Alaska might seem to be an unusual spot for a road trip, but if you believe that, you’re missing out. There are plenty of unique and beautiful road trips anyone can take in Alaska, that will be the envy of all your friends.
One of them is along the Alaska Haines Highway. This National Scenic Byway has been attracting adventurous road trippers for decades, so we thought it would be a fantastic trip to highlight in this post.
Ready to head to the great white north?
All About the Haines Highway
The Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek British Columbia and runs back into US territory at the Alaskan border where it ends at Delta Junction in the Yukon. Just shy of 1,400 miles long, it’s almost the equivalent of driving from Boston to Ft. Lauderdale!
Traditionally, this road was a trading route between First Nations tribes. Later, as the highway became more developed, it was known to be frequented by explorers who traveled the region and used the trading posts dotted along the roadways.
The Alaska Haines Highway is only one segment of the highway as a whole. It connects Haines, Alaska with Haines Junction, Canada, approximately 150 miles away.
Driving the route without stopping will take just over three hours.
Sights to See Along the Haines Highway
Beyond the spectacular views, there are lots of interesting little landmarks along this stretch of the Alaska Highway. Here are some of our favorites.
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Most people will claim they’ve never seen a bald eagle, but if you spend any time at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, your chances are excellent. The 48,000 acres are crucial to eagle habitat, and it has plenty of viewing areas too.
Heliskiing
If you’re brave enough to tackle the Haines Highway in the winter and are an experienced skier, then you might not want to miss the once in a lifetime experience of Heliskiing. The area outside Haines boats some of the best slopes in the world.
Dining Options
Once out of Haines and on the highway, there aren’t a ton of dining options readily available. One popular exception is the 33 Mile Roadhouse. It’s the place to stop for people making this part of the journey, offering lodging, delicious food, and gas.
Klukshu Village
Klukshu Village is a small seasonal camp south of Haines Junction that operates as a traditional fishing village. Visitors can drop in and try to spot salmon jumping through the nearby stream. It’s an interesting stop off where you might feel transported back in time.
Da Ku Cultural Centre
Once in Haines Junction, one of the most popular attractions is the Da Ku Cultural Centre. This center celebrates the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations who share their history, language, arts, and culture with visitors.
Getting There
From Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, it’s just under two hours to Haines Junction along Highway 1. Haines, Alaska is approximately six hours from Juneau on a trip that includes a ferry ride as it winds through protected parkland, waterways, and forest.
Of course, regardless of where you stop along this part of the Alaska Highway, you’re going to be surrounded by incredible mountain vistas, lakes, and streams. Many of these are part of the US or Canadian Parks system. Make time to visit these too! Wherever you stop in the area, be sure to take a look at all of the hotel deals on our sister site, HotelCoupons.com.
