Free Things to Do on MDI
H1: Our Guide to Visiting Bar Harbor on a Budget Bar Harbor is renowned for its stunning coastal beauty, rich history, and the majestic Acadia National Park. And one of our favorite things about it is that a getaway to Mount Desert Island can be a treasure trove of experiences for any traveler’s budget. Whether you’re a family looking to make lasting memories without stretching your wallet, a couple seeking a romantic retreat, or a solo traveler ready to explore, our picturesque island offers a wealth of activities that won’t break the bank. In this blog, we’ll journey through Bar Harbor, discovering how to savor the charm and adventure of our idyllic town, all while keeping your budget happily intact. You’ll find 8 free things to do in Bar Harbor and the surrounding area, plus our best advice on budget friendly accommodations and more. And to kick things off, here’s one tip that every visitor to Bar Harbor on a budget should know: take the free Island Explorer Shuttle wherever you go! The Bar Harbor free shuttle has 11 routes around the island and will stop anywhere along the routes for passengers if it’s safe to do so. It’s a great way to get to all MDI’s greatest hits and eliminates the need to find (and pay for) parking in Bar Harbor. Just note, if you use the Island Explorer to visit Acadia National Park, be sure to have a park entrance pass. Walk the Shore Path Being more than a century old, the Bar Harbor Shore Path is close to our town’s heart. This 1.5 mile walking path leads from the Ells Pier in downtown to Wayman Lane along the east shore, following the edge of Frenchman Bay for views of the water, surrounding islands and the town’s oldest inn and several historic summer cottages. Its level surface makes it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. You’ll find visitors and full-time residents alike ambling along or going for a jog from early morning to late in the evening. In fact, the Shore Path is so treasured by Bar Harbor residents that when it was severely damaged in the unprecedented coastal storms of January 2024, the town rallied funds to repair and improve it. The restoration includes the construction of new seawalls to protect the path and the addition of gorgeous new landscaping around it. “I think a new hidden gem will be the Shore Path,” said Jeremy Dougherty of the Bar Harbor Inn. “Especially with all the amazing gardens that we’re putting in… it will have hardscaping and then these beautiful flowers and plantings around it. I mean, I think people will show up thinking it will look like it did for the last 20 or 50 years but it’s going to be very different. In a very, very good way.” You can find updates on the project at the Bar Harbor Inn and contribute to its restoration and preservation at the VIA’s gofundme. Walk Across the Ocean to Bar Island Exploring Bar Island has to be one of the most underrated things to do in Bar Harbor—and it doesn’t cost a dime! The Island sits just half a mile off the mainland and each day for about 3 hours at low tide, it is accessible via the gravel Bar Island Land Bridge. The natural bar allows you to walk to the island from the end of Bridge St where you can then explore the 1.5 mile Bar Island Trail. “I always say how amazing it is that the ocean lowers down to this convenient island. So many other attractions you have to drive to,” Jeremy said. “If you didn’t know about this, it’s gonna change your life! You have all these coves, various beaches and different little trails.” Bar Island offers a great opportunity for tide pooling and an easy hike to its highest point provides views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay. Just try not to lose track of time or you might be waiting 9 hours for the next low tide! Or, if you’re like local mom, Christina, you could plan with a picnic and books to get “stuck” for a lovely summer afternoon. Explore Local Art Our town is home to some talented artists and craftsmen! You can visit up to five different art galleries and open studios across the island that cost nothing to enter. You’ll find a mix of oil paintings, photography, sculptural works, hand made furniture and much more—often drawing inspiration for the beautiful landscape and rich history of the area. And if you’re tempted to buy something, well, we’d love the support for our local artisans! ]Listen to the Town Band on the Village Green When evening rolls around, there’s music to be had in downtown Bar Harbor! Every Monday and Thursday of the summer, the Bar Harbor Town Band puts on an hour-long, free concert on the Village Green. People bring chairs, blankets, drinks, and snacks to lounge on the grass and enjoy the show. You may even catch visiting musicians jumping in to join the regular cast on a special night! If the forecast says rain, the show goes on—the band and audience move to the Bar Harbor Congregational Church to stay dry. Photo-Op at Bass Harbor Lighthouse Ready to see some classic Maine sights? One of about 80 lighthouses in Maine, the Bass Harbor Head Light Station guards the southern entrance of Blue Hill Bay and warns boats against Bass Harbor Bar. Built in 1858, its tower and lightning road stand at 37 feet tall and its light has a 13 mile range. Because of its western location, it is a popular spot around sunset, when Frenchman bay is painted in pink and orange, but we think it makes for an equally stunning and iconic photo in morning or midday. Wander Asticou Azalea Garden Visiting Maine, you may not expect to find Japanese inspired landscaping, but at Asticou Azalea Garden you’ll be transported. This lovely
Ultimate Guide to Bar Harbor 4th of July
Red lobsters, white sails, and the sparkling blue Atlantic. Mount Desert Island already has all the right ingredients for Independence Day celebrations. So whether you’re local or visiting, get ready for countless Bar Harbor 4th of July activities, eats, art and more. Packed with fun events for all ages and at the height of Acadia’s beauty, it’s no surprise that the 4th of July brings locals, summer residents and visitors together. In fact, the Today Show and National Geographic have both titled Bar Harbor 4th of July one of the best in the country! Let’s run through the annual Bar Harbor 4th of July events and how you can make the most of your visit to MDI on this special occasion.Pro Tip: There’s only one way on and off Mount Desert Island—Route 3—so we recommend arriving early to ensure you don’t miss any festivities! Most of our guests stay 2-3 nights, giving them a chance to enjoy downtown celebrations, explore Acadia in July, and just relax. Start the Day at the Pancake Breakfast 6am-10amThe Bar Harbor Rotary Club, who’s mission it is to bring together MDI’s diverse community, will host their annual pancake breakfast at the Athletic Field on Park Street. And what better way to bond than over a plate of Maine blueberry pancakes? In addition to fresh flapjacks off the griddle, they’ll be serving breakfast sandwiches, sausage, orange juice, milk, water, tea, and coffee. All proceeds from the breakfast go to Rotary projects and local nonprofits, often raising more than $20k in a single day! Find Your Spot for the Bar Harbor Parade 10amDon your stars and stripes and find a spot along the 1.8-mile parade route to watch Bar Harbor’s first responders, community organizations and businesses—including Witham Family Hotels!