The best places to stay in Haines, Alaska: our complete guide

Hello, here I am again with a new article about Alaska! During our trip there, we made several stops in different towns, including Haines. After spending some time in this small town, I thought you might find it useful to know where to stay in Haines. As you know, we spent a month on a road trip in the Yukon, Canada and Alaska with Mélanie and the kids. I can’t tell you how many pictures we still have in our heads! For the record, we hadn’t planned to go to Haines at all. It was only when we landed in Homer that we were told that it was easy to see bears along a river in Haines. That’s when we decided to go! And let me tell you, it was a really nice surprise! We did see bears! The kids were amazed (and so were we!).

If you’re planning to do a loop around Alaska from the Yukon, I’d advise you to take the opportunity to go as far as Haines. The road to get there is magnificent (with the magic bears). Once there, you’ll discover a small, peaceful northern town nestled between the sea and the mountains. You’ll feel at home here, alone in the world (or almost!). You’re in for a treat if you love nature and outdoor activities. Speaking of activities, I’ve written a full article on all the things to do in and around Haines.

Getting back to accommodation, I want to help you prepare for your stay here. So I’ve put together a selection of hotels, campsites, cottages and apartments. Whether you’re an adventurer or prefer to stay in comfort, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!

First, I’d like to say a few words about the town of Haines, Alaska. Why go to this particular town? As I said, we decided to go at the last minute! And we didn’t regret it – it’s a really nice town. If you ask me, nature lovers will love it! To give you an idea of what to do:

• Wildlife watching: As I said, we were lucky enough to see the famous magic bears on the banks of rivers like the Chilkoot! You can see them especially from July to September (during salmon season). Haines is also home to some magnificent species of eagles, especially in autumn in the Chilkat Wildlife Refuge.
• Hiking: If you enjoy hiking and discovering beautiful scenery, there are several trails to choose from, depending on your level, including the Mount Ripinsky Trail (difficult) and the Seduction Point Trail (easier). For our part, we did the magnificent Battery Point Trail: it’s a coastal walk with very little change in elevation. It’s a great walk for the whole family!
• Kayaking on the fjord of the Lynn Canal: A great day out in the area! You might be lucky enough to spot seals, sea lions and more.
• Take a boat trip: More generally, I recommend taking a boat trip to explore the surrounding fjords and perhaps see the famous humpback whales.
• Visit the American Bald Eagle Foundation: As the name suggests, you can visit this centre and meet the bald eagles! Quite simply, it’s one of the must-sees in Haines.

As you can see, if you enjoy outdoor activities, you’re going to love Haines and the surrounding area! If, after reading these first few lines, you’re already convinced you want to go to Haines, I’ll tell you all about how to get there. From Paris, you can easily fly to Anchorage, Alaska with a stopover in Vancouver, Canada or Seattle, USA. From Anchorage, you can rent a car or a camper and enjoy the road and the spectacular scenery. Trust me, you’ll get a real change of scenery!

Let’s start by looking at the best places to stay in Haines. If you’re looking for a comfortable stay, you’ll love the list of hotels I’ve compiled! I’ll leave you to discover them.

Located just a short walk from downtown Haines, the Aspen Suites Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in town. This modern property offers spacious, comfortable suites (you’ll feel right at home in them!). What’s more, each suite has a kitchenette, so you can prepare your meals and snacks before heading out on a hike. And that’s not all! If you’re travelling by car or camper van, there’s also free parking. When it comes to activities, you’ll never be bored! You’ll be close to walking trails and small shops. Whether you’re staying for two or with the family, you’re sure to enjoy the Aspen Suites Hotel.

Pamper myself

This charming hotel opens its doors to you in the heart of a National Register historic building! It promises a unique experience. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. And the best thing about this hotel is that it’s located right next to a large, green park. It’s a great place to stroll and relax after a day of exploring. For pet owners, this hotel welcomes them! In short, this hotel offers a unique and comfortable experience for spending a few days with the family.

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Located 11 km from Haines, this beautiful hotel offers a setting that is simply exceptional! Perched on a cliff overlooking the Chilkoot River, I can only imagine the views that await you! Plus, if you go in the summer, you might be lucky enough to see the famous Magic Bears from your room (incredible, isn’t it?). Talking about rooms, they are well equipped and spacious. You’ll have everything you need! If you’re looking for a wilderness hotel with spectacular views, Chilkoot Haven is a great choice.

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Located just 5 minutes walk from downtown, the Captain’s Choice Motel invites you to stay in a beautiful setting nestled between the ocean and the mountains! The rooms are modern and well-equipped, with the added bonus of a terrace. What’s more, the reviews are unanimous: you’ll be warmly welcomed and made to feel right at home! In short, this motel is the perfect blend of exceptional location and proximity to the city centre (restaurants, bars). If you ask me, you’ll have an excellent stay here!

My stay close to the city center

After the hotels, I’ve put together a selection of holiday homes and apartments in Haines for travelers looking for a quiet, peaceful stay. Perfect for enjoying the scenery with family or friends!

This beautiful apartment is ideally located with direct sea and mountain views. In terms of facilities, it’s got it all! You’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, a lovely bathroom and a dining area. As a bonus, you’ll have access to a small private beach. Isn’t that nice? And for all you fishing fans, there’s a great spot right next door! As you can see, this apartment offers good facilities at a fair price, so you won’t be disappointed!

