Tours and Day Trips from Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor has a lot to offer, from whale-watching cruises to bike tours, guided walking tours of the historic downtown and food tours. But these are just some of the best things to do in Bar Harbor.

The city is the ideal destination for nature, culture and food lovers. Its charm is unquestioned; few destinations combine the wonders of the coast with the beauty of the mountains. Discover this city, with activities and attractions for all tastes and ages.

A unique and unforgettable experience in Bar Harbor is to drive into Acadia National Park. You can enjoy the nature, history and culture of this region on your own or through a self-guided tour.

By choosing the latter option, you can travel the 27 miles of the Park Loop Road and be dazzled by the views of the coast, mountains and forests.

If you want to explore the park without missing any detail, I recommend that you opt for a self-guided tour by car, a type of tour where the guide will be a mobile application. In addition, the self-guide will tell you about the points of interest and curiosities of the park.

This experience will take you through the most emblematic places of the park, such as Cadillac Mountain, the Ocean Trail, Jordan Pond and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. You will also stop at scenic overlooks and trails to enjoy the beauty and diversity of this natural paradise.

Details of interest

• Price: the self-guided tour costs approximately $10 to $15 per person, including the cost of admission to the park.
• Duration: the tour is estimated at 3 to 4 hours, but you must add the time of the stops you wish to make.
• Means of transportation: car.
• Advantages of this option: you can go at your own pace, without depending on schedules or groups.
• Disadvantages of this option: you need your own or a rented car and a cell phone with internet connection.

One of the advantages of this city is that it has both sea and mountains, so an exciting experience is to venture out on a Windjammer sailboat ride in Bar Harbor. You'll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline and spot marine wildlife.

The sailboat ride is an ideal activity for the whole family and requires no experience. During the tour, a captain will tell you the history and curiosities of the area. You will also have the opportunity to hoist the sails or take the helm.

You will be able to admire the landscape from a different perspective away from the hustle and bustle and traffic. You will see the islands, lighthouses, mountains and cliffs that make up Acadia National Park. You will also observe birds, seals, dolphins and whales.

Details of interest

• Price: estimated at about 70 € per adult.
• Duration: the tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
• Means of transportation: sailboat.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to admire the landscape from the sea and enjoy a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of this option: if the weather and sea conditions are not favorable, you may not enjoy it as much.

One of the best ways to learn about the culture and customs of the area is to discover ingredients and recipes through a culinary tour of Bar Harbor. It's a fun and convenient activity for food lovers.

The tour takes you through restaurants, cafes, stores and markets. At each stop, you'll get to try a sample of food or drink, accompanied by an explanation from a guide. Some of the delicacies you'll enjoy include clam chowder, crab cake, Lobster Roll, blueberry ice cream and more.

Not only will you delight your taste buds, you'll also appreciate the charm and history of Bar Harbor as the tour takes you through landmarks such as the Village Green, the Shore Path, the Bar Harbor Inn and the Criterion Theatre.

Details of Interest

• Price: estimated at about $65 per person.
• Duration: the tour lasts about 3 hours.
• Means of transportation: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know the local gastronomy, learn about its tradition and diversity, discover new flavors and recipes.
• Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for people with allergies or food restrictions because alternative options cannot be guaranteed.

If you like horror stories, mysteries and urban legends, I recommend testing your nerves on a ghost walking tour of Bar Harbor. The city is beautiful, but it also hides many secrets and paranormal phenomena that you can discover.

The ghost tour through the city is a different and mystical experience. You will be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you the most chilling and amazing stories of the place.

During the tour, you will visit places like the Ledgelawn Cemetery, the Malvern Hotel, the Rodick family house, the Abbe Museum and Agamont Park, among others. In these places you can listen to the anecdotes and stories of ghosts, witches, murders and curses.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 20€ per person.
• Duration: the tour lasts about 90 minutes.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: it is an experience with excitement, suspense and fun to learn the secrets of this city.
• Disadvantages of this option: although it is suitable for all ages, caution should be taken with young children because some stories can be shocking.

Excitement for the unknown can lead you to have different experiences to learn about places. For example, participating in a Bar Harbor Bash scavenger hunt adventure is a challenge-trail activity with which you can discover the charms of this city, while having fun with your family or friends.

Bar Harbor Bash is a scavenger hunt that is done through your cell phone, using an application that will guide you through different points of interest in the city. You will have to solve clues, complete tasks and take pictures.

You will visit places such as the Village Green, Shore Path, Bar Harbor Inn, the Criterion Theatre, the Abbe Museum and Agamont Park, among others. Plus, you'll learn fun facts and anecdotes about Bar Harbor.

Details of interest

• Price: about $12 per person.

• Duration: the adventure lasts about 2 hours and a half.

• Means of transportation: on foot.

• Advantages of this option: it is a different way to get to know the city and can be done at any time of the day.

• Disadvantages of this option: you need at least two people, a basic level of English to understand the tracks and a cell phone with internet connection.