—show off their patriotism. The Bar Harbor parade starts at the corner of Wayman Ln and Lower Main St and heads towards Agamont Park before turning on Cottage and looping back on Mt Desert St. Vintage cars rumble past, trucks tow red, white and blue floats tossing candy, and residents get decked out in costumes to strut their way through downtown. We love to watch the parade from the porch of the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel or set up camp on the Village Green. Pro Tip: While parking downtown is free on the 4th of July, spots can be limited and some roads are closed to traffic. We suggest leaving your car parked at your hotel and catching the free Island Explorer bus, which stops conveniently in front of the Bar Harbor Motel, Acadia Inn and various stops around downtown. Pick Up a Souvenir at the Bar Harbor 4th of July Craft Fair 8am-3pmHead over to the YMCA parking lot on Park St to explore the tents and tables of the Island Arts Association craft fair. From jewelry inspired by the Atlantic Ocean and gorgeous photographs of Maine’s landscape to handmade pottery, traditional quilts and so much more, it’s the perfect opportunity to take something home with you to remember your Bar Harbor 4th of July. And since the craft fair runs from morning to mid-afternoon you have plenty of time to consider your choices and come back when something is calling to you. Fill Your Belly at the Bar Harbor Seafood Festival 11am-2pmThe Rotary Club is back at it again, serving up the classics of Maine summer eats at their annual Seafood Festival. They begin cooking lobsters and crab at 11am and don’t stop until they run out! You can grab a lobster roll, crab roll, hot dog, or hamburger for lunch along with French fries, corn, watermelon, and chips. Just like the Pancake Breakfast, proceeds from the Seafood Festival go back to the Rotary Club and community funds.Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a fuller menu, most restaurants are open on the 4th of July so you can still have a sit-down meal while all the Bar Harbor 4th of July events are going on. We recommend calling well in advance to make a dinner reservation. Catch Live Music at the Town Pier 3:30pm-9pmOur very own Bar Harbor Hospitality Group sponsors a free, family-friendly concert series down at the town pier with local bands keeping the afternoon lively. Bring a folding lawn chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the concert in repose or get up and dance! The concert also gives you a chance to stake out your spot for the fireworks a bit early. VisitBarHarbor.com updates the schedule of bands each year so be sure to check out who is playing for your visit! Catch Live Music at the Town Pier 7:30-8:30pm If classical is more your style, don’t miss the Bar Harbor Band’s annual performance on the Village Green. A true representation of MDI’s strong community, the town band has been performing since 1898 with a rotating cast of horns, strings, drums and more. They set up under the Village Green pavilion for an hour performance, and lucky for you, they typically play twice a week throughout the summer. Celebrate with a Bang at The Bar Harbor Fireworks Approximately 9:15pmAmong all the festive Bar Harbor 4th of July events, the fireworks are the most anticipated and best attended. Visitors and residents alike gather in Agamont Park and along the Shore Path to watch the town put on a spectacular display over Frenchman Bay. Pro Tip: Those staying at the Bar Harbor Inn can get front row seats to the Bar Harbor fireworks from their rooms, the Terrace Grille, or the Reading Room. You can also catch the special Bar Harbor fireworks cruise by Acadian Boat Tours that departs from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel at 7pm and docks by the town pier for unparalleled views. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and look north to enjoy a unique perspective on the fireworks. More Advice on Bar Harbor 4th of July
11 Things to Do in Bar Harbor When it Rains
So, your Bar Harbor vacation is approaching and you’ve been diligently (obsessively) checking the weather to make sure you pack appropriately, but the forecast calls for some rain. Even Vacationland can’t guarantee perfect weather, but don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Bar Harbor when it rains. Our little island may be called Mount Desert but we welcome the rain to replenish the plants, animals, lakes and streams that make our island special. In fact, there’s something magical about a rainy day in Bar Harbor, when mist blankets the granite hills and makes everything appear to move in slow motion. Rain also means the only people you bump into downtown and in the park are the ones who, like you, don’t mind getting a little wet, giving the perfect opportunity to explore MDI’s nooks and crannies. From indoor activities in Bar Harbor to ways to explore Acadia in the rain while keeping (relatively) dry, we’ll help you make the most of your trip to MDI no matter the weather. Rainy Day Activities in Bar Harbor When it pours, play indoors! Here are six of our favorite indoor activities in Bar Harbor you might not have otherwise had on your itinerary. Get Hands On At The Oceanarium The Mount Desert Oceanarium and Education Center is a favorite for all ages, creating a window into the lives of the uncountable and incredible creatures that inhabit our shores and waters, plus the people who have built communities around them. They have 9 different tanks featuring different snapshots of Maine ocean habitat, an authentic lobster boat you can explore indoors, and a touch pool brimming with sea stars, crabs, fin fish and more. You can even get a peek at rare cotton candy, blue, and orange lobsters—not for eating! The Oceanarium is open from mid-May to late October and is located on the shore of Salt Pond just off route 3. Tickets $18 for ages 12 and up, with discounts for younger children, seniors, and veterans available. Explore the Abbe Museum Continue your journey of learning with a trip to