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Just 3km from the centre of Haines, Beach Roadhouse offers a range of accommodation: a family bungalow, a chalet or a 2-bedroom holiday home! All accommodation is spacious and well equipped with queen size beds, lounge, kitchen and more. They are all set in 100% natural surroundings, in the heart of a wooded area. If you ask me, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Not to mention, you can easily go hiking or fishing!If you’re looking for cosy accommodation in an intimate setting, you’ll love the Beach Roadhouse.

Book my stay at Beach Roadhouse

The Alaska Guardhouse has received nothing but great feedback: the views of the mountains and river are simply exceptional! What’s more, the hosts are very welcoming and will give you the best tips for exploring the area.And that’s not all!You’ll have a choice of rooms with private or shared bathrooms and all the comforts you need.You can also make use of the communal areas such as the lounge, barbecue, terrace and, above all, the garden overlooking the forest.In my opinion, all these areas are great for socializing and meeting other travelers. In short, this hostel combines conviviality with an exceptional setting!

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Lynnview Lodge is a beautiful property offering suites and single rooms in Haines. All accommodations have panoramic views of the Lynn Canal and the Chilkat Mountains (it’s a dream!). For the suites, you can choose between Suite 1 and Suite 2, which are luxurious and spacious, with a king-size bed, a single bed, a beautiful bathroom, a TV and much more.The single rooms are smaller and more intimate, overlooking the Lynn Canal.If you ask me, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay at Lynnview Lodge.

Nature lovers, you’ve come to the right place!I couldn’t talk about hotels in Haines without mentioning the best campsites and parks nearby. I’ve put together a list of 5 campsites, each offering a different experience. All you have to do is choose! By the way, campsites are generally closed during the long winter period from October to April. However, closing dates can vary.Keep this in mind when booking your flights!

Located south of Chilkoot Lake, this campground offers a unique experience in the middle of a fir forest. With brown bears by the river and eagles in the forest, the campsite’s location is ideal for spotting local wildlife. A word of advice: keep your camera handy to capture these beautiful moments! For practical reasons, you can book on the day or up to 7 months in advance. Personally, I’d advise you to book in advance to make the most of this simply exotic setting. Without going overboard: Chilkoot Lake State Park is one of the best campgrounds in the area.

This large park has 35 campsites, an information center and several hiking trails.Stay here and you’ll have the chance to wake up by the sea, surrounded by mountains and forests. I’ll leave you to imagine the stunning scenery! A word of warning: if you’re in a motorhome, there are no hook-ups, so you can just pitch your tent! You’ll also be able to take advantage of some great walks, such as the Battery Point Trail.That’s the one we did!The scenery along the way is stunning.To be honest, we would have liked to do more walking, but time flies when you’re on holiday!There’s also the Ayiklutu Trail (easy) and the Mount Riley Trail (difficult). As you can see, Chilkat State Park is a beautiful and tranquil place to stay, you just have to be prepared for an authentic experience without too many comforts, haha.

This campground is 45 kilometers from Haines.As the name suggests, you’ll find yourself on the shores of Mosquito Lake.As you can probably guess, the lake doesn’t get its name for nothing (so watch out for mosquitoes!). Again, the facilities at this campsite are basic, with no running water or electricity.You’ll need to bring your own supplies.In terms of activities, the lake is quite calm, so you can enjoy a spot of kayaking. And it’s easy to spot brown bears and bald eagles. One thing’s for sure, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, you won’t be disappointed!

This is a campsite with full hook-ups for campers, showers, toilets and even a laundromat. You’re also just 2.5km from the bars and restaurants in Haines. How convenient is that?
Not to mention the beautiful mountain scenery and breathtaking views over Lutak Bay.If you want to enjoy the outdoors without compromising on comfort, this is the campsite for you!

Haines Hitch-Up RV Park is also a very good campsite with sites for campervans with all the necessary hook-ups.A little extra: you can also get Wi-Fi!In an Alaskan campsite, I can assure you that this is a rare thing, ahah.Well, it’s also an advantage when it comes to making the most of your time!At this campsite you’ll also have access to clean showers and toilets.And don’t forget the barbecue and picnic area (always a plus!).As for activities, you can go hiking, watch the eagles and much more!Frankly, if you’re in a motorhome and looking for a fun place to stay, Haines Hitch-Up RV Park ticks all the boxes!

I hope you find what you’re looking for in this guide to the best hotels and accommodation in Haines, Alaska ! As you can see, there’s something for every taste and budget.

I also hope I’ve inspired you to spend a few days in this small Alaskan town in the heart of nature. I can tell you that I have very fond memories of this Yukon-Alaska trip (I’ve been dreaming about it for a long time). If you’re in the middle of planning your trip to Alaska, I suggest you read our article on what to see and do in Seward, and don’t forget about our trip to Kenai Fjords National Park. In a word: magical!

Written by Sylvain PONS

Twice, over a period of about 2 months, I had the opportunity to explore several corners of the United States, taking advantage of the best it has to offer. I decided to share some of my experiences with you!

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