Fascinating museums, a flourishing arts scene, campgrounds within walking distance of downtown, and local eateries are all excellent reasons to visit Haines. It is one of the sunniest places in the usually rainy Inside Passage region, and its spectacular mountain-and-ocean scenery offers hiking, kayaking, fishing, whale watching, and a variety of other outdoor activities.

The mountains around Haines are a hiking and backpacking paradise, with four main trails near to town: Battery Point Trail, Mount Riley Trail, Ayiklutu Trail, and Mount Ripinsky Trail.