Haines , Alaska

In the valley of the eagles, Haines is located at the northern end of America’s longest fjord. The original settlement was begun as a trading post and Presbyterian mission in 1879. Today’s visitors enjoy spotting the abundant wildlife and browsing the galleries of the works of Chilkoot and Chilkat Tlingits and other resident artists. After all, Haines did start out as a trading post.

Diversions

Ships calling on Haines dock at the Port Chilkoot Dock just opposite Fort Seward. If your ship isn’t calling there, you can easily reach Haines from Skagway by water taxi for a day excursion.

Eagles and its Native Alaska heritage are the significant draws to this picturesque setting. The American Bald Eagle Foundation and Natural History Museum contains a huge diorama celebrating the “Valley of the Eagles.”

The replica of a Chilkat Native tribal house or the Chilkat Center for the Arts is where the famous Chilkat Dancers perform. After the show, visitors are treated to a delicious salmon bake. 

Take a nature hike through an Alaskan rain forest and bring your binoculars to catch an up-close glimpse of eagles. For a more leisurely pursuit, local guides will take you on a horse-drawn carriage tour through Fort Seward, the downtown area, and along the Lynn Canal.

Deluxe Haines Highlights
Adult: $54.00 Child: $27.00 (12 & under)


Discover this special corner of Alaska on an unforgettable tour of a picturesque town few have the chance to experience.

Board a deluxe motorcoach and drive through historic Fort William H. Seward, the first U.S. Army outpost in Alaska. Then visit the Sheldon Museum for a look at Haines’ colorful past. Venture out along the Chilkat Peninsula where glaciers, peaks, rivers and ocean converge. See the mighty Chilkat River emptying into the sea and Rainbow Glacier tumbling from the lofty heights of the Chilkat Mountains. Pause for a photo opportunity at an old salmon cannery and take a deep breath of Alaska’s fresh salt air. Your guide acquaints you with the unique human and natural history of Haines and the Chilkat Valley.

On the return to town, tour a one-of-a-kind recreated salmon cannery. The entire line of antique equipment has been meticulously reconditioned and is in perfect working order. This fascinating operation is a classic example of turn-of-the-century ingenuity. Come away with an appreciation of the industry that shaped Alaska’s past and continues to influence its future.
Best Of Haines By Classic Motorcar
Adult: $54.00
Child: $54.00 (Minimum age is 7)

In the classy comfort and intimate setting of 1930s and 40s vintage automobiles, knowledgeable and entertaining guides show you the highlights of Haines.

Elegantly curved fenders, polished chrome grilles, oversized steering wheels, roomy interiors and wide white wall tires evoke the nostalgia for a time when cars were made to last and designed to please the senses. Seated comfortably in 6-passenger classic cars, drive back in time on a tour through historic Fort William H. Seward, site of Alaska's first permanent military outpost. See totem poles and Native clan houses and get a sense of how local residents live and work while touring downtown Haines. Your journey takes you down coastal roads to Picture Point for outstanding views and photographs of your ship. Continue along Lynn Canal, rimmed with mountains and glaciers, to one of the most scenic, old canneries in Alaska. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you are bound to see eagles, and perhaps whales, seals or dolphins.

Chilkoot Lake Bicycle Tour
Adult: $87.00
Child: $87.00 (Minimum age is 10)


Tour an ocean estuary and glacier-fed Chilkoot Lake by bicycle!

Learn about colorful local history as you depart downtown Haines on a short van ride. After gearing up, your bicycle ride starts along the shore of Lutak Inlet, where the river meets the sea. Pedal eight miles along flat dirt and paved roads, keeping a look out for wildlife that might include eagles, salmon, sea lions, whales and bears. Take in gorgeous views across the emerald lake and inlet surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls and jagged mountain peaks. Your tour concludes with a delicious snack of smoked salmon. Enjoy mild exercise and the great Alaska outdoors.

SPECIAL NOTES
Wear walking shoes or sport shoes and dress warmly. Distance covered is approximately 8 miles. Participants should have ridden a bicycle recently or be confident on a bicycle and must be at least 4'6''.
Alaska Nature & Wildlife Expedition
Adult: $75.00
Child: $58.00 (12 & under)


Travel by motorcoach with engaging naturalists to the "Valley of the Eagles" to view Alaska’s magnificent wildlife and enjoy breathtaking photo opportunities.

Nestled between rugged glaciers and snow-capped mountains, the fertile Chilkoot Valley is home to brown bears, bald eagles, mountain goats, river otters, spawning salmon and birds. Powerful spotting scopes afford close range views of mountain goats in alpine meadows, bears along the river and eagles' nests. Seasonal wildlife includes colorful harlequin ducks, marbled murrelets, loons, surf scoters, seals, sea lions, porpoise and whales. Experience the world’s largest temperate rain forest during a refreshing walk though ancient muskeg beneath hemlock and spruce trees. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the wildlife of Haines!

