Bar Harbor

United_States

Bar Harbor is a village on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County in the Down East area of Maine. It is a useful base for those visiting Acadia National Park.

  • Bar Harbor Historical Society, 33 Ledgelawn Ave, +1 207 288-0000. mid-June to Oct M-Sa 1-4PM, open by appointment in the winter. Closed holidays. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the museum exhibits memorabilia, maps, antique clothing and pictures. free.
  • Abbe Museum, 26 Mount Desert St, +1 207 288-3519. May-Oct 10AM-5PM, Nov-Apr Th-Sa 10-16. Devoted to the Native American tribes of Maine. The new Abbe museum is much larger and offers plenty of activities for both adults and children. A good rainy day activity. Open to school groups and programs by appointment in the winter. $8/adult, $7/senior, $4/youth, children under 10 free.
  • The Abbe Museum:Original, +1 207 288-3519. Located at Sieur De Mont, this one-room museum is the original MDI Native American museum. A bit pricey, but lots of information.
  • Village Green. The well-groomed park is a great place to take a break from walking, shopping, etc. Toss a frisbee, enjoy your ice cream, read a book, or just take a nap. The gazebo hosts the town band every Monday and Thursday night. On summer nights, there are often concerts on the bandstand. Street performers will often roam the sidewalks, and there's free Wifi! Just create an account name and sign on.
  • Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center. Home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia.
  • The Bar Harbor Whale Museum. 10AM-8PM. The museum is devoted to whales and other sea creatures. There are many real skeletons (from stranded marine mammals) on display including a 28-foot long juvenile humpback whale. Other exhibits include climate change, bioacoustics, marine adaptations, and a brief history of whaling. Great for kids and adults. Great souvenirs and presents to be found in the gift shop. by donation.
  • Dorr Museum of Natural History, +1 207 288 5015. Dedicated to the natural history of the North East. Exhibits vary from year to year, and are designed by College of the Atlantic students. There is always a touch-tank filled with sea creatures, and plenty of taxidermied animals to examine. Child friendly.

Bar Harbor Historical Society, 33 Ledgelawn Ave, +1 207 288-0000. mid-June to Oct M-Sa 1-4PM, open by appointment in the winter. Closed holidays. Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the museum exhibits memorabilia, maps, antique clothing and pictures. free.

Abbe Museum, 26 Mount Desert St, +1 207 288-3519. May-Oct 10AM-5PM, Nov-Apr Th-Sa 10-16. Devoted to the Native American tribes of Maine. The new Abbe museum is much larger and offers plenty of activities for both adults and children. A good rainy day activity. Open to school groups and programs by appointment in the winter. $8/adult, $7/senior, $4/youth, children under 10 free.

The Abbe Museum:Original, +1 207 288-3519. Located at Sieur De Mont, this one-room museum is the original MDI Native American museum. A bit pricey, but lots of information.

Village Green. The well-groomed park is a great place to take a break from walking, shopping, etc. Toss a frisbee, enjoy your ice cream, read a book, or just take a nap. The gazebo hosts the town band every Monday and Thursday night. On summer nights, there are often concerts on the bandstand. Street performers will often roam the sidewalks, and there's free Wifi! Just create an account name and sign on.

Sieur de Monts Spring Nature Center. Home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

The Bar Harbor Whale Museum. 10AM-8PM. The museum is devoted to whales and other sea creatures. There are many real skeletons (from stranded marine mammals) on display including a 28-foot long juvenile humpback whale. Other exhibits include climate change, bioacoustics, marine adaptations, and a brief history of whaling. Great for kids and adults. Great souvenirs and presents to be found in the gift shop. by donation.

Dorr Museum of Natural History, +1 207 288 5015. Dedicated to the natural history of the North East. Exhibits vary from year to year, and are designed by College of the Atlantic students. There is always a touch-tank filled with sea creatures, and plenty of taxidermied animals to examine. Child friendly.

Frenchman's Bay lighthouse.

In general, Bar Harbor is more interesting from 9PM-5AM during the summertime, when the crowds are thinner and the air cooler, although the Police Department never sleeps.

  • Acadia Sailing Company, +1 207 669-5900. Offers a two- or three-hour sail with a native captain on a 25-foot Crosby Catboat built in 1915. 6 passenger maximum & nice dogs sail free. Trips depart from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center dock (119 Eden St) daily.
  • The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., 1 West St. Cruise Frenchman's Bay and get up close and personal with whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds and more.
  • Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater, 146 Gilbert Farm Rd, +1 207 288-DIVE. Dive-In Theater is a family-friendly 2-hour interactive marine life boat cruise.
  • Lulu Lobster Boat Ride, 55 West St, +1 207 963-2341. The only lobster boat and seal watch tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. After fourteen successful seasons delighting passengers in the Hancock area and Bar Harbor, Lulu sails out of downtown Bar Harbor. The Harborside Hotel & Marina is Lulu's base of operations. Lulu takes you on a two-hour tour offering the most exclusive, personal and unique cruise in Bar Harbor.
  • Schooner Margaret Todd, 27 Main St, +1 207 288-4585. A 151-foot, four-masted schooner. Sails at 10AM (morning sail), 2PM (afternoon sail), and 6:30PM (sunset sail). Adult: $37.50, seniors 65+: $35.00, children 6-11: $27.50, toddlers 2-5: $5.00, infants under 2: free.
  • Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises, +1 207 276-5352. A Maine Coast tradition since 1968. Take a scenic nature cruise from Northeast Harbor (20 minute drive from Bar Harbor). View Bear Island Lighthouse, Osprey, Eagles, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, visit the Cranberry Islands and the Islesford Historical Museum, and cruise into majestic Somes Sound Fjord.

Acadia Sailing Company, +1 207 669-5900. Offers a two- or three-hour sail with a native captain on a 25-foot Crosby Catboat built in 1915. 6 passenger maximum & nice dogs sail free. Trips depart from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center dock (119 Eden St) daily.

The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., 1 West St. Cruise Frenchman's Bay and get up close and personal with whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds and more.

Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater, 146 Gilbert Farm Rd, +1 207 288-DIVE. Dive-In Theater is a family-friendly 2-hour interactive marine life boat cruise.

Lulu Lobster Boat Ride, 55 West St, +1 207 963-2341. The only lobster boat and seal watch tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. After fourteen successful seasons delighting passengers in the Hancock area and Bar Harbor, Lulu sails out of downtown Bar Harbor. The Harborside Hotel & Marina is Lulu's base of operations. Lulu takes you on a two-hour tour offering the most exclusive, personal and unique cruise in Bar Harbor.

Schooner Margaret Todd, 27 Main St, +1 207 288-4585. A 151-foot, four-masted schooner. Sails at 10AM (morning sail), 2PM (afternoon sail), and 6:30PM (sunset sail). Adult: $37.50, seniors 65+: $35.00, children 6-11: $27.50, toddlers 2-5: $5.00, infants under 2: free.

Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises, +1 207 276-5352. A Maine Coast tradition since 1968. Take a scenic nature cruise from Northeast Harbor (20 minute drive from Bar Harbor). View Bear Island Lighthouse, Osprey, Eagles, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, visit the Cranberry Islands and the Islesford Historical Museum, and cruise into majestic Somes Sound Fjord.

  • Aquaterra Adventures, 1 West St, +1 207 288-0007. They offer several types of tours and instruction led by the best licensed Maine guides. They provide you with all of the equipment that you will need on the trip and have their own dock located right behind the shop so there is no need to shuttle anywhere or lug equipment.
  • Coastal Kayaking Tours.
  • National Park Sea Kayak Tours, 39 Cottage St. Reservations are suggested for these ecological tours, which cruise the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island.

Aquaterra Adventures, 1 West St, +1 207 288-0007. They offer several types of tours and instruction led by the best licensed Maine guides. They provide you with all of the equipment that you will need on the trip and have their own dock located right behind the shop so there is no need to shuttle anywhere or lug equipment.

Coastal Kayaking Tours.

National Park Sea Kayak Tours, 39 Cottage St. Reservations are suggested for these ecological tours, which cruise the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island.

There are numerous trails around Bar Harbor, and even more in the surrounding areas of Mount Desert Island. When planning a hike, avoid driving and use the free Island Explorer buses. These stop at most trail heads, and afford an ideal means of taking hikes from one point to another without spotting cars. Bring and drink at least one liter of water per person and use sun protection. The nearby mountains and shoreline afford little protection from the sun. Dress in layers. Even on the hottest summer days, the mountains and shoreline can be windy and cool. Stay on the 160 km/100 miles of trails and 80km/50 miles of carriage roads.

The following is a list of walks and hikes around the village of Bar Harbor.

  • North Ridge Trail. This trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.
  • South Ridge Trail. This trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.
  • Dorr Mtn.. 1,270 ft.
  • Bear Brook Trail. This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn.
  • The Precipice Trail. This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn. It is one of the most difficult hikes on the island, iron rungs and ladders help you make the steep ascent. This trail is closed at times due to nesting peregrine falcons, which can be viewed from the parking area.
  • The Beehive. 540 ft. A short but steep hike up this mountain rewards you with some great views of Sand Beach, Great Head, Frenchman's Bay, and Champlain Mtn.
  • Gorham Mtn.. 525 ft.
  • The Shorepath. A relaxing stroll along the oceanfront, beginning at the town pier.
  • Ocean Trail. An easy walk along the dramatic, rocky coastline Maine is known for. See Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.
  • Bar Island. This trail is accessible only at low tide.
  • Carraige Roads. Accessible by Eagle Lake.
  • Great Head Trail.

North Ridge Trail. This trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.

South Ridge Trail. This trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.

Dorr Mtn.. 1,270 ft.

Bear Brook Trail. This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn.

The Precipice Trail. This trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn. It is one of the most difficult hikes on the island, iron rungs and ladders help you make the steep ascent. This trail is closed at times due to nesting peregrine falcons, which can be viewed from the parking area.

The Beehive. 540 ft. A short but steep hike up this mountain rewards you with some great views of Sand Beach, Great Head, Frenchman's Bay, and Champlain Mtn.

Gorham Mtn.. 525 ft.

The Shorepath. A relaxing stroll along the oceanfront, beginning at the town pier.

Ocean Trail. An easy walk along the dramatic, rocky coastline Maine is known for. See Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs.

Bar Island. This trail is accessible only at low tide.

Carraige Roads. Accessible by Eagle Lake.

Great Head Trail.

  • Acadia Air Tours. Offers scenic flights with both gliders and old-fashioned biplanes that allow you to see Acadia National Park from a unique perspective.
  • Kebo Valley Golf Course, 136 Eagle Lake Rd (Eagle Lake Road, +1 207 288-3000. Challenge yourself at the 8th oldest golf course in America. 6,131 yards, par 70.
  • Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery, 3829 Route 3, +1 207 288-5005.
  • Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, 368 State Highway 3, +1 207 288-2133. Open mid-April through October, 11AM-9PM every day. Two 18-hole courses, Original and Blackbeard's Challenge. Ice cream window right across the street to celebrate. Both courses $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for children. 36-hole adventure: $12/adults, $11/children..
  • Reel Pizza Cinerama, 33 Kennebec Pl, +1 207 288-3811. Take your pick of comfy seating and gourmet pizzas, beer and wine, in front of one of two screens. Tickets $6 for adults and children. Disability accommodations.

Acadia Air Tours. Offers scenic flights with both gliders and old-fashioned biplanes that allow you to see Acadia National Park from a unique perspective.

Kebo Valley Golf Course, 136 Eagle Lake Rd (Eagle Lake Road, +1 207 288-3000. Challenge yourself at the 8th oldest golf course in America. 6,131 yards, par 70.

Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery, 3829 Route 3, +1 207 288-5005.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, 368 State Highway 3, +1 207 288-2133. Open mid-April through October, 11AM-9PM every day. Two 18-hole courses, Original and Blackbeard's Challenge. Ice cream window right across the street to celebrate. Both courses $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for children. 36-hole adventure: $12/adults, $11/children..

Reel Pizza Cinerama, 33 Kennebec Pl, +1 207 288-3811. Take your pick of comfy seating and gourmet pizzas, beer and wine, in front of one of two screens. Tickets $6 for adults and children. Disability accommodations.

Acadia Bike, 48 Cottage St.

Cadillac Mountain Sports, 26 Cottage St, +1 207 288-4532. Includes a Patagonia, Nike and North Face shop in adjacent buildings.

Argosy Gallery, 110 Main St, +1 207 288-9226.

Island Artisans, 99 Main St, +1 207 288-4214.

Bark Harbor, 200 Main St, +1 207 288-0404. Pet supply store.

Cool as a Moose, 118 Main St, +1 207 288-3904. Gift shop.

Eden Rising, 39 Cottage St, +1 207 288-1124. Gift shop.

Sherman's Books and Stationary, 56 Main St, +1 207 288-3161. Open year round. For books and postcards.

Village Emporium, 14 Cottage St, +1 207 288-9584. Offers gifts, clothing, toys, jewelry, and outerwear.

Those seeking real adventure on a budget in Bar Harbor may find the bar and restaurant prices cost-prohibitive, but the Hannaford Supermarket on Cottage Street offers no end of inexpensive food and drink including liquor.

  • Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium, 66 Main St, +1 207 288-3281. Ben & Bills may have long lines in the summer. Known for their lobster ice cream and hand-made chocolate.
  • CJ's Big Dipper, 150 Main St, +1 207 288-2128. The big dipper refers to CJ's "Magic Wand," which he dips in each batch of ice cream.
  • Jordan's Restaurant, 80 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3586. Breakfast served all day.
  • Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, 7 Firefly Ln, +1 207 460-5515. Serves homemade ice cream.
  • Rosalie's Pizza, 46 Cottage St. For some of the best pizza in town. A seat upstairs at the windows gives a nice view down to Cottage St.

Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium, 66 Main St, +1 207 288-3281. Ben & Bills may have long lines in the summer. Known for their lobster ice cream and hand-made chocolate.

CJ's Big Dipper, 150 Main St, +1 207 288-2128. The big dipper refers to CJ's "Magic Wand," which he dips in each batch of ice cream.

Jordan's Restaurant, 80 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3586. Breakfast served all day.

Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, 7 Firefly Ln, +1 207 460-5515. Serves homemade ice cream.

Rosalie's Pizza, 46 Cottage St. For some of the best pizza in town. A seat upstairs at the windows gives a nice view down to Cottage St.

  • Cafe This Way, 14 Mount Desert St, +1 207 288-4483. Known locally for a great place for a Sunday hangover brunch.
  • Downeast Deli, 65 Main St, +1 207 288-1006.
  • EPI's Pizza, 8 Cottage St, +1 207 801-2516. Pizza, subs, calzones, soups sandwiches and salads. Two arcade games and a pinball machine in the back. A busy place in the summer, but the wait in line is worth it.
  • Galyn's Restaurant and Galley Lounge, 17 Main St, +1 207 288-9706. Daily Mar-Nov: 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4-10PM. Head to the Galley Lounge for happy hour 4-6PM each afternoon. Reservations are accepted.
  • Geddy's, 19 Main St, +1 207 288-5077. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, all year-round. Burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, and gourmet pizza all provided by cisco systems. Have fun pointing out all of the fake Mount Desert Island memorabilia on the walls while you enjoy the great food and service.
  • Gringo's, 30 Rodick St, +1 207 288-2326.
  • Mama DiMatteo's, 34 Kennebec Pl, +1 207 288-3666.
  • Poor Boy's Gourmet Restaurant, 300 Main St, +1 207 288-4148.
  • Route 66 Restaurant, 21 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3708.
  • Town Hill Bistro, 1317 state highway 102, +1 207 288-1011.

Cafe This Way, 14 Mount Desert St, +1 207 288-4483. Known locally for a great place for a Sunday hangover brunch.

Downeast Deli, 65 Main St, +1 207 288-1006.

EPI's Pizza, 8 Cottage St, +1 207 801-2516. Pizza, subs, calzones, soups sandwiches and salads. Two arcade games and a pinball machine in the back. A busy place in the summer, but the wait in line is worth it.

Galyn's Restaurant and Galley Lounge, 17 Main St, +1 207 288-9706. Daily Mar-Nov: 11:30AM-2:30PM, 4-10PM. Head to the Galley Lounge for happy hour 4-6PM each afternoon. Reservations are accepted.

Geddy's, 19 Main St, +1 207 288-5077. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, all year-round. Burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, seafood, and gourmet pizza all provided by cisco systems. Have fun pointing out all of the fake Mount Desert Island memorabilia on the walls while you enjoy the great food and service.

Gringo's, 30 Rodick St, +1 207 288-2326.

Mama DiMatteo's, 34 Kennebec Pl, +1 207 288-3666.

Poor Boy's Gourmet Restaurant, 300 Main St, +1 207 288-4148.

Route 66 Restaurant, 21 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3708.

Town Hill Bistro, 1317 state highway 102, +1 207 288-1011.

  • Havana, 318 Main St, +1 207 288-2822. American fine dining with a Latin flair.
  • Mache Bistro, 321 Main St, +1 207 288-0447. French food with a local flair from acclaimed chef Kyle Yarborough, formerly of Havana. An intimate setting and perfect portions make this a must-do on any Bar Harbor trip. Open year round.
  • Michelle's Fine Dining, 194 Main St, +1 207 288-0048.

Havana, 318 Main St, +1 207 288-2822. American fine dining with a Latin flair.

Mache Bistro, 321 Main St, +1 207 288-0447. French food with a local flair from acclaimed chef Kyle Yarborough, formerly of Havana. An intimate setting and perfect portions make this a must-do on any Bar Harbor trip. Open year round.

Michelle's Fine Dining, 194 Main St, +1 207 288-0048.

Atlantic Brewing Company, 15 Knox Rd, +1 207 288-2337.

Bar Harbor Brewing Company, 8 Mount Desert St, +1 207 288-4592.

Carmen Verandah's, 119 Main St, +1 207 288-2766.

Fish House Grill, 1 West St.

Little Anthony's Sports Bar and Pizzaria, 131 Cottage St, +1 207 288-4700.

Lompoc Cafe and Brew Pub, 36 Rodick St, +1 207 288-9392.

The Thirsty Whale Tavern, 40 Cottage St, +1 207 288-9335. Open year round.

  • Morning Glory Bakery, 39 Rodick St, +1 207 288-3041. Open year round. Free wireless internet. Coffee, Pastries, Quiches, Sandwiches and Soups. Eat in or take out.
  • Opera House Internet Cafe, 27 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3509. Open May–October. Offering fee based internet access (wired and wireless), coffee & pastry, come in and to online or simply hang out and play Scrabble, chess, checkers or many other games.
  • Trailhead Cafe, 37 Cottage St, +1 207 288-9592.

Morning Glory Bakery, 39 Rodick St, +1 207 288-3041. Open year round. Free wireless internet. Coffee, Pastries, Quiches, Sandwiches and Soups. Eat in or take out.

Opera House Internet Cafe, 27 Cottage St, +1 207 288-3509. Open May–October. Offering fee based internet access (wired and wireless), coffee & pastry, come in and to online or simply hang out and play Scrabble, chess, checkers or many other games.

Trailhead Cafe, 37 Cottage St, +1 207 288-9592.

  • While Maine has relatively low crime rates compared to the rest of the United States, Bar Harbor is rather different during tourist season. Locking of one's car is advised, although car theft is almost unheard of.
  • It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating. The water is cold and hypothermia can set in in a short amount of time. Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm. If you are determined to go out on your own, to do so without every single passenger wearing a PFD, or without having a compass and knowing how to use it, or without understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards is not only foolish but could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer. There are numerous companies on Mount Desert Island and else where that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.

It is unsafe to venture out onto Maine's coastal waters without having the necessary equipment and experience. This is true of kayaking, canoeing, sailing or any other kind of boating. The water is cold and hypothermia can set in in a short amount of time. Dense fog often rolls in very quickly as well as the occasional storm. If you are determined to go out on your own, to do so without every single passenger wearing a PFD, or without having a compass and knowing how to use it, or without understanding how to navigate safely around other boats and water hazards is not only foolish but could result in serious fines from the Coast Guard or a Marine Patrol officer. There are numerous companies on Mount Desert Island and else where that offer guided sea kayak, sailing, and power boat tours.