Haines

What to know

• Only smaller or select ships call here.
• The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve draws huge numbers of eagles — peak is late fall.
• Many Skagway bear tours run via a fast ferry to Haines.
• Bring a camera and binoculars.

Getting around

Cruise ships tie up at the Port Chilkoot Dock at the base of historic Fort William H. Seward, less than a mile and a few blocks from downtown Haines. Fort Seward, the downtown museums, shops and restaurants are all within walking distance, and the Visitors Center at 122 Second Avenue has free self-guided walking tour brochures. State parks and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve are farther out and are reached by car or on a tour. Source: visithaines.com

Things to do

Walk · walk from dockHistoric Fort SewardExplore the 1901 Army post, now homes and businesses, with a free self-guided brochure, and see its Sculpture Garden.visithaines.comMuseum · walk from dockHammer MuseumA quirky museum of hand tools at 108 Main Street, marked by a 20-foot hammer outside; open mid-May to mid-September.hammermuseum.orgMuseum · walk from dockHaines Sheldon MuseumHistory, art and culture of the Chilkat Valley, on the original Haines Mission grounds overlooking Lynn Canal.sheldonmuseum.orgMuseum · short rideAmerican Bald Eagle FoundationNatural history museum with over 200 specimens plus a live raptor center and aviary at 113 Haines Highway. Hours are seasonal and some days are by appointment, so check before you go.baldeagles.orgTour · excursionChilkat Bald Eagle Preserve floatChilkat Guides runs daily raft trips through the 48,000-acre eagle preserve, with an option to visit the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center.visithaines.comWildlife · excursionChilkat River jet boatChilkat River Adventures runs May–September jet boat trips through the preserve, often spotting moose, bears and eagles.visithaines.comOutdoors · short rideChilkoot Lake State Recreation SiteA lake for kayaking and fishing, with the Chilkoot River known for bear viewing from mid-June to October.visithaines.comOutdoors · short rideChilkat State ParkForested peninsula with spotting scopes for glaciers and wildlife, plus the Battery Point and Mount Riley trails.visithaines.com

Where to eat and drink

BreweryHaines Brewing CompanyLocal craft brewery at 4th and Main, open since 1999, pouring its own beers; cash only.hainesbrewing.comBarPort Chilkoot DistilleryFort Seward distillery and bar known for spruce-tip 50 Fathoms Gin and cocktails with local ingredients.portchilkootdistillery.comCaféMountain Market and CafeNatural foods market and café with house-roasted Ripinsky coffee, sandwiches, soups and salads.visithaines.comCaféRusty Compass CoffeehouseMain Street coffeehouse with homemade soups, sandwiches, daily specials and in-house pastries.visithaines.comCasualChilkat Restaurant & BakeryAmerican and Thai dishes plus homemade donuts and pastries, on 5th Avenue.visithaines.com

Where to shop

ShopUniquely Alaskan ArtsLarge art and gift shop across from the Haines Visitor Center.visithaines.comShopWhale Rider GalleryGallery of Alaskan art up Portage Street from the cruise ship dock.visithaines.comShopAlaska Rod'sHandmade Alaskan products, including custom knives.visithaines.comShopThe BookstoreNew books, cards, stationery and toys on Main Street between Second and Third Avenues.visithaines.com

Photos on Unsplash by Wenhao Ji, Minh Đức, Jonathan Lim, Elan smith, Ray Hennessy, Greg Rosenke, Greg Johnson, Anthony Cox, Andrea Galvan, François Hoppet, Mike Kenneally, Freddy G, Anna Sullivan, Neon Wang, Stéfano Girardelli, Igor bispo, Ugur Akdemir. Many show the town or the kind of place rather than the listing itself.

Port tips

• Pick up free walking tour brochures for Fort Seward, downtown and the totem poles at the Visitors Center on Second Avenue.
• Eagles gather in the largest numbers in late fall and early winter; summer visitors see fewer.
• Check museum days before you go: the Sheldon Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, and the Hammer Museum closes mid-September.

Each listing links to the official or source page we used. Hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Listings are not paid placements.