Alaska-Canada border towns: small-town ambience along International Boundary.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: REGIONAL REVIEW

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The Alaska-Canada border stretches 20 feet wide and 1,538 miles long. It is part of an important dividing line that separates the United States from neighboring Canada. The boundary between the United States and Canada--officially known as the International Boundary--is the longest common border in the world and is demilitarized.

Two Canada provinces border Alaska: British Columbia and Yukon. These provinces and Alaska encompass a variety of border towns that boast a rich history and culture.

HAINES, A REAL ALASKA TOWN

With slightly more than 13 square miles of land, Haines is home to about 2,300 residents. The town is situated at the end of the Lynn Canal and surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque setting.

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Haines Mayor Jan Hill describes her city as a beautiful location and ideal place to live. She should know. Hill has lived in Haines her entire life, leaving the community only briefly to attend college and complete business trips. "It's a nice place to raise kids and have a family," says Hill, who has called Haines home for nearly 60 years. "If any member of our community is having a tough time, everyone comes together as a whole."

Haines is a "real" Alaska town where people live, work and do whatever it takes to thrive, according to Hill. The city's biggest industry is tourism, which brings in one or two cruise ships a week. Fishing is also an important part of the local economy, as well as government.

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Primary employers include the Haines Borough government, the Haines Borough School District and SEARHC Haines Medical Clinic. Family owned shops are also key elements to the Haines economy. "We have no chain stores; we're all locally owned and operated," Hill says.

Visitors to Haines are attracted by its quaint shops, outdoor activities and abundant wildlife (particularly bald eagles). They're also intrigued by local landmarks like Fort William H. Seward, Alaska's first permanent Army post. The fort--constructed due to border disputes between the United States and Canada--was deactivated in 1946, but remains intact today. Other historic landmarks in Haines include the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center and the Hammer Museum, the world's only museum dedicated to hammers. Currently, the Hammer Museum features approximately 1,800 hammers.

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Although Haines is a small town, it has vital services to support the needs of visitors and its residents. Consequently, Haines is a growing retirement community that is attracting a greater number of people. "We have low crime, good schools and good health care facilities," Hill says.

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