the Abbe Museum, Maine’s one and only Smithsonian affiliate right in downtown. This ever-evolving museum showcases the history and cultures of Maine’s Native people, the Wabanaki through rotating exhibitions, special events and workshops. With thousands of artifacts that tell the story of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac, and Maliseet tribes who have made Maine home for over 12,000 years, the Abbe Museum is worth a visit no matter the weather. The Abbe’s main museum is located in downtown Bar Harbor while its second, original location is within Acadia National Park in Sieur de Monts Spring. The Abbe opens for the season at the beginning of May and has special events throughout the summer so it’s always worth checking their calendar before your visit. Tickets are $10 for adults, with discounts for younger children and seniors available. Visit the Dorr Museum of Natural History Part of the College of the Atlantic, the Dorr Museum of Natural History is housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park. Its exhibits are designed and produced by students of the college, so you’re bound to discover new ways to learn about Maine’s wildlife with each visit. It features dioramas of our coastal creatures, a tide pool tank, and of course the gift shop full of goodies inspired by the natural sciences. The Dorr is free to enter and is open year-round with seasonal changes to their hours, which you can find on their website. Plus, the Island Explorer bus stops at the museum so you can catch a ride there directly from your room at the Bar Harbor Motel. Sample Some Beer or Wine What better way to spend a rainy day in Bar Harbor then sipping some local brews? Take a trip to the Bar Harbor Cellars tasting room on Sweet Pea Farm where you can stay cozy and dry while overlooking 100 acres of vineyard. They offer a wide range of wines to try from delicately sweet fruit wines to bold reds. Plus, with a wood fired pizza and a whole room dedicated to chocolate, it’s truly everything you need in one place. If beer is more your style, pay a visit to Fogtown Brewing, which uses Maine-grown malt, hops, oats, spelt and other locally foraged ingredients to create a suite of delicious beers that are rooted in the land. They have a great food menu and often have live music, trivia, and other events to keep you entertained. Next head down to Atlantic Brewing Company, where they’ve been brewing specialty batches since 1991 with a taste for simple, yet stand-out beers. You can take a tour of their small-scale brewing facilities, experience a guided tasting, or just enjoy your picks independently in one of their two tasting rooms in Bar Harbor. Catch a Movie When hunting for things to do in bar harbor in the rain, us locals often turn to the theater. Built in 1932, the Criterion Theater is an art deco gem that shows movies seven nights a week. A beacon for all arts in Bar Harbor, the Criterion also hosts live dance, comedy, music, plays and more. If you want to combine dinner and a movie, Reel Pizza Cinerama is the place to go. This funky 2-screen dinner theater serves specialty pizzas inspired by film favorites like Godzilla, The Godfather, Casino Royale, and more. Sip a local beer and cozy up on one of their mismatched couches for a truly unique movie experience. Reservations are required so explore current showings online to snag your tickets. Acadia Rainy Day Activities Ask the locals and you’ll discover that Acadia in the rain is no deterrent for outdoor exploration. While steep trails like Precipice and Beehive should be avoided when slippery, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience the majesty of our National Park when the sky opens up. Grab your wellies and a rain jacket because we’ve got 3 awesome
Packing for Bar Harbor
Guide to Packing for 3 Days in Bar Harbor, Maine So, you’re planning a Bar Harbor vacation, and you want to know what to bring. Besides being full time residents of Mount Desert Island ourselves, we’ve also welcomed guests from across the country to our slice of coastal, Maine and have plenty of advice on packing for Bar Harbor. While we encourage you to stay on our island as long as you can, our average visitor spends 3 days in Bar Harbor exploring the town and Acadia National Park, so we’ll focus our guide on packing for a long weekend. Weather in Bar Harbor Maine Now, let’s set something straight before we begin: the weather in Bar Harbor. Of course, weather depends greatly on the time of year you visit, but even in the span of a few summer days, it can be variable. As Mark Twain said, “if you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” In fact, if I turn my head to the left my window is full of blue sky and sunshine, but the window to my right features some glum looking grey clouds. We recommend checking trusted weather services like the Weather Channel or AccuWeather 2 to 3 days ahead of your Bar Harbor vacation to get the most accurate prediction for temperature and potential precipitation. That said, here’s a general breakdown of weather in Bar Harbor by month: Packing List for 3 Days in Bar Harbor Okay folks, get out your suitcase—or waxed canvas duffel in my case—and get ready to pack. We’ll plan our packing list for early July, when the park is bursting with life and downtown Bar Harbor’s restaurants and shops are in full swing. Of course, you’ll need the basics like a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, socks, and underwear. The rest, we can help with. Clothing Mainers are pretty down-to-earth when it comes to our attire, and with all the walking around town and exploring Acadia National Park you’ll be doing, we suggest prioritizing items that are comfortable. As we mentioned earlier, layering is also important as it helps you adapt to variable temperatures throughout the day without having to fully change your outfit. Here’s my essential inventory when packing for Bar Harbor: I also always bring a light rain jacket. Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, you might find yourself reaching for it to protect against wind on one of Acadia’s mountain peaks or to stay dry as your Bar Harbor boat tour sends ocean mist into the air. Heading out to dinner at The Bistro or one of Bar Harbor’s many downtown spots and want an excuse to get a little dressed up? Breezy linen pants pair well with a (clean) t-shirt, or a sundress is easy to throw on. Jeans and a button down also add a touch of class. Just make sure to bring a sweater for when you stroll back to your hotel room in the cool night. You might also want to add a bathing suit to your packing list so you can enjoy a swim in the pool or brave a dip in the ocean at Sand Beach—just be prepared for 50-60 ocean water. The takeaway is to cater to versatility. Try to pick items that can be mixed and matched or transition from daytime activity to a night in downtown Bar Harbor. And hey, if you forgot something, there’s plenty of shops in town or at the Acadia visitors centers where you can pick up a t-shirt or sweatshirt to remember us by. Shoes The first time I ever took a Bar Harbor vacation, I walked 9 miles on day one! Of course, you can drive to many of Acadia’s best attractions, but chances are you’ll want to get out at some point to wander around, so comfortable shoes are important. A good pair of sneakers will do the job just fine, but hiking boots are also a great option if you plan to tackle steeper trails like the Precipice Trail or Cadillac South Ridge. Sandals are a great addition to your weekend footwear selection for hanging by the pool or going out to dinner. As a Mainer, I’m partial to my Tevas or Birkenstocks but any comfortable sandal will do. Outdoor Gear While hanging out in your room at the Acadia Inn can be relaxing, we encourage you to go out, go out, go out! There’s so much to see and enjoy in nature on Mount Desert Island; it’s what will make you fall in love with our coastal haven. That said, you should be prepared with a few items when spending so much time outdoors: Whatever you do, don’t forget to put on sunscreen and don’t be fooled by the weather in Bar Harbor. When you’re outside climbing mountains all day, even cloudy weather can lead to a sunburn. Bonus Items With this basic guide to packing for Acadia, you should be set up for a fantastic—and well prepared—3 days in Bar Harbor. You can scale this packing list up if you’re taking a longer trip. And adding a few bonus items to the list might make your Bar Harbor vacation even better. For example, I love having a disposable camera or Instax on hand to snap photos while out and about. Perhaps it’s old school, but the physical photos just have a certain something that smartphone pics can never achieve. Portable batteries and chargers are a useful item to bring along, ensuring you can recharge your phone while out exploring Acadia National Park. If you plan to spend time on a nature boat tour or sunset cruise and have trouble with sea sickness, picking up some Dramamine can be a lifesaver. P.S. we stock this at our front desk for purchase in case your forgot some or weren’t expecting that woozy feeling. Books to read, playing cards or other packable games ensure you have something to do while lounging by the
Mount Desert Island Scavenger Hunt: Exploring Acadia & Bar Harbor with Kids
Mount Desert Island may be small, but between the charming town of Bar Harbor and the beautiful landscape of Acadia National Park, it can be tough deciding where to go and what to see, especially if you’ve got youngsters in tow. How do you hit all the best spots around the island, ensure there’s plenty of places for bathroom breaks along the way, and keep the kids engaged? Each year the Acadia Inn welcomes hundreds of families to our slice of Downeast Maine and we’ve learned a few tricks for exploring Bar Harbor with kids. If your kids are having fun, you’re more likely to have fun too—and spend less time curbing tantrums. We’ve put together a nature scavenger hunt for kids that will take you to all the best spots around MDI, from Acadia’s iconic carriage roads to the lakes, peaks and beaches that make our island special. Kids will have objectives to keep them interested and excited to explore and along the way, they’ll learn a bit about the environment and the history of our island. Preparing for Your Adventure The best explorers are always well prepared! Before you head out on your outdoor scavenger hunt, check a few things off your list. Mount Desert Island Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids There’s so much to explore in Acadia! As you head out on your outdoor scavenger hunt prepare to use all your senses. Listen closely for birds, take a deep breath to smell the forest air, feel the soft moss under your feet and perhaps even taste the salty mist off the ocean. For each item in our scavenger hunt, we provide a tip for how to spot it! Animals You Can Spot in Acadia Sometimes the best place to spot the wildlife of Acadia is from the window of your room at the Acadia Inn! In the mornings and evenings, we often get visiting squirrels, rabbits, deer and birds so keep your eyes peeled while enjoying your breakfast or settling in at the end of the night. The Plants of Acadia National Park Mount Desert Island is home to more than 1000 species of plants thanks to its variety of different habitats. Wetlands to coastline to mountains, forests, and freshwater environments such as streams, lakes and ponds bring together unique factors and foster the growth of diverse plants. See if you can identify the plants in this outdoor scavenger hunt. Mount Desert Island’s Deciduous Trees A deciduous tree is one with leaves that drop in autumn, carpeting the forest floor and insulating it over winter. Most of Acadia’s deciduous trees can be found at lower elevations. How many can you find? Conifers of Acadia National Park Maine is also known as the pine tree state—home to many conifers. Conifers are trees that produce cones to distribute their seeds. They often have needles for leaves and are evergreen, meaning they don’t drop their leaves in fall like deciduous trees. Most of Acadia’s forests are made up of conifers so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to check these off your outdoor scavenger hunt checklist. Making Memories on Your Trip with Acadia National Park with Kids With nearly fifty different plants and animals to keep your eye out for, this nature scavenger hunt for kids provides plenty of opportunities for young adventurers to interact with their environment. Along the way, snap some photos of your finds or get the whole family in the shot to document what spot in Acadia you discovered an item from the checklist. For quiet evenings or rainy days, kids can draw their favorite finds or locations throughout the park. Planning a family trip can often feel like navigating through a maze, especially with the added challenge of keeping young minds engaged and entertained. The Mount Desert Island Scavenger Hunt guides families through the stunning landscapes of Acadia National Park, occupying and engaging little ones. As children learn to interact with nature, parents can relish the moments of discovery and joy that unfold with each step of the hunt. Next time you visit Bar Harbor with kids, use this scavenger hunt to transform every corner of Acadia into a classroom alive with wonders and opportunities to create lasting family memories.