Chilkoot Lake Fresh Water Fishing
Adult: $145.00
Child: $130.00 (3 to 12 years)


Spend a day fishing amidst the magnificent beauty of Chilkoot Lake - a summertime haven for bald eagles.

Enjoy a 20-minute scenic drive to Chilkoot Lake, one of the most picturesque locations in southeast Alaska. Your fishing expedition begins aboard a covered, 28-foot pontoon boat. Depending on the season, several varieties of salmon and Dolly Varden are the likely catches. Every fisher is in control of their own spin-cast pole and tackle. Your experienced guide assists with everything from new fishing methods to untangling your lines while you relax and absorb the grandeur of the surrounding snow-clad mountains. Tour is operated on a catch and release basis.

SPECIAL NOTES
Minimum age is 3. Rubber-soled shoes and warm clothing are recommended.

Eagle Preserve Wildlife Quest By Jet Boat
Adult: $99.00
Child: $79.00 (12 & under)


A jet boat tour deep into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve offers a true wilderness experience.

Enjoy the scenery in Haines during the narrated drive to the preserve. Where the road ends, your adventure begins as you board a jet boat and cruise miles of scenic tributaries. Your boat is designed for this silt-laden river and is the only access to a remote, roadless portion of the preserve. The boats are uncovered so you can view and photograph animals unhindered. Waterproof outerwear and lap blankets keep you warm. Wild animals give no guarantees, but we have a very high success rate of seeing moose and bear. Bald eagles are accustomed to our boats, so have your cameras ready for once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. The scenery alone is worth the trip with cascading, hanging glaciers and surrounding mountains that soar to 6,000-foot heights.

Sip hot beverages around a crackling campfire before returning to your ship.

SPECIAL NOTES
Wear warm clothing and dress in layers.

Eagle Preserve Scenic Float Adventure
Adult: $99.00
Child: $99.00 (Minimum age is 7)


Enjoy a unique rafting adventure (no white water) through the world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.

A brief tour through Haines and historic Fort William H. Seward begins your quest into the heart of the "Valley of the Eagles." Here, an 18-foot raft awaits to take you on a voyage of discovery through the braided waters of the Chilkat River.

The Chilkat Preserve boasts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles, drawn to the river to feed on salmon. It is also home to moose, bears, wolves and a host of other animals. In addition to its abundant wildlife, the
preserve boasts towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.

The best way to absorb its natural splendor is by raft, floating quietly down the river through the heart of it all. Expert guides share their extensive knowledge of the preserve’s unique ecosystems and the area’s rich Native history, including Klukwan, a riverside village that has been a center of Tlingit culture for centuries. At the end of the float, enjoy a riverside snack before heading back to your ship.

SPECIAL NOTES
This tour has no white water and may be enjoyed by anyone in good health, if they can cover uneven terrain. Dress in warm layers. No expectant mothers.
Wilderness Kayak Experience
Adult: $99.00
Child: $69.00 (7 to 12 years)


Glide silently into the Alaska wilderness on an adventure to one of the state’s most scenic areas. Join the centuries old dance of man moving in rhythm with nature as you dip your paddles in the resplendent waters.

Glacier-studded peaks provide unrivaled scenery as the backdrop for one of Alaska’s sunniest paddle destinations. Your knowledgeable guides brief you on weather conditions and wildlife sightings on the short bus ride to the launch site. The kayak route is tailored to provide optimal weather and wildlife viewing conditions.

After being outfitted and introduced to basic skills, you’ll quickly be at ease floating inches above the water in fast, stable fiberglass kayaks. Marvel at this unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness. Depending on site and season, you might see eagles, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, otters, sea birds and spawning salmon.

Enjoy a light lunch before returning to your ship.

SPECIAL NOTES
Minimum age is 7. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Participants over 6'6" or 300 lbs. may not fit comfortably in kayaks.
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
Adult: $219.00
Child: $219.00 (Minimum age is 7)


Travel through deep fjords, lush rain forest, colorful wildflowers and towering mountains on a journey to the face of a sprawling glacier. This wilderness safari into the pristine beauty of Alaska is a photographer’s dream.

Board one of the fastest catamarans in North America for a 40-minute cruise along Alaska’s deepest fjord. Watch for whales and sea lions en route to a remote beach at Glacier Point. After a short scenic drive and fascinating 1/4-mile walk, the forest suddenly opens to a breathtaking view of the glacier. A 31-foot canoe takes you on a voyage of discovery among icebergs to the face of the mighty Davidson Glacier. Throughout your tour, expert guides share their extensive knowledge of this amazing landscape.

A tasty box lunch is served onboard the catamaran on your trip to or from Glacier Point.

SPECIAL NOTES
Participants must be in good general health and able to hike over uneven terrain. Dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. No expectant mothers.