Gateway Town

Haines

Gateway Town

Bald eagle haven and historic port town. Gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, 93km northeast.

Quick facts

Town Type
Local Haunt
Population
1657
Best Known For
Bald eagle viewing—thousands visit in winter. Historic Fort Seward.
About This Town
Haines is a small port town on the Lynn Canal in the shadow of glacier-covered mountains. Known as the Valley of the Eagles for the thousands of bald eagles that winter here, it combines working-waterfront grit with historic character—Fort Seward's parade ground hosts galleries, theaters, and restaurants. Multiple access routes (ferry, car, plane) make it a practical base for Glacier Bay visitors.

Town overview

Town Type
Local Haunt
Population
1657
Best Known For
Bald eagle viewing—thousands visit in winter. Historic Fort Seward.
About This Town
Haines is a small port town on the Lynn Canal in the shadow of glacier-covered mountains. Known as the Valley of the Eagles for the thousands of bald eagles that winter here, it combines working-waterfront grit with historic character—Fort Seward's parade ground hosts galleries, theaters, and restaurants. Multiple access routes (ferry, car, plane) make it a practical base for Glacier Bay visitors.
What Makes It Special
Thousands of bald eagles winter here—sometimes a dozen per tree limb. Historic Fort Seward dates to the 1902 gold rush. The narrow Lynn Canal and glacier-covered mountains create a dramatic landscape.

Park access

Distance From Park
93.4 km (58 miles) northeast by car; ferry and plane also available
Nearest Airport
Haines Airport, 4 miles west of town; scheduled commercial flights to Juneau and Skagway via Alaska Airlines

Where to stay & eat

Hotel Count
5
Bnb Count
4
Lodging Variety
Hotels, B&Bs, and converted historic lodges in Fort Seward
Best Area To Stay
Fort Seward historic district for atmosphere and dining; downtown for convenient access to shops and services
Restaurant Count
7

Visitor services

Banks Atms
0
Laundry Facilities
0

Things to do

Main Attractions
Fort Seward Historic District, American Bald Eagle Foundation, Sheldon Museum, and bald eagle viewing
Summer Activities
Hiking (walking tour maps available), birdwatching, exploring Fort Seward historic district, and nearby kayaking
Winter Activities
Bald eagle viewing—thousands congregate here October through February. Limited other activities; many businesses reduce hours.
Shopping District
Small downtown and Fort Seward historic district with galleries, local shops, and cafes
Breweries Bars
Several bars and casual dining spots; no major breweries noted

Planning advice

Peak Season
July is peak, with visitor season running late May through early September. Ferry and cruise ship traffic is heaviest mid-summer.
Shoulder Season
September and June offer quieter conditions—fewer visitors and lighter ferry traffic, but facilities remain operational.
Booking Advance
Book hotels and B&Bs 2-3 months ahead for summer peak; winter is more flexible for walk-ins.
Best Time To Visit
July for park access; October-February for eagle viewing. September is shoulder season—quieter, still accessible.
Tips Advice
  • Town is walkable—you can cover it in 1-2 hours on foot.
  • No taxi service; arrange a rental car or bike ahead.
  • Ferry terminal (4 miles north) and airport (4 miles west) are short drives from downtown.
  • Summer ferry traffic can mean waits—book ahead.
  • Bring binoculars for eagle viewing year-round.

More details

Visitor Center Location
Haines Convention and Visitors Bureau at 122 Second Ave S (summer hours typically M-F 8AM-7PM, weekends 9AM-6PM)
Winter Scene
Thousands of bald eagles dominate the winter landscape, but many tourist businesses reduce hours or close. It's a quieter, working-town atmosphere.
Insider Tips
  • Fort Seward's historic parade ground is worth an hour's walk—galleries, theaters, and restaurants occupy the original buildings.
  • Bring binoculars; eagles visible year-round but October through February brings 3,500+ birds—sometimes a dozen per tree limb.
  • The ferry system is the primary inter-Alaskan transport; book ahead in summer.
  • Only ~20 cruise ships visit per season, so the town doesn't feel overrun.
  • Free walking tour maps available at Haines Convention and Visitors Bureau (122 Second Ave S).
Family Friendly Notes
Small walkable town with family-friendly museums (Sheldon Museum, American Bald Eagle Foundation). Safe streets. Cruise ship families visit regularly.
Nearby Facilities
Ferry terminal (4 miles north), Haines Airport (4 miles west), 5 hotels, 4 B&Bs, 7 restaurants/bars, visitor center, museums

Location

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Glacier Bay from Haines?

Ferry from the terminal 4 miles north of town, or fly from Haines Airport 4 miles west. Car access to Haines is via Highway 3 from Haines Junction, Yukon (155 miles away).

When should I visit to see bald eagles?

October through February, when 3,500+ eagles congregate here. Year-round viewing is possible but winter is peak eagle season.

Can I walk around town?

Yes. The compact downtown and Fort Seward historic district are easily walkable in 1-2 hours on foot.

Is there taxi service in Haines?

No. Arrange a rental car, bike, or shuttle service ahead of time. Shuttles run during cruise ship visits.

What's the main draw besides Glacier Bay?

Bald eagle viewing and Fort Seward Historic District. The American Bald Eagle Foundation and Sheldon Museum are also popular.

How many hotels are in town?

About 5 hotels and 4 B&Bs within town limits. Book 2-3 months ahead for July travel.

Gustavus

Gateway to Glacier Bay. Seasonal lodging, limited services, world-class kayaking and glacier tours.

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Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.