Biking Bar Harbor & Acadia
Your Guide to Biking Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor In our humble opinion, biking offers one of the best ways to enjoy the pink granite mountains, tall spruces, stunning ocean views, and quaint shops of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Named the second-best national park for cyclists, Acadia has long been a destination for cyclists of all skill levels and ages. And if you’re looking for a way to avoid traffic and crowded parking lots, biking Acadia National Park can allow you to see and do more during your trip. Whether you’re already an avid biker, ready to take on a 50 to 100 mile day (and not a small amount of elevation) or you’re visiting our island with your family and want a fun and easygoing way to explore the park there are amazing Acadia bike trails waiting for you. Before your hop on two wheels, let’s talk logistics! Step 1: You Need a Bike! Bike owners: consider what type of riding you’re interested in before you load your bike rack and hit the road to Mount Desert Island. While there are certainly places for a road bike to feel at home in Bar Harbor, many of our favorite Acadia National Park bike trails are packed dirt or gravel where a mountain bike, gravel bike, or cyclocross bike will serve you best. You can use a cycling app like Komoot to explore routes and different surface types before selecting from your quiver of bikes. With a little under a 5-hour drive from Boston, you’ll also want to ensure your bikes are secure for the journey. Many bikes have a quick release on the front wheel so you can remove them to stash more easily inside your vehicle. Or you can use a bike rack, ensuring they’re locked in place and even taking a neighborhood drive to test stability before jumping on the highway. For those of you who are bike-less or would rather not travel with your bikes, you’re in luck! It’s easy to acquire trail friendly bikes from one of five Bar Harbor bike rentals. Bar Harbor Bike Rentals Acadia Bike Rentals Acadia Bike rents out mostly hybrid bikes with flat top handlebars and a relaxed, upright riding position for the most versatility on paved and gravel roads. They also have a fleet of E-bikes to make riding more accessible, as well as various sizes of children’s bikes and child trailers. Every bike includes a bottle cage, helmet, and map of Acadia’s carriage roads. As one of the most popular Bar Harbor bike rental options, they recommend reserving your bikes ahead of your trip.Acadia Bike Rentals WebsiteRates: Starting at $36 for adults Acadia Ebike Adventure Rents exclusively E-bikes limited to ages 16 and older with the option to add a trailer for children at an additional fee. These Acadia bike rentals must be reserved in advance and are picked up at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center within the park between 8:30 and 10 am where you’ll receive a quick orientation from staff. Bikes must be returned between 2 and 3pm of the same day. Acadia Ebike Adventure website Rates: $110 Acadia Outfitters Acadia Outfitters has a large selection of 21-speed mountain and hybrid bikes in all sizes, plus a wide variety of accessories, including child seats, trailers, tagalongs, and bike racks. Each bike rental comes with a helmet and bottle cage. They also have E-bikes and even 49cc scooters for biking Acadia National Park with a little more zip. You can reserve bikes ahead of time by calling their store. Acadia Outfitters websiteRates: Starting at $36 for adults Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop Since 1978, the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop has served the recreational and sport bikers of Mount Desert Island and continues to offer Acadia bike rentals for hybrid, kids, and E-bikes. They include free helmets and bike locks with all rentals. They also sell snacks and sports drinks to take with you and can meet you in the park to change a flat tire if needed. Call or use their online form to make bike reservations at least 48 hours in advance. Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop website Rates: Starting at $30 for adults Pedego Bar Harbor Pedego is an E-bike brand with a retail location in Bar Harbor that also offers rentals for their standard and premium models. All rentals are 8 hours and include helmets and locks. Trailers can be purchased for an additional fee. Designed to be accessible, Pedego bikes are a great way for older or less physically able adventurers to enjoy biking Acadia carriage roads. Pedego Bar Harbor website Rates: Starting at $125 Other Gear for Biking Bar Harbor Two wheels aren’t the only thing you’ll need for biking in Acadia National Park. First and foremost, you’ll want to bring water. Like cup holders in your car, bottle cages won’t fit your wide Nalgene or Stanley water bottle. Use a water bottle that is under 3 inches in diameter or bring a backpack that can fit your water. Snacks or picnic food is also great as the only food for purchase inside the park is at the Jordon Pond House. Most bike shops offer maps of trails, but those can also be picked up at visitors’ centers around Acadia. Want to go a step further in preparing to bike Mount Desert Island? Here are some other items to bring along: Step 2: Choosing Your Bar Harbor & Acadia Bike Trails From the Park Loop Road to climbing Cadillac Mountain, enjoying Acadia carriage roads, or finding peace along the less trafficked Western Mountain Roads, there are too many amazing trails to discuss in one blog. And that’s not even to mention biking Bar Harbor itself! Below you’ll find some of our favorites to make your Mount Desert Island bike adventure special. Biking Acadia Carriage Roads Of course, Acadia is known for its 45 miles of carriage roads, commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, and built between 1913 and 1940. These motor free
