Things To Do

Things To Do

Of course, when you go on vacation, you could just kick off your shoes and snooze your break away, but more people are finding that one of the best ways to shed the cares of the workaday world is to turn their energy in a different direction. To that end, Bar Harbor offers all manner of activities for all manner of people; truly something for everyone.

For the culturally inclined, Bar Harbor offers two celebrated music festivals offering everything from string orchestras, through chamber music, to jazz. Bars and clubs host a range of bands and solo artists that complete the musical mix. Movies have never seemed more enjoyable than when seen in our art-deco theater, and the scope of Bar Harbor's museums belie the small size of the town. Here you can learn about Bar Harbor's "Gilded Age", the island's Native American heritage, the Gulf of Maine's unique eco-systems and species, our town's award winning micro-brews, and the natural wonder of Acadia National Park. It is also worth noting that Bar Harbor is home to the USA's eighth oldest golf course which wraps itself between the mountains and the shore, and has other, non-traditional, places to sink a putt; ever tried to eagle through a waterfall?

On both sea and land, you can explore the area under your own steam, or let experienced islanders show you their environment. For both the novice and experienced cyclist, opportunities abound along the 55 miles of carriage trails that lace through Acadia. Bike beside crystal lakes and rose-colored mountains and you might even begin to feel like a kid again, when the bike was your only vehicle and you could peddle forever. For a different view, hop a bus or trolley tour and let someone else worry about driving for an hour or two. Local companies are expert in the wildlife and the history of the area; there are also walking tours of downtown that can tell you for example which industrial magnate died from the complications of dropping a pair of scissors. . . Alternatively, strap on a harness and let one of our guiding companies show you the best spots to learn or polish your climbing; you will see the island from a whole new angle! On the water, paddle a canoe or kayak either on your own or in the company of Maine Guides and explore Mount Desert Island's fascinating coastline, or set sail with one of the professional crews in search of whales, seals, seabirds, the stories of the cottage era, or some R & R under billowing sails. Whichever way you choose, you will be in capable, hospitable hands.

Enjoy one of the many whale watching trips. If you are planning to visit in the winter, don't forget that the carriage trails make for excellent cross-country skiing, the park loop road is a haven for snowmobilers, and the trails under their coating of white take on a whole new aspect. Acadia's peaks and cliffs also offer new workouts to the experienced in this most challenging of seasons. Ice climbing routes abound and trails show a true wild side. Be sure though to take the correct precautions, keep an eye on the weather, and pay attention to the rangers. Bar Harbor offers a whole slew of answers to the couch potato blues and the stress of work. Do as much or as little as you wish, or even have someone else do the work for you! Whatever you end up doing, novice or old hand, chances are you'll want to do it again and again, and again. . .

Business Listings

NOTE: Listings here are in a rotating alphabetical sequence. That means each time you visit the page, you'll see the entire list beginning (and ending) with a different listing.

