Paddling
National Park Sea Kayak Tours
39 cottage st., toll free: +1 800-347-0950, email: [email protected], (http://www.arcadiakayak.com). reservations are suggested for these ecological tours, which cruise the quieter western side of mount desert island.
Aquaterra Adventures
1 west street, bar harbor, me 04609, phone: 207-288-0007 (http://www.aquaterra-adve...). 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.
Acadia Park Kayak Tours
Bar harbor, me 04609, phone: 207 266-1689 (http://www.acadiaparkkayak.com). offering sunrise, day, sunset, night, and private tours. they offer ecological tours of the coastal islands of frenchman's bay the body of water off the shores of bar harbor. they limit their group sizes to the maximum of six people per group which is half or less than half the maximum group size set by any other outfitters on mount desert island and most other outfitters in the state. they place a special emphasis on using eco-friendly business practices.
Here's how to explore Bar Harbor by canoe or kayak. For a complete list of ponds and lakes on the island, please see the list on the Mount Desert Island page.
Tours
Coastal Kayaking Tours
Toll free: +1 800-526-8614. email: [email protected] (http://www.acadafun.com).
Ardea EcoExpeditions Tours
34 hackmatack rd. gouldsboro, me 04607, +1 207.460.9731, email: [email protected], (http://www.ardea-ecoexped...). world class learning adventures and outdoor instruction led by master maine guides who are trained naturalists with extensive experience as environmental educators. we use curriculum based instruction so participants connect more fully with the natural world and develop lifelong outdoor skills.
Cinemas
Criterion Theater
35 cottage st., phone: +1 207 288-3441, email: [email protected], (http://www.criteriontheat...). enjoy a film or live performance at this beautiful, historic art-deco theater. 88 balcony seats, 781 downstairs.
Reel Pizza Cinerama
3 kennebec place, phone: +1 207 288-3811. email:[email protected], (http://www.reelpizza.com/). 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.
Hiking
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.iron rungs and ladders
Cadillac Mtn.
1,530 ft.north ridge trailsouth ridge trail
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
Gorham Mtn.
525 ft.
North Ridge Trail
South Ridge Trail
The Shorepath
A relaxing stroll along the oceanfront, beginning at the town pier.
Dorr Mtn.
1,270 ft.
The following is a list of walks and hikes around the village of Bar Harbor. For a complete list of mountains on the island, please see the list on the Mount Desert Island page.
Iron rungs and ladders
Tips for hiking in Bar Harbor
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.
Whale watching
The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
(http://www.barharborwhales.com) cruise frenchman's bay and get up close and personal with whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds and more.
Diver Ed's Dive-In Theater
Dive-in theater is a family friendly 2-hour interactive marine life boat cruise, phone: +1 207 288-dive 3483, (http://www.divered.com).
Boat tours
Lulu Lobster Boat Ride
55 west street bar harbor, me, +1 207-963-2341, email: [email protected], (http://www.lululobsterboa...). 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 luluâs base of operations. lulu takes you on a two hour tour offering the most exclusive, personal and unique cruise in bar harbor.
Sea Princess Scenic Nature Cruises
+1 207 276-5352, email: [email protected], (http://www.barharborcruis...). 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.
Golfing
Kebo Valley Golf Course
State highway 233 "eagle lake road". pro shop: 207-288-3000 [email protected], club house: phone: +1 207 288-5000, email: [email protected], superintendent: 207-288-5000 [email protected] (http://www.kebovalleyclub.com). challenge yourself at the 8th oldest golf course in america. 6,131 yards, par 70.
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
Route 3, phone: +1 207 288-2133, (http://www.piratescove.ne...) open mid-april through october, 11am-9pm every day. two 18-hole courses, original and blackbeard's challenge. both courses $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for children. 36-hole adventure: $12/adults, $11/children. ice cream window right across the street to celebrate.
Schooner Margaret Todd
Office located at 27 main st., tickets: phone: +1 207 288-4585 or phone: +1 207 288-2373 (http://www.downeastwindja...) sail through frenchman's bay on this beautiful, 151-foot, four-masted schooner and see the sun set over the harbor. follow the shore path to the right of the town pier to the dock directly in front of the bar harbor inn. you'll see the boat before you get that close. sails at 10am morning sail, 2pm afternoon sail, and 6:30pm sunset sail. tickets are adult: $37.50, seniors 65+: $35.00, children 6-11: $27.50, todders 2-5: $5.00, infants under 2: free tickets also available on-line.
Acadia Air Tours
(http://acadiaairtours.com/) offers scenic flights with both gliders and old-fashioned biplanes that allow you to see acadia national park from a unique perspective.
on foot
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. In general, Bar Harbor is more interesting from 9PM-5AM during the summertime, when the crowds are thinner and the air cooler, although be advised that the Police Department never sleeps.