ships dock in Haines at the pier in the Fort Seward District. From here, you are within walking distance to all the sights in this historic and charming Alaskan town.
Many folks visiting Haines opt to rent a car to explore the sights. Contact Avis (tel. 800/542-6363), at the Hotel Halsingland, for more information. If you prefer to rent a bicycle, contact the friendly folks at Sockeye Cycle (tel. 907/766-2869) located right next to the Port Chilkoot Dock on Portage Street. Finally, call up Haines Taxi and Tours at 907/766-3138 to arrange for taxi transportation.
Haines Set on the beautiful Chilkat Peninsula at the Chilkat Mountains, it is just south of Skagway and northwest of Juneau. A regular ferry service links Haines and Skagway. Alaska's salmon fishing grounds are locked in ice, bald eagles gather here by the thousand to fish in the Chilkat River mainly because Haines' climate is considerably drier than most of southeast Alaska - and warmer. The "big baldie" convention occurs during the winter, but even in summer Haines has 200 year-round raptor residents which are readily spotted on any of the fascinating wildlife tours available from Haines. Visit the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and see the eagles, on foot, by bus, kayak, river raft or mountain bike.
Located on the site of a Chilkat Indian village, first as a North West Trading Company post in 1878 and later a gold rush supply centre, an outlet for the Porcupine mining district, and a frontier fort. A mission was established in 1881 by a missionary accompanied by naturalist John Muir. Today, the missionaries are gone and Haines has become one of Alaska's premier native cultural and arts communities. At Fort William Seward, where the former army barracks are now museums, inns and art galleries. Visit the Center for the Arts and see the distinctive fringed blankets, priceless examples of the Chilkat Indian weavers' art, made of yarn from the hair of the mountain goats.
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Attractions |
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The American Bald Eagle Foundation Natural History Museum is located at Haines Highway and 2nd Avenue (907/766-3094) and is a tribute to the celebrated bald eagle. The film and wildlife room is quite interesting, and the staff provides a wealth of information. Thanks to efforts of both local and national government, the American bald eagle has made a tremendous comeback from the endangered species list. The American Bald Eagle Foundation Center can be contacted at the same number if you are interested in learning more about the cause, or if you wish to make a contribution.
Fort William Seward is located in southern Haines, and was constructed in 1901 by Americans battling the Canadians during a dispute over border rights. Fortunately, battle never reached the fort itself, and there were not any casualties among Americans living here. Fort Seward remains a fascinating historical favorite for visitors to Alaska. The architecture here is magnificent, a wonderful collection of colonial buildings that look even more impressive when covered by a couple inches of snow. This 400-acre parcel was purchased by five World War II veterans who hoped to make it their own private community. They were unsuccessful, but all five men did go on to become highly regarded members of the Haines community.
Kayaking, Fishing, and Biking main activities in Haines.
There are some outstanding places to see kayaking off the coast of Haines, and the best company to contact for kayak rentals is Tanani Bay Kayak and Canoe Rentals (907/766-2804). They are located on the corner of Front Street and Union, and you can rent single or double kayaks for either a half or full day. To fish the gorgeous waters of Haines, you will need a fishing license, so one of your first stops when you get into town should be the Alaska Sport Shop (907/766-2441). During the summer when the snow melts away, beautiful bike trails are uncovered. For bike rentals, contact Sockeye Cycle on Portage Street (907/766-2869). They have a great selection of bicycles, and a helmet and bike lock are included with your rental. They can direct you to the best biking, and lead guided trips as well
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More Information |
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Haines Convention and Visitors Bureau
Phone: 907 766 2234
Toll Free: 800 458 3579
Web: www.hcvb@haines.ak.us
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