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Tel: 288-5005
Route 3, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Enjoy an up-close experience with marine life. At the oceanarium at 1351 Route 3 take a guided tour of a salt marsh and the Maine Lobster Museum. At the working lobster hatchery we take you on a fascinating tour to see mother lobsters & baby lobsters & the hatchery process. We also feature a hands on Discovery Pool with lots of local sea life to learn about, have fun and get wet! Group discounts and tours.
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Tel: (207) 801-2621 or (207) 266-9920
56 Cottage St, Mid-town, , Since 1974 Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Panama Geddy Tours cater to travelers of all ages who are in quest of a memorable adventure. Our personalized tours are created to meet your interests and needs. Panama Geddy tours will stimulate the history buff, excite the outdoor enthusiast and create a palette of choices for the artistic connoisseur. We offer guides with years of experience, share insights, rare facts and our private connections help to make your journey a truly unique experience.
Photo courtesy of Katahdin Photo Gallery Main St. Bar Harbor
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Tel: 288-3355 or (207) 288-3355
29 DeGregoire Park, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Treat yourself! Captain Winston Shaw, an expert naturalist with 30 years local experience, offers totally unique private boat tours for individuals and parties of up to 6. Wide variety of enjoyable 1 to 8 hour trips custom designed around your interests and timetable. Discover eagles, seals, loons, and other fascinating wildlife, along with spectacular sea cliffs, secluded coves, picturesque island lighthouses, and breathtaking sunsets. Affordable prices. Free no-hassle parking.
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Tel: (207) 288-5551
108 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Lounge in a soft robe and sip tea while you bathe in the afterglow of one of the best spa treatments you have ever received. We offer couples massage; organic facials; deep tissue, hot stone, Swedish & sports massage, organic sugar scrubs; soothing, air conditioned atmosphere. Spa packages, Spa boutique, and gift certificates available. Open year round.
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Tel:
53 Main Street, Bayside Landing, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Our studio is a haven for peaceful relaxation-right in the center of downtown Bar Harbor. Yoga at Cattitude offers an incredible array of yoga styles. Whether you are looking for vigorous vinyasa or restful restorative, we have the class for you. Please check the website for the latest schedule, class descriptions and teacher bios. Air-conditioned studio. Open year-round.
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Tel: 288-3519
26 Mount Desert Street, , P.O. Box 286 Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
The most fascinating journey in Bar Harbor begins at the Abbe Museum! Discover the story of the first people of Maine through exhibitions and programs that span 10,000 years of history, art and archaeology. Learn about the Native people of Maine today and enjoy their songs and stories, arts and crafts. Visit the Museum Shop for high quality gifts crafted by Maine Native people. Downtown museum: open May-November. Historic Abbe at Sieur de Monts Spring: open May-October. Admission charged.
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Tel: (207) 288-0300
53 Main Street (Testa's Restaurant), Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Bar Harbor and Acadia's premier sightseer: 2 1/2 hours of the best sights, sounds & stories available with 3 - 15 minute stops in Acadia National Park. Tour includes Bar Harbor, Cadillac Mtn., Park Loop Rd., Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, etc. 50 yrs. of informing & entertaining satisfied customers. Reservations recom. Tours daily 10 & 2. MC/Visa accepted. Open May - Oct. Write to PO Box 603, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 for brochure.
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Tel: 288-9899 or (866) 987-6553
Tickets at 1 West St., Harbor Place Bldg. next to Town Pier., Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Allow us to take you on a historical tour of the days gone by & transport you back to the cottage days of Bar Harbor with whimsical tales of a lost era. Then through the highlights of Acadia National Park. Fun for the whole family. We offer 2 1/2 or one hour trolley tours with stops for walks and pictures. Tickets at 1 West St., Harbor Place Bldg. next to Town Pier. 2 1/2 hr.tours depart daily May-Oct 10am & 2pm; 1 hour tours July & Aug. 10am, 11:30am, 2pm & 3:30pm.
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Tel: 667-7627
, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
ACADIA IS NO ORDINARY PLACE SO WHY SETTLE FOR AN ORDINARY AIRPLANE RIDE?