Off Season Splendor
The Best Time to Go to Acadia National Park Picture this: Acadia’s iconic Park Loop Road padded with a few inches of bright snow and patterned with cross country ski tracks and snowshoe prints. Freshly formed icicles glisten on the pink granite cliffs. A white-tailed deer steps carefully through the quiet forest among pine boughs weighed down under their white blankets. And the best part? You have it almost entirely to yourself. There’s something truly magical about winter in Acadia National Park and we invite you to join us and experience its quiet splendor. Read our suggestions for how to spend the off season on Mount Desert Island and you too might be convinced that winter is the best season to visit Acadia National Park. Just grab your puffy, mittens and Bean boots. Winter in Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor By the end of October, Bar Harbor’s riot of colorful fall foliage has faded, and Mount Desert Island returns to its true form: a small, waterfront town of only about 5,000 year-round residents who fiercely love their little slice of Maine’s coast. Winter in Bar Harbor gives visitors of glimpse of our town’s quirky traditions, access to Acadia’s sweeping views and winding carriage roads, and a chance to rest, relax and absorb the quiet beauty and slow pace of the season. Whether you’re looking for a winter workout, some holiday shopping, or a relaxing dip in a hot tub, we’ve got plenty of great suggestions for how to spend winter in Bar Harbor. Book Your Winter Lodging One of the few year-round lodgings in Bar Harbor, you couldn’t pick a better place to spend your winter nights than the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel. Each room boasts uninterrupted views of Frenchman Bay so every morning can be spent sipping hot coffee in front of your French doors, with a slow sunrise over the snow dotted beach. Our indoor pool and hot tub stay open throughout the year, where you might bump into locals using their pool passes to get in a few laps under the greenhouse style roof. The Bistro is a popular winter meeting spot for residents and visitors alike, where seasonal cocktails, craft beers and a locally inspired menu can be enjoyed beside floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water. On special winter nights, The Bistro also hosts local music, open mics, and the occasional comedy set. You can always give us a ring to see what’s on deck. The Atlantic Oceanside is also home to an event center, Bar Harbor’s go-to spot for meetings, conferences, private celebrations and more. With options for full-service catering, presentation technology and anything else you might need to make your event perfect, we’re prepared to welcome your group to Bar Harbor any time of year. You can also follow the Atlantic Oceanside on Facebook or Instagram to see announcements about public events like lobster bakes and film screenings. With a cozy bed squared away, you’re ready for some winter adventures. First Sunrise in the US at Cadillac Mountain A sunrise hike up Cadillac Mountain is always a good idea, but it takes on a special quality between October and March of each year. Starting on October 7th, Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the United States that the sun touches so a hike to the summit during these months means you’ll be welcoming the day before anyone else in the country. You can take one of three routes up Acadia’s tallest peak or walk the curving summit road. In winter, it’s not uncommon to arrive at the trailhead and find the path ahead untouched by people, ready for you to make the first tracks through the snow. If you’re looking for a truly exceptional winter hiking experience, we suggest a full moon hike of Cadillac. The snowy path practically glows in the light of a winter moon, and patches of exposed granite sparkle along the way. You’ll be rewarded at the summit with a serene landscape of frozen lakes, islands like cupcakes frosted with snow, and the sense that you could reach up and touch the moon. There are a few opportunities throughout winter in Acadia National Park to experience this wonder but our favorite is the Wolf Moon on January 25th of 2024 which reaches peak brightness just past midnight. Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & More Winter in Acadia national park makes road access by car limited, but that doesn’t mean trails are closed! Just as the carriage roads are perfect for biking in the summer months, they make ideal cross country ski and snowshoe trails when snow coats the ground. Volunteers set tracks and groom sections of the carriage roads to make these 45 miles of scenic trails even more perfect for winter recreation. Spend early mornings gliding around Eagle Lake alongside residents or bring the whole family for afternoons passing under stone bridges or pausing for a snowball fight in the amphitheater. You can bring your own equipment or rent from a local shop like Cadillac Mountain Sports or Alpenglow Adventure Sports. Some of Acadia’s lakes and ponds also freeze during the winter and, for savvy skaters, can make beautiful spots to ice skate. Just make sure to check the depth of the ice and be prepared for the uneven surfaces that come with ungroomed, natural skating. Ice climbers also flock to Acadia in winter, eager to try their skills on frozen waterfalls and columns of clear blue ice that form on our granite cliffs. There are a number of guide services that welcome beginners to this winter sport, like Equinox and Acadia Mountain Guides. Pajama Sale? Bed Races? Say What? For more than 25 years, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce has organized an event wholly unique to our Mount Desert Island community: the Early Bird Pajama Sale. In mid-November, the town rolls out of bed and hits the streets of Bar Harbor in their pajamas to score deals on holiday gifts and more from 30+ participating
