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

Hello, I’m back with another article about Alaska! During our trip there, we stopped in several towns, including Haines. After spending a few days 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 road-tripping through the Yukon, Canada, and Alaska with Mélanie and the kids. I can’t tell you how many vivid memories we still have from that trip! For the record, we hadn’t planned to visit Haines at all. It was only when we arrived in Homer that we were told that bears could often be seen along a river near Haines. That’s when we decided to go! And let me tell you, it turned out to be a wonderful surprise! We did see bears! The kids were amazed (and so were we!).

If you’re planning a loop through Alaska from the Yukon, I’d recommend to take the opportunity to include Haines in your itinerary. The road there is magnificent, and the chance to see bears makes the detour even more worthwhile. Once there, you’ll discover a small, peaceful northern town nestled between the sea and the mountains. You’ll quickly feel at home here, almost 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 the accommodation, I want to help you prepare for your stay here. So I’ve put together a selection of hotels, campgrounds, 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 visit this particular town? As I said, we decided to go at the last minute! And we didn’t regret it – it is a genuinely charming town. If you ask me, nature lovers will feel right at home! To give you an idea of what to do:

• Wildlife watching: As I said, we were lucky enough to see the famous bears along rivers such as the Chilkoot! You can see them especially from July to September (during salmon season). Haines is also home to large numbers of magnificent 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 Lynn Canal: It is a great way to spend a day in the area. You might be lucky enough to spot seals, sea lions and more.
• Taking a boat trip: More generally, I recommend taking a boat trip to explore the surrounding fjords and perhaps spot humpback whales.
• Visit the American Bald Eagle Foundation: As the name suggests, you can visit this center and see bald eagles up close! It is one of the must-see attractions 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 that Haines belongs on your itinerary, here is a quick overview of how to get there. From Paris, you can easily fly to Anchorage, Alaska with a stopover in Vancouver, Canada, or Seattle, in the United States. From Anchorage, you can rent a car or campervan and enjoy the road and the spectacular scenery. Trust me, you’ll enjoy a complete change of scenery!

Let’s start by looking at the best places to stay in Haines. If you’re looking for a comfortable stay, here are several hotels worth considering.

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 (they feel almost like a home away from home!). In addition, 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 traveling by car or campervan, there’s also free parking. You’ll also be close to several outdoor activities. You’ll be close to walking trails and small shops. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with your family, you’re sure to enjoy the Aspen Suites Hotel.

Pamper myself

This charming hotel is housed in a historic building listed on the National Register! It promises a unique experience. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. Another advantage 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. Pets are also welcome. In short, this hotel offers a unique and comfortable experience for a family stay of a few days.

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Located 11 km from Haines, this property enjoys an exceptional setting! Perched on a cliff overlooking the Chilkoot River, the views must be remarkable! Plus, if you go in the summer, you might be lucky enough to see the famous bears from your room (incredible, isn’t it?). As for the rooms, they are well equipped and spacious. They include everything needed for a comfortable stay. If you’re looking for a wilderness hotel with spectacular views, Chilkoot Haven is a great choice.

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Located just a five-minute 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. In addition, guest reviews are consistently positive: you’ll be warmly welcomed and made to feel right at home! In short, this motel is a great combination of beautiful surroundings and easy access to downtown (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 vacation homes and apartments in Haines for travelers looking for a quiet, peaceful stay. Perfect for enjoying the scenery with family or friends!

This attractive apartment enjoys direct views of both the sea and the mountains. It is also very well equipped. 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. It is a lovely additional feature. And for fishing enthusiasts, 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 3 km from the center of Haines, Beach Roadhouse offers a range of accommodation: a family bungalow, a chalet or a two-bedroom vacation home! All the accommodations are spacious and well-equipped with queen-size beds, living areas, kitchens, and more. They are all set in a peaceful natural setting, in the heart of a wooded area. If you ask me, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries. You can also easily go hiking or fishing. If you’re looking for cozy accommodation in an intimate setting, you’ll love the Beach Roadhouse.

Book my stay at Beach Roadhouse

The Alaska Guardhouse receives excellent feedback: the views of the mountains and river are simply exceptional! In addition, the hosts are very welcoming and will give you helpful tips for exploring the area. 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 a friendly atmosphere with an exceptional setting!

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Lynnview Lodge is a beautiful property offering suites and individual rooms in Haines. All accommodations have panoramic views of the Lynn Canal and the Chilkat Mountains (the views are beautiful!). 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 individual 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 campgrounds and parks nearby. I’ve put together a list of five campgrounds, each offering a different experience. All you have to do is choose! By the way, campgrounds 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 forest. With brown bears by the river and eagles in the forest, the campground’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 same day or up to seven months in advance. Personally, I’d recommend to book in advance to make the most of this beautiful natural setting. Without exaggerating: Chilkoot Lake State Park is one of the best campgrounds in the area.

This large park has 3five campgrounds, 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! One practical point: if you’re in a motorhome, there are no utility hookups, so this is a more basic camping experience! 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 vacation! There’s also the Ayiklutu Trail and the Mount Riley Trail (difficult). As you can see, Chilkat State Park is a beautiful and tranquil place to stay; you just need to be prepared for an authentic experience without too many comforts, haha.

This campground is 45 km 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 campground 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 campground with full hook-ups for campers, showers, toilets and even a laundromat. You’re also just 2.5 km 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 campground for you!

Haines Hitch-Up RV Park is also a very good campground with fully serviced sites for campervans. A little extra: you can also get Wi-Fi! In an Alaskan campground, I can assure you that this is a rare feature. It, it’s also an advantage when it comes to making the most of your time. At this campground 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 preference 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 had 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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