Knowing how to get to Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor is not difficult, but one of the best ways is with an organized tour to explore little-known trails of Acadia Park on a bicycle. Remember that this park is one of the most spectacular in the U.S. and there are 240 kilometers of trails with landscapes of mountains, forests, lakes and ocean.

One of the most recommended tours is the one along the transportation roads, built by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr between 1913 and 1940.

These roads extend 72 kilometers and connect different points of interest in the park, such as Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, Mount Day or J Mount Cadillac. Keep in mind that, by bicycle, you can cover a greater distance and see more places in less time.

Details of interest

• Price: the cost is about 20€ per person.
• Duration: the bike tour can be extended for about 2 and a half hours.
• Means of transport: bicycle.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy the beauty of the park in less time without polluting or making noise.
• Disadvantages of this option: you depend on weather conditions and you must be careful with obstacles and animals that may cross your path.

One of the best ways to learn about Bar Harbor's history is with a self-guided tour, which allows you to explore the town at your own pace, while listening to professional narration and fun facts. The tour is done with a mobile app, which functions as your personal guide, audio guide and map.

This experience will allow you to discover the West Street Historic District, where you'll see some of the Gilded Age homes, such as La Rochelle or The Turrets. You will pass by the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church , St. Saviour's Episcopal Church and the Criterion Theater.

The tour continues along the Shore Path, a path along the coast that offers panoramic views of the mountains. You will visit the Abbe Museum, which houses exhibits on Native American culture and history. Finally, you will arrive at Agamont Park, where you can enjoy the sunset.

Details of interest

• Price: the price ranges between 10 and 12€ per person.
• Duration: it can be done between 2 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: your choice.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to walk around at your own pace and learn about the history, culture and secrets of Bar Harbor in a fun and interactive way.
• Disadvantages of this option: you need to have a good internet connection, enough battery and a data plan on your phone.

If you are a beer lover and want to know the best places to try it, you must participate in a bar tour around Bar Harbor. You will discover the variety and quality of local and national beers, accompanied by delicious appetizers.

The bar tour is done through a mobile app, which will guide you through different pubs and breweries, where you can try different styles of craft beer. In addition, you will be able to listen to fun facts that the app will offer you about the history of each beer.

The tour includes places such as the following:

• Lompoc Cafe and Brew Pub: offers craft beers from different regions and countries, as well as having a relaxed atmosphere.
• Atlantic Brewing Company: a craft brewery that produces its own beers with natural and quality ingredients.
• The Thirsty Whale Tavern: has a fun and lively atmosphere and offers craft beers, cocktails and traditional food.

Details of interest

• Price: around 25€ per person.
• Duration: can be extended for about 3 hours.
• Means of transportation: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know the craft beer offer of Bar Harbor, in a fun and interactive way.
• Disadvantages of this option: you will need a stable internet connection to use the application.

One of the most popular and exciting activities you can do in Bar Harbor is whale and marine life watching on a boat tour. This is a unique experience, allowing you to observe these majestic animals up close in their natural habitat.

In addition, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the coast, the harbor and the nearby islands. The boat ride takes place aboard a comfortable and safe vessel that departs from the Bar Harbor dock and sails through Frenchman's Bay.

The most common whale species to be sighted are humpback, minke and fin whales, although orcas, sperm whales and blue whales can also be seen.

Details of interest

• Price: around 60€ per adult and 30€ per child.
• Duration: about 3 hours and a half.
• Means of transport: by boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know the richness and diversity of the marine fauna of Bar Harbor, in a respectful and sustainable way.
• Disadvantages of this option: the sighting depends on weather conditions.

If you want to tour Bar Harbor without missing a thing, then hop on a bus and visit the main destinations of the city, on a tour that will take you through the most interesting and emblematic places in the area.

The tour bus tour is an ideal for those who want to get an overview of the city. The bus departs from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and along the way, you'll admire panoramic views of Frenchman's Bay, Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole.

And if you're looking to delve deeper into the culture and history of the area, you can also join a premium bus tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. It includes the same stops as the previous one, but will also take you through the historic downtown area.

In addition, the tour bus will also take you along the coastal route, a road that runs along the ocean and offers spectacular views. It is an option in which you will have a professional guide who will tell you interesting and curious facts about the places you visit.

Details of interest

• Price: the cheapest tour of the tourist bus is around 55€ per person, while the most expensive tour can reach 70€.
• Duration: about 3 hours and a half.
• Means of transport: tourist bus.
• Advantages of this option: you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic, parking or the map.
• Disadvantages of this option: it can be limited in terms of time and flexibility.

Bar Harbor is a tourist destination that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for all tastes. But which is better: taking a guided tour or visiting Bar Harbor on your own?

The answer depends on your preferences, budget and time frame. A guided tour allows you to see the most emblematic places and learn about their history in the company of an expert. Visiting Bar Harbor on your own gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore the city on your own itinerary.

If you want to enjoy a trip to Bar Harbor, I recommend that you plan your trip in advance. Keep in mind that the city is very popular, especially in the summer months.

Also, remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen. As an additional tip, keep your cell phone with enough charge and an active data plan because you might need it for some excursions.