Sunrise Seekers: Bar Harbor Motel to Cadillac Summit
Pillow to Peak: Bar Harbor Motel to Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Hike If you’re planning a trip to Acadia, you’ve probably considered catching a sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, and for good reason! Not only is Cadillac the highest peak in the park, it’s also the highest point on the eastern seaboard and provides visitors with magnificent, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, glacial coastline, and island landscape. Homeland of the Wabanaki and key viewpoint for 17th century European cartographers, Cadillac has been summited by people for thousands of years. Its pink granite surface is speckled with foamy green lichen and punctuated with alpine blueberries and wind-swept pine trees. But perhaps the most stunning sight is the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. From October to March, the 1530 ft peak is the first place in the United States for the sun to touch, but sunrise views are spectacular no matter the time of year. Hiking Cadillac Mountain There are three routes for hiking Cadillac Mountain, ranging from 2.5 miles to 7.1 miles roundtrip: Planning Your Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Hike While every trail is wonderful in its own right, our plan for an Acadia sunrise hike takes the convenient North Ridge Trail, perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The journey begins not at the trailhead, but in your warm and cozy bed at the Bar Harbor Motel. The motel property offers direct access to Acadia’s trails via the Duck Brook path. Departing for your Cadillac Mountain sunrise hike from your room at the motel eliminates the struggle of trailhead parking and summit road fees. You can prepare for hiking Cadillac Mountain in the comfort of your room, eat or pack a quick breakfast, and even borrow hiking gear from the front desk. Your Route From the Bar Harbor Motel Up Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail Out & Back Length: 7.5 miles Approximate Time: 3-6 hours Difficulty: Moderate Ensuring You Make it for Cadillac Mountain Sunrise Time Sunrise in Acadia National Park is different depending on the time of year and hikers of differing experience levels will take different lengths of time to complete their Cadillac Mountain sunrise hike, so you will need to plan your departure time accordingly. The sunrise itself typically lasts an hour and half with the most brilliant colors often revealing themselves in the middle. It’s up to you how long you would like to watch the sunrise, but the following table can be helpful in planning your estimated arrival time. Time of Year Start of Sunrise End of Sunrise May 24 – July 4 am 5:30 am August 4:30 am 6 am September 5 am 6:30 am October 1-15 5:30 am 7 am October 15-22 6 am 7:30 am The full hike up this route from the Bar Harbor Motel to the summit takes anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours so budget according to your typical hiking speed. Keep in mind that hiking in the dark can require you to slow down and pay more attention to the placement of your feet to avoid injury. You can use your preferred weather app, like AccuWeather, to check the Cadillac Mountain sunrise time on the specific day of your hike. What to Bring on Your Acadia Sunrise Hike At more than 7 miles, this route for hiking Cadillac Mountain is no walk in the park—pun intended. You should be prepared for your Acadia sunrise hike so that you can fully enjoy the beauty and walk away ready for another day of Acadia adventures. What you wear is incredibly important! The Cadillac Mountain North Ridge trail is exposed and windy, and can often be 20+ degrees cooler at night than your daytime experience of Acadia National Park. Yet hiking is hard work that can quickly get you sweaty! It’s best to wear layers, including a wind breaker that you can add or remove as you climb. A small daypack can be useful for holding extra clothes. You should also plan on wearing durable hiking boots with a decent tread to help you stay on your feet across the rocky terrain. Ensuring your boots are properly fitted and laced tightly to keep your ankles secure is key to avoiding injury. Headlamps or flashlights are a must and other helpful items like trekking poles can make going in the dark easier. Talk to the front desk staff of the Bar Harbor Motel to see what hiking equipment we have available for guests to borrow. Plan on bringing water and easy trail snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, jerky and trail mix. You may not be hungry at 3am when you get started but we bet you will be when you reach the summit! The Cadillac Mountain Eco Store gift shop also offers some grab and go food, cold beverages, and coffee. There’s nothing quite like munching on a pop tart and sipping hot coffee while you watch the sun raise its head above the Atlantic horizon. The Return From Cadillac Mountain Summit When you’ve had your fill of blazing sunrise or the chill atop Cadillac has gotten to you, it’s time to head back down. This is secretly our favorite part. On your way up, darkness hid most of the landscape and your motivation to arrive in time for sunrise kept your focus away from all the interesting details. But on the way down, you can take it slow and marvel at Maine’s coastal ecosystem spread out before you. And if you’re already antsy to explore more of Acadia National Park, consider heading down one of the other two trails to continue your adventures. You’ll be back at your room by 9 am and hey, we won’t judge if you want to crawl back into bed and recover some of those lost hours of sleep. Or you can head to continental breakfast for fresh muffins, bagels, fruit and more to fuel your expeditions back into Acadia. Driving to the Top of Cadillac A road was constructed to the summit in 1931 and since
