Recreation in Haines
Rafting, biking, skiing, and more. Haines is Alaska’s Adventure Capital.
Learn MoreHaines’ reputation as the Adventure Capital of Alaska is well-deserved.
One reason folks love Haines is that after you log off work at the end of the day or week there’s so much to do just paces from your doorstep: hike, bike, and paddle in the summer, then switch gear to winter pursuits like skating, fat biking or skinning up some of North America’s most renowned ski and snowboard terrain. More and more location neutral and remote workers are discovering that with some persistence and patience to break into a hot housing market, Haines is an idyllic place to establish your own basecamp. Being immersed in an active community with access to wild foods, good education, and growing community infrastructure like local trails and transportation improvements makes Haines just as livable as it is inspiring.
8.6 minutes
Depends on the peak
Here, you have the freedom to choose just how full you’d like your schedule to be, and don’t worry there’s plenty to fill it with! Haines has key year-round events and activities for all ages.
Rafting, biking, skiing, and more. Haines is Alaska’s Adventure Capital.
Learn MoreFrom story time to podcast club, the Haines Public Library is a great place for kids to learn and connect year-round.
Learn MoreHaines events are chock full of local flavor! Check out the Visit Haines events calendar for information on what’s happening throughout the year.
Learn MoreThe Chilkat Center hosts performing arts events year-round. Check out upcoming events, or go all-in and audition to take the stage yourself.
Learn MoreWhether you’re cheering for the home team Glacier Bears or reserving a lane for lap swimming at the public pool, Haines offers sporting activities that support a healthy lifestyle!
Learn MoreExplore Haines’ backyard, home to two state parks, The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, and Haines State Forest.
Learn MoreHaines has more artists per capita than any town in the US under 10,000 people! Learn more about these local creatives and how their home inspires them.
Learn MoreThere’s something special about being raised in small-town Alaska. Your children grow up knowing all their classmates and teachers, and sometimes get their first job with a business owner they’ve known their whole lives. Children also experience familiar community events like the Christmas Tree lighting and watching basketball games on weekend nights, with the unique Southeast Alaska twist of spotting moose, traveling by ferry boat for a sports event or staying up late to watch the northern lights. With an award-winning school district, youth programs year-round, and K-12 athletics, kids in Haines grow up in a free-range and safe environment that fosters independence, responsibility, and curiosity.
Haines has an award-winning school district committed to creating a culture of innovation, respect, and responsibility. Unlike many other schools around the country, K-12 in Haines still provides recess, art classes, music programs, and vocational education for high school and middle school students. The benefit of a small community is small class sizes. Students receive one-on-one attention in class, while parents have the opportunity to know educators inside and out of the classroom. The Haines School District is a place for students to grow, create, and get involved all while receiving an excellent education.
Connect with staff to learn more about extracurricular activities, educational support, curriculum lists, and more through the Haines Borough School District website.
Learn More14:1 student to teacher ratio
Top 10% of Alaska Schools for test ranking
Top 10% for reading and language arts proficiency
19% Higher math proficiency scores than Alaska public school average
Sports teams: Swim team, Basketball, Track, Cross Country (state champs), Little League (summer), Wrestling, Volleyball
Haines is primed to welcome entrepreneurs of all stripes. From independently owned and operated Main Street businesses, to natural resource scientists, health care providers, and real estate investors, our community has the basics to begin your next business venture. Become a member with the Chamber of Commerce, enroll in the local First National Bank or Tongass Credit Union, and get connected with AP&T for broadband and high-speed internet, Haines has the essentials for growing community-focused investment in a place that inspires and ignites residents’ passions.
You can learn more about the Haines economy and our community’s goals here:
https://www.hainesedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web-5-year-plan-FINAL-compressed-2.pdf
Haines is a federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zone, an economic development tool designed to spur economic development and job creation by providing tax incentives for investors who invest new capital in businesses.
Learn MoreFrom the innovative to the essentials, check out some of our favorite local businesses.
We asked locals what they love most about living in Haines. These ten are just the start.
1. Community gatherings
2. Protected lands
3. On the road system
4. Best summer weather in Southeast Alaska
5. Outdoor recreation
6. Feeling empowered to be self-sufficient
7. Perfect for raising kids
8. Inspiring landscape
9. Close-knit peer groups
10. A shared sense of community