Departing from Haines or Skagway
The trip begins with a 45-minute catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliffsides on both sides of the boat. Learn about Tlingit culture, marvel at the scenery and look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds.
Once in Haines, meet up with one of our local guides who are experts in the history, culture, and natural history of the Haines area. Join us for a visit to some of Haines’ best natural, cultural and historical hotspots, including
- Fort William H Seward, the first army base in Alaska
- The Sheldon Museum, a hub of art, artifacts and memorabilia highlighting the diverse cultures within the Chilkat Valley
- The Hammer Museum, where you’ll meet founder Dave Pahl, the leading expert in hammers (and quite a character!)
- Alaska Indian Arts, a local non-profit center where Native totem poles, masks and jewelry are created
– Extreme Dreams Art Gallery, owned by artists John Svenson, a painter and zany mountain climber, and Sharon Svenson, a talented weaver
- The Cannery, a picturesque red building set against the mountain peaks. The cannery is longest running business in Haines
- the Alaska State Parks, where you’ll find eagles, salmon, incredible glacial views and, during the fall, even a bear or two!
We can put together a custom sightseeing tour specifically designed to highlight your interests.
4 hours from Haines
6 hours from Skagway
2 person minimum
Call 877 766 3516 (toll free) or contact us via email for departure times and pricing
A Note from Joe
Why visit Haines with Rainbow Glacier Adventures? Haines is different. And Rainbow Glacier Adventures is unique.
Haines is a real Alaskan town with colorful characters, talented artists, pristine scenery, intact wildlife habitat and friendly local people. Haines is visited by one large cruise ship per week....many other towns have four or five big ships per day. Haines was listed by Outside Magazine and National Geographic Adventurer as one of the top towns in the United States to live and play. Haines has the most accessible bear-viewing in Southeast Alaska, and is famous for its huge population of Bald Eagles.
Haines is easily accessible from Skagway via a 45-minute catamaran ride. Many large cruise ships visit Skagway. Visiting Haines with Rainbow Glacier Adventures gives you a chance to break away from the crowds and experience a true Alaskan town with a tour company committed to high-quality, small group, educational travel. There are other small Alaskan towns not frequently visited by cruise ships. The problem is, they require tricky logistics or expensive arrangements to visit when on a cruise. Haines is easy to get to. Just call us and we'll make the arrangements.
Rainbow Glacier Adventures offers tours for discerning travelers. If you want to avoid the crowds and hype and enjoy a truly unique experience, give us a call. If your interest is art, natural history, the eclectic, or the remote, we have a tour for you. If you have a special interest like birding, photography, or adventure, let us know and we will arrange a custom package. You and your party will have the full attention of our professional guides-no crowds, no waiting, no rigid itinerary!
Believe me, I've traveled the world and Haines should not be missed. That's why I moved here twenty years ago and that's why I founded Rainbow Glacier Adventures.