Top 7 water & beach things to do in Haines

1. Haines Spirit Trail small-group tasting tour

Two hours walking tour with tastings at three local venues — Port Chilkoot Distillery, Haines Brewing Company, and Three Northmen Tasting Room, plus local stories along the way.

2. Kayaking on Chilkoot Lake from Haines

Guided small group kayaking on pristine Chilkoot Lake, focusing on natural beauty and local culture.

“In late spring, we returned to Haines by ship and took the opportunity to go kayaking on Chilkoot Lake with SEAK Excursions. During the scenic 20-minute van ride to the lake, we enjoyed chatting with the friendly and knowledgeable guides. We were fortunate with the weather and could finally see many of the snow-capped mountains surrounding Haines, which had previously eluded us. The guides were always available to answer questions and offered intriguing local insights and history, ensuring that everyone, including first-time kayakers, felt comfortable as we donned our gear and set out. The views of the steep snowy peaks and the lush shoreline with occasional waterfalls were stunning. Even with a brisk wind, paddling was manageable for all, allowing us to learn more about our surroundings from the guides. The kayaking experience concluded too quickly, but we continued learning during a 'town tour' on the way back. What started as strangers became friends, engaged in conversation with our gracious and informative guides, who truly enhanced this wonderful experience. This was the highlight of our trip to Alaska, and we wholeheartedly recommend this kayaking group to anyone, regardless of their skill level. Thank you, SEAK Expeditions.”— DeepCove02

3. 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

4. Guided sea kayaking tour in Haines, Alaska

Half-day guided kayaking trip in two-person kayaks, with gear provided and lunch on the beach overlooking mountain views.

“The scenery was stunning, and the guides were both excellent and knowledgeable. It was a fantastic experience, allowing us to appreciate the views while also getting some good exercise.”— cynthiadF860FQ

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. Guided kayaking at Chilkoot Lake from Skagway

Experience guided small group kayaking on scenic Chilkoot Lake with knowledgeable local guides, departing from Skagway. Duration varies by group.

“I strongly endorse this delightful experience. Joe, our guide and the SEAK owner, was professional, friendly, and insightful. The scenery was beautifully picturesque and peaceful. The activity level was fairly easy for active seniors in their 60s. Thank you, Joe!”— renataskincare

7. 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