Top 10 nature & wildlife things to do in Haines

1. Private photography and nature tour in Haines, Alaska

Customizable private tour in Haines, 4 hours — tailored to nature, photography, or both with an expert guide.

“Our time with Tom was unforgettable. He guided us around Haines, pointing out all the must-see locations. The halibut fish and chips we had at a local restaurant were the best we've ever tasted. The highlight was definitely the stunning scenery and our amazing sighting of Lulu, the big brown bear, along with her four cubs as they swam and fished in the river. It genuinely felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Thank you, Tom, for your wealth of knowledge and humor. We had a fantastic time and would wholeheartedly recommend this tour.”— Michelle_J

2. Wildlife photography tour in Haines, Alaska

Five hours of guided photography for wildlife and landscapes near Haines — includes lunch and professional photography tips throughout the tour.

“The tour was a wonderful experience. Pat guided us to a spot where we observed numerous eagles. We also captured photographs of the waterfalls and surrounding scenery. His expertise in photography and willingness to share made it even better.”— B231APlornab

3. Forest therapy tour in Haines, Alaska

Two hours guided forest therapy session in Haines — engage your senses to connect with nature, led by a certified guide.

“Aimee welcomed me with a warm smile and guided us through a serene and calming hike. We meditated in the forest, enjoyed views of the shimmering ocean, walked gently on soft moss, and inhaled the scents of wild roses and pine trees. We hugged trees, savored rose tea in the park, and participated in many other enjoyable and relaxing activities. I'm truly pleased I opted for the forest therapy trip; it alleviated my stress and brought me joy. I experienced moments of stillness and a sense of unwinding, leaving me feeling wonderfully relaxed and rejuvenated.”— mollyl727

4. Chilkat Inlet coastal hike in Haines

Five-hour guided hike through Chilkat Lake State Park—glacier views, beach-side meadows, picnic lunch included.

“I had an excellent time on the tour of Chilkat Inlet with Silversea. The guides, Karlee and Chloe, were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful, making the experience enjoyable for all age groups.”— 828alisad

5. Chilkat River jet-boat adventure in Haines

Two and a half hours on the water—jet-boat trip through Chilkat Eagle Preserve, with opportunities to see wildlife followed by a riverside picnic.

“The experience was excellently organized, offering a one-of-a-kind chance to immerse oneself in nature. I strongly recommend it. A special note of thanks goes to the lady who drove the bus; she made the journey enjoyable and engaging.”— Karlcamilleri

6. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve rafting adventure in Haines

Five-hour guided rafting trip along glacial rivers in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and included gear for comfort and safety.

7. Chilkoot Lake wildlife viewing tour in Haines

Two and a half hours of wildlife viewing at Chilkoot Lake State Park, guided exploration of scenic spots to spot eagles, seals, and bears.

“This was the highlight of our trip, mainly due to our guide Garrett. His passion for his work truly enhanced our experience, especially with the exciting sighting of bears and cubs. We felt secure throughout, and his insights added to the adventure. I would recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.”— Pioneer36409624218

8. Chilkoot Lake nature and wildlife viewing tour

Four-hour guided tour to Chilkoot Lake State Park, with opportunities to see eagles, bears, and salmon in their natural habitat.

“Having Jeanette as our guide was a true delight. She is remarkable and took us to see numerous eagles and a bear family with a mother and her four cubs. We couldn't have hoped for a better experience.”— Brian_P

9. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve float tour from Haines

Four hours along the Chilkat River — inflatable raft journey through the Bald Eagle Preserve, wildlife spotting, picnic lunch, and homemade treats on the riverbank.

“I highly recommend this experience! The views are truly breathtaking, and we spotted numerous eagles. Our guide Noah put in a lot of effort to ensure we had a fantastic time, and our bus driver Alex, along with Wiley, were excellent too.”— A7745IXolivias

10. Alaska wildlife canoe safari from Haines

Half-day guided canoe trip — explore Chilkoot River and Lake by motor-assisted voyageur canoe, with lunch included.

“We initially booked for the Summit Lake Canoe Adventure, but were informed that it was canceled and we were shifted to a more expensive tour at no extra cost. What was promised to us was a guided hike and canoeing experience filled with wildlife encounters and knowledgeable naturalists. Instead, the tour we received was far from what was advertised, and the company even removed the original information from their website. The guide who met us at the ship had no prior knowledge about us. We were directed to her by another group because she was unaware she was supposed to meet us. Although she was pleasant, she was just a means of transport to the ferry. The directions provided sent us walking into town, so without help, we would have missed her entirely. Our canoe guide, Sophie, lacked expertise and was only in Alaska for a month. During our ride, she repeated some basic facts we had already heard, and when we asked about local wildlife and plants, her responses were often “I don’t know.” We did see a bear on the way, but one of the other guests had to correct her on what kind it was. The journey was mostly quiet, which was disappointing since we had anticipated more information about the area’s wildlife. There was no hiking at all, which we found extremely disappointing. Upon reaching the lake, we paddled mostly with a motor, making it hard to appreciate nature until we randomly stopped. We also only spotted a few bald eagles, with the guide lacking substantial details about them. After our canoe ride, we drove around Haines while the guide shared trivial facts about buildings, which felt like filler. The lunch provided consisted of small, dry chicken wraps and chips, and we arrived to eat at noon, even though our ferry didn’t leave until 1:00. The guide mistakenly thought it left at 1:45, leading to confusion about how long we were meant to wait. Upon returning to Skagway by ferry, we found our guide waiting but she stated she could not take us into town. Thus, we had to walk, which felt frustrating. My family was really looking forward to this hike and canoe, and to pay over $200 each for such a letdown was disheartening. I cannot recommend this experience to others.”— K8028JPangelae