My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Planning Your Trip to Haines
Haines is a small city in Southeast Alaska that has about 2,000 year round residents. Your experience can vary greatly depending on which season you visit - which has a large impact on the number of local businesses that will be open or closed during your stay. I visited in November, and even though there were quite a few places closed, there were still plenty of places that were open.
As you plan your trip, you'll need to find a place to stay in Haines. I highly recommend the Captain's Choice Motel which has a great view from their second floor rooms and is only one block from Main Street. If they're booked, you can also check out the Aspen Suites Hotel which is also within walking distance to Main Street and is one of the most modern options in town.
My Favorite Tours Near Haines :
- Chilkoot Lake Kayaking - Half Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float
Best Ways to Get to Haines
Driving to Haines
One of the easiest, albeit longest, ways to get to Haines is by driving! The drive itself takes about 14 hours from Anchorage, or 12 hours from Fairbanks, with no stops and good weather. Although you can definitely make the drive in the winter, I'd be wary of any snow storms or possible road closures, especially with the spotty cell service along the way. You'll also need to make sure to bring your passport with you, since you'll have to head into Canada first before continuing South to Haines. If you're wanting to make a road trip out of it, or be able to explore areas outside of Haines, then this is the best bet! 
Taking the Ferry
Taking a ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway is another great option. My husband and I flew to Juneau first and took the ferry from here, which ended up being about 5 hours each way. A huge perk is that even when roads close down due to bad weather like a snowstorm, the Alaska Marine Highway stays open. I've taken them for multiple trips throughout Alaska, and although my experiences have been a bit "all over the board", they're generally a pretty reliable way to get around Southeast Alaska. You can also take a direct ferry to Haines from Skagway, only a 45 minute ride. If you decide to take the ferry, you'll need to choose if you want to board with your car or just walk on. If you decide to board your car, which is a huge perk if you want to get around Haines, then the price is a bit more expensive depending on your car size. It's also worth noting that no one is allowed to stay in their cars during the journey. Otherwise, you can walk on for a cheaper ticket. 
Flying to Haines
Your third option to get to Haines is by flying. Typically you'll need to fly to Juneau first, and then book a small charter the rest of the way to Haines. These small charters can be a bit more expensive than commercial airlines, and according to our guide at the Bald Eagle Festival, they're not always the most reliable with the weather in the area. If you're on a time crunch, then flying directly to Haines is the fastest way to get there, but also the most expensive. 
Cruising into Haines
If you have lots of time to explore and are ok with making a complete vacation out of your trip to Haines, then maybe an Alaska cruise is the way to go! Generally most visitors won't choose a cruise solely because they want to go to Haines, but it's a great way to see Haines and a few other towns in Southeast Alaska. You might also want to look into taking a privately chartered yacht - often the same price per person compared to a cruise!
Watch my Haines Adventures here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> Port Day in Juneau -> Best Things to Do in Sitka -> Best Things to Do in Ketchikan
Pin this Guide to Haines for Later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make
Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. 
My Ultimate Guide to Alaska - over 300 handpicked gems on an interactive map - the ultimate tool in planning your trip to Alaska.
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