Known as the ‘end of the trail’ by the Chilkat group of the Tlingit Indians who were the first inhabitants in the area, today Haines is a bustling tourist town located along the Lynn canal. The town’s mountainous backdrop, cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor adventure make this southeast Alaskan destination the perfect place for a peaceful yet active retreat.
One of the major attractions in the town is the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve. The sweeping park, covering nearly 50,000 acres, is home to the world’s largest population of bald eagles. Adventure activities, including rafting along the Chilkat river and hiking the Takshanuk mountains are an exciting way to enjoy the striking Alaskan landscape.
The strong heritage of the Tlingit Indians is proudly celebrated in a number of museums such as the Alaska Indian Arts Museum and Sheldon Museum and Cultural Centre. Cruise ships make regular stops at Haines port, which is widely considered the most beautiful port of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Shops can be found in abundance in Haines, selling a diverse range of goods from souvenirs and traditional crafts to couture clothing. The town also boasts a wide variety of restaurants and a number of bars for some fun evening time socializing.
Highlights
Fort William H Seward: this decommissioned fort is now an historic landmark and has been developed into a commercial area with eateries, guesthouses and galleries housed in the original buildings.
Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center: offers tourists great insight into the history of Haines with displays and artifacts documenting the history of the Tlingit people, the pioneer history of the town and the military period.
Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve: is home to the world’s largest population of bald eagles. There is also a separate non-profit natural history museum at the American Bald Eagle Foundation.
Chilkat dancers storytelling theatre: fascinating matinee performances can be seen Monday to Friday that offer a glimpse into the traditional performing arts of the Chilkat people.
Bird-watching: over 200 species of birds are native to the area. Try spotting them alone or take a tour available from a number of local travel agents. ****