Getting a Taste of Acadia’s Waters on Your Trip to Bar Harbor
Located more than 150 miles up the state’s jagged coast, Maine’s largest island juts into the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Only one road connects Mount Desert Island to the mainland, leaving every edge surrounded with views of Frenchman Bay and the Mount Desert Narrows.Life in and around Mount Desert Island has been bound to the sea for millennia. For more than 12,000 years, the Wabanaki relied on the saltwater bays and freshwater lakes to provide fish, mollusks and more. Today, Bar Harbor remains a working waterfront, home to lobsterman, oyster farms and more.So, it comes as no surprise that visitors to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor have ample options for exploring the waters and marine life. The toughest part is just in choosing one! There are Bar Harbor boat tours where you learn a bit of history, see Maine’s fisherman at work, bask in the sunset or perhaps even spot an elusive Puffin. In this blog, we’ll talk about four Bar Harbor boat tours you can take on your trip to MDI and a bonus way to explore Frenchman Bay. 4 Types of Bar Harbor Boat Tours From dawn to dusk, Frenchman Bay is full of boats going about their business. From small fishing vessels to large cruise ships traveling to Nova Scotia. Excluding passenger ferries that take visitors to and from surrounding islands, harbors and towns, you can group Bar Harbor boat tours into four categories. Acadia Nature Cruise The cold waters surrounding Acadia are home to a host of marine and wildlife that will thrill nature lovers. Acadia nature cruises are the perfect way to explore the Gulf of Maine and make a great activity for kids, older folks and marine enthusiasts alike. Of course, your interest may already be piqued by a Bar Harbor whale watching tour or you may be wondering where to see puffins in Maine, but there’s so much more to take notice of! Here are a few species to look out for on your Acadia nature cruise: Experienced nature guides will point out these species and many more as your travel around the islands of Frenchman Bay and Bar Harbor. What you see will also depend on the time of year you visit MDI. Acadia puffin cruises run from May to August with the best viewing in June and July. Likewise, whale activity peaks in June through August but spring and fall can still be fruitful for spotters. Acadian Boat Tours offer a few different nature cruises, departing conveniently from the dock at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel. They range in price from $15-60 depending on the type and length of the tour. You’re encouraged to bring along binoculars for the best spotting or can rent a pair for just $5 aboard the boat. Acadia nature cruises are typically offered twice daily, with a 9:30 am and 1:30 pm departure option. Tickets can be purchased right at the front desk of any Witham Family Hotel and vehicle parking is included in the Atlantic Oceanside lot. Bar Harbor Sunset Cruise To us, nothing says vacation more than a Bar Harbor sunset cruise around Frenchman Bay on the gorgeous deck of Margaret Todd, four masts towering above and the sunset painting Acadia in red, orange and pink. It sounds like a fairy tale, but it’s very real and one of the best Bar Harbor experiences out there! The Margaret Todd is a stunning four mast schooner replicated after late 1800’s cargo vessels that has been sailing around Acadia since 1998. It’s rust red sails are an iconic image against the grey blue waters of the Atlantic. Captained by Steven Pagels from mid May through October, it sails around Mount Desert Island, offering views of coastal cottages, pink granite mountains and the surrounding islands. While the Margaret Todd does offer scenic sails in the morning and daytime, we think their Bar Harbor sunset cruise is the absolute winner. Passengers are encouraged to bring along picnic items and beer, wine and soft beverages are sold on board during the cruise. Sunset cruises also often feature live folk music like banjo, fiddle or guitar. Bar Harbor sunset cruise length changes with the season as daylight hours wax and wane, but they are typically one to two hours. The schooner docks at the Bar Harbor Inn pier and guests should plan extra time to find downtown Bar Harbor parking before arriving for their boarding time. Tickets for any Windjammer cruise can also be purchased at the front desk of any Witham Family Hotel. Romantic, picturesque and truly memorable, you won’t want to miss this Bar Harbor sunset cruise. Bar Harbor Lighthouse Tour Did you know there are 65 lighthouses in Maine and 7 of them are located in and around Mount Desert Island?! These beacons are icons of coastal Maine and hold so much history about the land and the people who have worked and explored these waters for hundreds of years. Built in the mid to late 1800’s many of these are still operational, using bright flashing lights and deep fog blasts to keep boaters safe in foul weather. Below is a list of the 7 lighthouses in the area. Bass Harbor Head Light: The only lighthouse on MDI, it is located at the southwestern reach of Acadia National Park where it guards the southern entrance of Blue Hill Bay and warns against Bass Harbor Bar.Bear Island Light: Constructed in 1839, the tower is only 31 feet high and is located just south of the entrance to Northeast Harbor. It is now privately maintained and accessible only by boat.Burnt Coat Harbor Light: Off Swans Island and marking the entrance of Burnt Coat Harbor, this lighthouse originally sported two towers. The site is now owned by the town of Swans Island and sports a park and museum.Egg Rock Light: Due to growing seasonal ferry traffic to Bar Harbor, Egg Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1875. It stands 40 feet tall and marks the entrance to
