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Haines
While in Haines experience Lynn Canal Marine Route, Haines Highway Trail, Porcupine Road/Sunshine Mountain Trail, Mount Ripinsky Trail, Seduction Point Trail, Mount Riley Trail, and Battery Point Trail SEAtrails; Natural and cultural attractions include Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve (18 miles from Haines); Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center; American Bald Eagle Foundation; Bald Eagle Festival; Fort William H. Seward (Parade Ground); Alaska Indian Arts Center; Chilkat Tribal House; the Dalton City stage set for the Jack London movie White Fang; Tsirku Canning Company; and the Yukon Tatshenshini/Alsek Provincial Park.
Overview
Everything you thought Alaska would be is in Haines! Here you will find a perfect sampling of Alaska’s history, scenic beauty, arts and culture, wildlife and lifestyle. Located on the pristine shores of America’s longest fjord, glacier-covered mountains rising from the sea and numerous lakes and rivers teaming with fish and wildlife surround this town of 2400 year-round residents. Every fall, thousands of majestic bald eagles gather in the nearby Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
In 1972, the post was designated a national historic site and the name, Fort William H. Seward, was restored. Established as the first permanent army post in Alaska, Fort William H. Seward is a distinctive landmark in Haines and now boasts being a unique arts and culture district.
The Haines area was called “Dei-Shu” by the Tlingit, meaning “end of the trail.” There is a Tlingit Indian village in the Haines area called Klukwan, which means “Mother Village.” A tour of the village can be arranged with a local guide. In 1970, the City of Port Chilkoot (formed in 1956) merged with Haines into one municipality. In 2002, the City was consolidated with the Haines Borough.
Transportation
Haines is located between the Chilkoot and Chilkat Rivers on the western shore of the longest fjord in America, the Lynn Canal.
By Air – Located 80 miles north of the state capital; Juneau – 30 minutes, Skagway – 10 minutes. After arriving in Juneau on Alaska Airlines, daily scheduled flights to Haines are provided by Air Excursions and Wings of Alaska.
By Sea – Alaska’s Marine Highway – 2 ½ to 4 ½ hours depending on which ferry vessel is scheduled. Skagway is approximately one hour by State Ferry and 35 minutes by a local ferry during the summer for passengers only (no vehicles).
By Road – Haines connects with the Alaska Highway in Haines Junction via the 155 mile Haines Highway. Allow 3-1/2 hours driving time for the Haines Highway. Driving distances: Anchorage – 775 miles, Fairbanks – 660 miles, Whitehorse – 250 miles.
Haines shares a border with 20 million acres of protected wilderness. The heart of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park is approximately a 15 minute flight from Haines. Canada’s Kluane National Park and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park are just up the road.
Services
Haines is a full service community with grocery stores, automobile service, photography supplies, gift stores, gas stations, RV parks, camping facilities, State ferry terminal, a State-owned seaplane base, two small boat harbors with a total of 240 moorage slips and a cruise ship dock. There is an array of accommodations available including bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, cabins and hostels.
Weather
Haines has a maritime climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 46 to 66; winters range from 10 to 36. Temperature extremes have been recorded from -16 to 90. Total precipitation averages 52 inches a year, with 133 inches of snowfall.
Local Contacts
For information about Haines contact the Haines Convention and Visitors Bureau at P.O. Box 530, Haines AK 99827, (907) 766-2234, (800) 458-3579 or email at , or contact the Haines Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 1449, Haines, AK 99827, (907) 766, 2202, or by email at . The Haines Visitor Information Center, on 2nd Avenue South, has free “Visitor Guides” & walking tour maps, as well as statewide and Yukon brochures and information.Sources
Haines SEATrails
Community Locator
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