Haines Highway

What should you know before visiting Haines Highway?

• The Dalton Cache–Pleasant Camp border crossing lies about 40 mi from Haines. It keeps set hours, so check with CBP and CBSA before you go.
• From October to February, more than 3,500 bald eagles gather in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, according to the byway page. The road runs through the preserve.
• Kathleen Lake campground in Kluane has 38 to 39 sites, depending on the source. Part of them can be reserved through Parks Canada; Yukon government camping permits are not accepted there.

The drive

The route starts at the ferry terminal in Haines, follows Lutak Road, Front Street and Main Street, then heads northwest as Alaska Route 7 to the border, about 40 mi out. The British Columbia–Yukon line is at about 86 mi. The road meets the Alaska Highway at Haines Junction. About 12 mi south of town, a viewpoint above Kathleen Lake has a plaque on the Kluane and Wrangell-St. Elias World Heritage Site.

Planning

Haines can be reached by Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Juneau or by road through British Columbia and Yukon. The road grew out of an old Chilkat Tlingit trade route, and year-round access dates from 1963. Check winter conditions and possible closures with Alaska DOT&PF and 511 Yukon. In summer, Parks Canada advises staying at least 30 m (about 100 ft) from wildlife and remaining in the vehicle if a bear appears.

Camping

Kathleen Lake campground sits on the Haines Road and has 38 to 39 sites, depending on the source, with bear-proof storage lockers, firewood and outhouses. Parks Canada lists a season from mid-May to about mid-September, and part of the sites can be reserved. Confirm current rules with Parks Canada. It is a national park site, so Yukon government camping permits are not accepted. No verified information was found on roadside wild camping or on RV size limits along the route.

FAQs