Haines Travel Information
Welcome to Haines, Alaska: Haines is a small coastal town located on the gorgeous Lynn Canal Fjord. The town of Haines is considered the adventure capital of Alaska, where jagged glaciated peaks, wild and scenic rivers, and one of the largest fjords in North America converge. These incredible natural resources grant Haines unparalleled access to outdoor adventure.
Arrival Information: We ask that you arrive in Haines the evening before your expedition starts; it’s often easiest to stay in Haines the night your trip ends, as well. Please contact us if you are unable to schedule your travel to arrive the evening before and we can discuss alternative options.
Most people fly into Juneau and take either a seaplane or ferry up to Haines. We have suggestions on travel by air, land, and sea in the tabs above.
We will pick you up from the airport or ferry terminal on your arrival date and drop you off for your departure, if needed. Please notify the Chilkat Guides office of your expected arrival or flight information as soon as possible and let us know of any delays or changes.
Pre-Trip Order of Events: After you have arrived and settled in, we will conduct a pre-trip meeting at 6:00 PM (unless otherwise noted). We typically conduct the pre-trip at your hotel; however, we leave decision of time and place up to our lead guide, who may elect to host the meeting at our expedition center. If the guide team is selecting a pre-trip meeting at our center, transportation will be provided to the meeting. After introductions, we'll go over the general plan and cover important information about the trip. At the end of the pre-trip meeting, we allow time for guests to ask any remaining questions. Settle in for a good night's rest as tomorrow is the start of our adventure together!
The following morning we depart for the adventure! The drive time varies depending on our put-in, but you can expect around 2 hours of driving along the highway with a variable length of driving on gravel/dirt roads to our put-ins for either the Tatshenshini or the Alsek. We provide ample opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenic views on Haines Pass, and utilize restrooms where available along our drive. The Canadian border is just 40 miles north of Haines; we'll be crossing into Canada around an hour into the drive, so please remember to keep your passports at the ready!
Travel Arrangements: Please forward your travel itinerary as soon as possible so that we are able to make the appropriate pick-up/drop-off arrangements.
Keep in mind, same-day travel arrangements may not be possible for certain regions of the US and abroad. Be sure that your travel plan put you in Haines at least a few hours before the pre-trip meeting on arrival day.
Airline Travel: To fly into Haines, you must typically first fly into Juneau, Alaska. Travel options are easiest from there, especially if you're flying internationally or from the Lower 48.
Alaska Airlines: The easiest way to get to Haines is from Juneau, the state capital. Alaska Airlines has daily scheduled flights from Seattle to Juneau; flight time is about 1.5 hours.
Seaplane: From Juneau, a 35-minute local commuter flight will bring you to Haines. Alaska Seaplanes has the most options, and offers several daily departures from Juneau to Haines during the summer.
Flightseeing: We can also arrange for a scenic chartered flight from Fly Drake. This is a incredible opportunity if you would like to see more of the Lynn Canal or the mountains surrounding it on your way to Haines with legendary ski plane pilot, Drake Olson.
Arrival Times: Plan your arrival into Haines before 6:00 PM to ensure you make the pre-trip meeting. If time permits, we recommend arriving one day early to provide leeway for any flight or baggage connection trouble. The flights between Juneau and Haines are small commuter aircraft; unlike the larger commercial flights like Alaska Airlines, these planes are subject to higher frequency of weather delays and sometimes have space limitations if delays occur. Always reconfirm your flights within 72 hours of departure time.
Baggage: Typically, you are allowed two 50 lb bags at no extra charge. For bags weighing 50-70 lb, there is usually an additional charge per bag. It is often cheaper to have two bags over 50 lb than a third bag.
If you travel through other countries for a stopover, you may be charged excess baggage fees for anything over 44 lb (20 kilos) on each flight. If possible, pack your gear inside a large duffel bag to keep them from being damaged.
Airline Tickets: Make certain that your ticket matches the full name on your driver’s license or passport.
Alaska Marine Highway: The Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferries from Juneau, Haines, Skagway, and other ports around Alaska. There are even routes from Bellingham, WA., with car transportation available.
Sailings are frequent, but less frequent than flights. However, ferries are less likely to cancel due to weather. They are a great way to see the coast of Southeast Alaska, with heated decks, cafeterias, and and enclosed viewing decks. There are even staterooms available for overnight sailings.
Ferry service from Juneau to Haines takes 5-6 hours.
Alaska Fjordlines: Another option during the summer is the express Alaska Fjordlines system. They operate between Haines, Skagway, and Juneau. It takes about 3 hours to sail from Juneau to Haines.
Driving to Haines is an exciting undertaking. You can drive to Haines from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Canada, and the Lower 48 states. Haines can be accessed via the Haines Highway, which begins with its intersection with the ALCAN at Haines Junction, Yukon Territory.
From Seattle: Driving to Haines from Seattle is an exciting adventure. It takes you through the remote and rugged mountains of British Columbia via the Cassiar Highway. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive. There is lodging available along the drive, but they might be few and far between. Make sure your vehicles maintenance is up to date and that your tires are sound. From Seattle, it is about 1,600 miles to Haines. We recommend 3-5 days to make the drive.
Driving Directions from Seattle
From Anchorage: To drive from Anchorage, it is about 800 miles to Haines. Plan for 2-3 days of driving. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water, and warm clothing for the drive.
Driving Directions from Anchorage
From Fairbanks: To drive from Fairbanks, it is about 700 miles to Haines. Plan for 2-3 days of driving. As the route is remote, we recommend bringing camping gear, food, water and warm clothing for the drive.
Driving Directions from Fairbanks
Winter/Spring Driving Conditions: Snow and ice conditions on the Haines Highway, the Cassiar Highway, and the ALCAN Highway can persist from October through early May. The roads can be impassible for days at a time, and temperatures can be below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Driving during this time period requires winter driving considerations. Some combination of snow chains, studded tires, and four wheel drive is necessary. Make sure you bring a camping stove, winter sleeping bag, food, water, and warm clothing if you plan to travel during this time. A satellite communications device is also recommended in the winter. In general, it is not recommended to drive before April. Feel free to contact us for more info if you want to drive in the spring or winter.
Most itineraries include lodging in Haines; please check the trip details to confirm lodging details. If you are planning additional time in Haines or Juneau, here is some useful information on available lodging:
Haines Lodging:
Juneau Lodging Options: