Bar Harbor

By car

• 30 min from the city of Ellsworth via Route 3.
• 45 min - 1 hour from Bangor, Maine, depending on traffic. Take I-395 and Route 1A to Ellsworth. From Ellsworth continue on Route 3 to Bar Harbor.
• 3½ hours from Portland, Maine. Take I-95 to exit 182, I-395 and follow the directions from Bangor. Alternatively, take I-95 to Route 3, exit 113, just north of Augusta, and follow Route 3 east to Belfast, and then to Ellsworth and Bar Harbor.
• 5 hours from Boston, Massachusetts
• 7 hours from Burlington, Vermont. Take I-89 South to Montpelier, get on Route 2 West and follow until Newport, Maine. Get on I-95 North and take exit 185 to the "Acadia Region". Follow the signs along Route 1 to Bar Harbor.
• 7 hours from Quebec, Canada

By plane

The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is in Trenton on the outskirts of Ellsworth, on the mainland adjacent to Mount Desert Island. There is scheduled air service to Boston, and seasonal flights to Newark that go on to Vero Beach. During the summer there is free bus service between the airport and Bar Harbor, which takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxi service and rental cars are also available.

By ferry

Bay Ferries will be returning The Cat high-speed ferry service to Bar Harbor, ferrying passengers between the area and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Originally expected to return in June 2019, delays in renovating the ferry terminal put off the return to either late in the 2019 season or, more likely, 2020.

Depending on the time of year you find yourself in town, and your intended goals, your visit may necessitate different modes of transportation. With many of the nearly 3 million annual visitors arriving in the summer months, getting around town by motor vehicle is a bad idea. Bar Harbor is much, much quieter between October and April.
Use the Island Explorer buses to get around the island. They are sponsored by L.L. Bean and an eco-friendly option.
Driving a large truck or SUV is ill-advised, as parking in Bar Harbor is not suited to such vehicles. On the bright side, bringing less stuff requires befriending of locals, improvisation, and overall a more fun Maine experience.
The central area of Bar Harbor is quite small and easily explored by foot. This includes the shopping and eating establishments on Main St. and Cottage St., and the activities at the town pier.
Bicycles can be rented in town and may be put on the front of the buses.

• Bar Harbor Historical Society

  phone: +1 207 288-0000
  address: 33 Ledgelawn Ave
  Listed on the National Register of Historic places, the museum exhibits memorabilia, maps, antique clothing and pictures.

• Abbe Museum

  phone: +1 207 288-3519
  address: 26 Mount Desert St
  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.

• The Abbe Museum:Original

  phone: +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 GreenThe 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 CenterHome to the Wild Gardens of Acadia.

• The Bar Harbor Whale MuseumThe 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.

• Dorr Museum of Natural History

  phone: +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.

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.

Boat tours

• Acadia Sailing Company

  phone: +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.

  address: 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

  phone: +1 207 288-DIVE
  address: 146 Gilbert Farm Rd
  Dive-In Theater is a family-friendly 2-hour interactive marine life boat cruise.

• Lulu Lobster Boat Ride

  phone: +1 207 963-2341
  address: 55 West St
  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

  phone: +1 207 288-4585
  address: 27 Main St
  A 151-foot, four-masted schooner. Sails at 10AM (morning sail), 2PM (afternoon sail), and 6:30PM (sunset sail).

• Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises

  phone: +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.

Paddling

• Aquaterra Adventures

  phone: +1 207 288-0007
  address: 1 West St
  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

  address: 39 Cottage St
  Reservations are suggested for these ecological tours, which cruise the quieter western side of Mount Desert Island.

Hiking

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 TrailThis trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.

• South Ridge TrailThis trail ascends the 1530 foot Cadillac Mtn.

• Dorr Mtn.1,270 ft.

• Bear Brook TrailThis trail ascends the 1058-foot Champlain Mtn.

• The Precipice TrailThis 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 Beehive540 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 ShorepathA relaxing stroll along the oceanfront, beginning at the town pier.

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

• Bar IslandThis trail is accessible only at low tide.

• Carraige RoadsAccessible by Eagle Lake.

• Great Head Trail

Other activities

• Acadia Air ToursOffers 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

  phone: +1 207 288-3000
  address: 136 Eagle Lake Rd
  Challenge yourself at the 8th oldest golf course in America. 6,131 yards, par 70.

• Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery

  phone: +1 207 288-5005
  address: 3829 Route 3

• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

  phone: +1 207 288-2133
  address: 368 State Highway 3
  Two 18-hole courses, Original and Blackbeard's Challenge. Ice cream window right across the street to celebrate.

• Reel Pizza Cinerama

  phone: +1 207 288-3811
  address: 33 Kennebec Pl
  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.

Gear

• Acadia Bike

  address: 48 Cottage St

• Cadillac Mountain Sports

  phone: +1 207 288-4532
  address: 26 Cottage St
  Includes a Patagonia, Nike and North Face shop in adjacent buildings.

Art

• Argosy Gallery

  phone: +1 207 288-9226
  address: 110 Main St

• Island Artisans

  phone: +1 207 288-4214
  address: 99 Main St

Other shops

• Bark Harbor

  phone: +1 207 288-0404
  address: 200 Main St
  Pet supply store.

• Cool as a Moose

  phone: +1 207 288-3904
  address: 118 Main St
  Gift shop.

• Eden Rising

  phone: +1 207 288-1124
  address: 39 Cottage St
  Gift shop.

• Sherman's Books and Stationary

  phone: +1 207 288-3161
  address: 56 Main St
  For books and postcards.

• Village Emporium

  phone: +1 207 288-9584
  address: 14 Cottage St
  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.

Budget

• Ben & Bills Chocolate Emporium

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

• CJ's Big Dipper

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

• Jordan's Restaurant

  phone: +1 207 288-3586
  address: 80 Cottage St
  Breakfast served all day.

• Mount Desert Island Ice Cream

  phone: +1 207 460-5515
  address: 7 Firefly Ln
  Serves homemade ice cream.

• Rosalie's Pizza

  address: 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.

Mid-range

• Cafe This Way

  phone: +1 207 288-4483
  address: 14 Mount Desert St
  Known locally for a great place for a Sunday hangover brunch.

• Downeast Deli

  phone: +1 207 288-1006
  address: 65 Main St

• EPI's Pizza

  phone: +1 207 801-2516
  address: 8 Cottage St
  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

  phone: +1 207 288-9706
  address: 17 Main St
  Head to the Galley Lounge for happy hour 4-6PM each afternoon. Reservations are accepted.

• Geddy's

  phone: +1 207 288-5077
  address: 19 Main St
  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

  phone: +1 207 288-2326
  address: 30 Rodick St

• Mama DiMatteo's

  phone: +1 207 288-3666
  address: 34 Kennebec Pl

• Poor Boy's Gourmet Restaurant

  phone: +1 207 288-4148
  address: 300 Main St

• Route 66 Restaurant

  phone: +1 207 288-3708
  address: 21 Cottage St

• Town Hill Bistro

  phone: +1 207 288-1011
  address: 1317 state highway 102

Splurge

• Havana

  phone: +1 207 288-2822
  address: 318 Main St
  American fine dining with a Latin flair.

• Mache Bistro

  phone: +1 207 288-0447
  address: 321 Main St
  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

  phone: +1 207 288-0048
  address: 194 Main St

Bars

• Atlantic Brewing Company

  phone: +1 207 288-2337
  address: 15 Knox Rd

• Bar Harbor Brewing Company

  phone: +1 207 288-4592
  address: 8 Mount Desert St

• Carmen Verandah's

  phone: +1 207 288-2766
  address: 119 Main St

• Fish House Grill

  address: 1 West St

• Little Anthony's Sports Bar and Pizzaria

  phone: +1 207 288-4700
  address: 131 Cottage St

• Lompoc Cafe and Brew Pub

  phone: +1 207 288-9392
  address: 36 Rodick St

• The Thirsty Whale Tavern

  phone: +1 207 288-9335
  address: 40 Cottage St
  Open year round.

Coffee

• Morning Glory Bakery

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

• Opera House Internet Cafe

  phone: +1 207 288-3509
  address: 27 Cottage St
  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

  phone: +1 207 288-9592
  address: 37 Cottage St

Room rates in Bar Harbor vary drastically with time of year and also with category of accommodation.

Hotels

• The Acadia Hotel

  phone: +1 207 288-5721
  address: 20 Mount Desert St

• Acadia Inn

  phone: +1 207 288-3500
  address: 98 Eden St

• Atlantic Eyrie Lodge

  phone: +1 207 288-9786
  address: 6 Norman Rd
  Cheapest rooms are on 1st and 2nd floors, more expensive for corner rooms (two big windows), rooms on upper floors, and those with kitchens.

• Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center

  phone: +1 207 288-5801
  address: 119 Eden St
  Open year-round. All rooms ocean view. Room categories from least expensive: Oceanview, kitchenette, deluxe, superior.

• Bar Harbor Grand Hotel

  phone: +1 207 288-5226
  address: 269 Main St
  Open Apr 14 - Nov 11.

• Bar Harbor Inn

  phone: +1 207 288-3351
  address: 1 Newport Dr
  Open Mar 24 - Nov 26. There are two restaurants at the Inn, the Reading Room Restaurant and the Terrace Grille.

• Bar Harbor Motel

  phone: +1 207 288-3453
  address: 100 Eden St
  Open May 11 - Oct 21.

• Bar Harbor Regency

  phone: +1 207 288-9723
  address: 123 Eden St

• Bayview Hotel

  address: 111 Eden St

• Edgewater Motel and Cottages

  address: 137 Old Bar Harbor Rd
  Cottages, suites and motel rooms all overlooking the ocean.

• Hampton By Hilton Bar Harbor

  phone: +1 207 288 3210
  address: 12 Norman Rd
  Newest hotel in Bar Harbor as of 2018, ocean and mountain views, indoor and outdoor pools, free hot breakfast.

• Harborside Hotel and Marina

  phone: +1 207 288-5033
  address: 55 West St

• Highbrook Motel

  address: 94 Eden St

• Robbins Motel

  phone: +1 207 288-4659
  address: 396 State Highway 3
  All rooms one low price for one or two people.

• Quimby House Inn

  phone: +1 207 288-5811
  address: 109 Cottage St

• Atlantean Cottage B&B

  phone: +1 207-288-5703
  address: 11 Atlantic Ave
  8 rooms.

Bed & breakfasts and guest houses

• Acacia House Inn

  phone: +1 207 288-8122
  address: 6 High St
  Charming home with nine guestrooms run by the former owners of the Morning Glory Bakery. Breakfast is included in the price and is made from locally sourced ingredients and prepared to order. Open year round.

• Balance Rock Inn Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 207 288-2610
  address: 21 Albert Meadow

• Heathwood Inn

  phone: +1 207 288-5591
  address: 6 Long and Winding Rd

• Inn at Bay Ledge Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 207 288-4204
  address: 150 Sand Point Rd
  Atop an 80 foot cliff, amidst towering pines and overlooking Frenchman Bay, sits the Inn at Bay Ledge. The Inn at Bay Ledge has twelve units: eight rooms in the main lodge; three hillside cottages; and a private summer cottage on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The Inn at Bay Ledge is locally referred to as the Eden of New England.

• Manor House Inn

  phone: +1 207 288-3759
  address: 106 West St

• Moseley Cottage

  phone: +1 207 288-5548
  address: 12 Atlantic Ave

• Ullikana Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 207 288-9552
  address: 16 The Field

Camping

• Bar Harbor Campground

  phone: +1 207 288-5185
  address: 409 Maine 3

• Blackwoods Campground

  phone: +1 207 288-3338
  address: State Route 3
  Year round operation by National Park Service, 306 sites, no hookups.

• Hadley's Point Campground

  phone: +1 207 288-4808
  address: 33 Hadley Point Rd
  Grassy and wooded sites with hookups, pool, hot showers, etc.

• Mt Desert Narrows RV Resort & Campground

  phone: +1 207 288-4782
  address: 1219 State Hwy 3

• 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.

• Acadia National Park
• Blue Hill
• Ellsworth