View Acadia National Park, area lighthouses and the rugged rock-bound shores of Mount Desert Island from the open cockpit of our beautiful two passenger BIPLANE -or- soar like an eagle in our popular two passenger GLIDER. You have a choice of either bringing a companion to share the experience, or if you prefer, you can actually fly either of the aircraft accompanied by a licensed commercial instructor pilot (no experience necessary). Whether you choose the romance and adventure of our open cockpit BIPLANE or the shear exhilaration of silent, effortless flight in our two passenger GLIDER, you are sure to transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary "experience of a lifetime." Sounds exciting? YOU BET IT IS!!
For more information call 207 667-7627 or visit us on the Web at www.acadiaairtours.com.
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Tel: (207) 288-3864
PO Box 422, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
A Guided Tour in the Comfort of Your Own Car!
See Acadia at your pace, in your own vehicle, for at one low price ($12.95 plus tax) for your whole group. Spend as much time as you wish at any location & learn about the park’s history, geology & natural resources. This tour was prepared w/ the cooperation of the National Park Service & has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Acadia’s visitors for more than 35 years! Pick up your copy online (our website) or in-person at the National Park Visitor Center. Also at select local lodging & retail locations.
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Tel: 288-9605 or (800) 526-8615
48 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Acadia Bike features the largest bicycle rental fleet in New England, so you're sure to get the bike you want. Enjoy Acadia's natural wonders as you pedal the car-free carriage roads or Park Loop Road. Our bikes - new each year, most with front suspension - are meticulously maintained and custom-fitted to ensure you'll have a great ride. All sizes, plus tandems, trailers & kids' bikes. Low rates, with discount for advance reservations. Located in downtown Bar Harbor, across from the post office. Open daily at 8am.
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Tel: 288-8186 or (888) 232-9559
198 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME, , Mail: P.O. 121, Orono, ME 04473 00000
Maine's most respected climbing school! Enjoy personalized rock or ice climbing instruction on the scenic seacliffs of Acadia or join us on a regional or international destination trip. All instruction is customized to the needs of individuals, families & groups of any ability. Our guides have world-wide climbing experience spanning three decades and are individually certified by the American Mountain Guide's Association. We guarantee more engaging, comprehensive and safer instruction. Maine's only accredited climbing school. Exciting 2007 summer climbing & adventure summer camps. (http://www.climbacadia.org) Open year round.
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Tel: (207) 288-8118
106 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Bar Harbor's Outdoor Activity Center including:
Scooter Rentals
Bicycle Rentals
Sea Kayak Rentals and Guided Tours
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Tel: 000-0000
n/a, n/a, Massachusetts 99999
• Interactive Multimedia Map: including pictures, addresses, contact info
• Info on Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Shopping, Dining, Touring, etc.
• Trail & mountain peak info
• Access to directions to all locations
• Booklet of all the destinations (It's a FREE download)
• Rent a Preloaded GPS at the Bar Harbor Visitor Center
• Already have a Garmin GPS? Stop in and just load up the Points of Interest
• GPS Data ("Lost" Prevention... Saves Time... Saves Gas)
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Tel: 288-8325
1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
-Two hour sightseeing, nature cruises daily. Learn about cultural and natural history from naturalists. Observe eagles, porpoises, seals, and many land and sea birds. Views the cottages of the rich and famous, Egg Rock lighthouse and awesome views of Acadia National Park. Heated cabin, restrooms and snack bar on-board.
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Tel: 288-0007 or (877) 386-4124
1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Sea kayaking at its finest with some of the most experienced guides & instructors in the area. You will find a kayak waiting for you at our specially designed kayak launch facility on the waterfront. We have the largest variety of tours & instruction programs. Family groups can enjoy kayaking with their kids on our Discovery Adventure. Solo kayaks available for the more experienced paddlers. Small groups of six kayaks to personalize the experience. Fastest access to the Bay. Incredible wildlife sightings & awesome views. Call today!
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Tel: 288-BEER or (800) 475-5417
15 Knox Rd, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Located 10 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor, off Route 3. Come see how Bar Harbor's #1 local beers, wines and sodas are produced. Free tastings from 10am to 5pm every day. Free Tours @ 2, 3 & 4pm daily. On site gift shop and tasting room, plus the Knox Road Grille Restaurant (open 11:30-8pm) and the famous Dougie Douglas Mainely Meat barbeque. Special Events & group functions are welcome.
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Tel: 288-2521
PO Box 514, 67 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Rock climbing courses in Acadia National Park for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Half day and full day courses available for individuals and families. All equipment is provided. Low guide-to-client ratios for better value and safety - maximum 3:1; you won't be part of a larger group. Owned by Jeff Butterfield, author of Acadia, A Climber's Guide; a comprehensive guidebook to climbing in Acadia.
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Tel: 288-2386 or (800) 942-5374
1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
DiscoverÖExploreÖLearnÖ. Join an Acadia National Park ranger on this amazing island adventure. Leave Bar Harbor and travel by boat nine miles to this uninhabited park island and land by launch. Visit the historic Gilley family farmstead dating back to 1806 and the famous Baker Island Lighthouse - first built in 1828. Explore the fascinating dance floor rock formation and while there eat lunch on the ocean. On the return, take in spectacular coastal park scenery. Throughout the trip we look for and identify birds, porpoise, and seals. Leaves from Harborplace, Mon. ñ Sat at 8:45AM.
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Tel: (207) 288-5033
11 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
A Unique Seaside Venue
Whether it's a board meeting for 10 or a wedding for 300, the Bar Harbor Club offers you the space you need in a beautiful environment inspired by nature and enhanced by modern technology. The perfect place to motivate. To challenge. To celebrate. The state-of-the-art facility, waterfront location and impeccable service guarantee the success of any meeting and event.
Exceptional Personalized Service
Planning a family reunion, anniversary party or gathering? The Bar Harbor Club's professional staff will create and customize a spectacular special event, allowing you to be the ultimate host.
For more information or a tour of our conference facilities please contact our group sales department, at 877-237-3610 or email info@barharborresorts.com.
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Tel: (207) 288-4585 or (207) 546-2927
Bar Harbor Inn Pier, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Come aboard the 50' Tiger Shark for an enjoyable 4 hour fishing trip around the Islands of Frenchman's Bay. Look for bald eagles, porpoises, seals and even see lobstermen at work. This trip is fun for the whole family! Bait and tackle provided. Two trips departing daily from the Bar Harbor Inn Pier at 8:00am and 1:00pm.
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Tel: (800) 796-8455 or (207) 288-8455
Newport Drive, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Rejuvenate or relax at the edge of the salt-rich sea.
World-class service, state-of-the-art- facilities and
a variety of spa treatments that will nurture your
body and lift your spirits. Treat yourself to one of our
many spa services available. Advanced reservations
are recommended.
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Tel: 288-2386 or 888-WHALES x4
1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Come with us and see the largest animals on earth - Humpbacks, Finbacks, Right; also porpoise, dolphins, sharks, and tuna. We visit a puffin seabird-nesting wildlife refuge island and also encounter a great diversity of offshore seabirds. All tours are fully narrated by professional naturalists who are available to answer all your questions. We are Maineís largest boating tour company and offer lighthouse, lobster and seal, nature, and park tours. Conveniently located next to the downtown pier. Trips run daily May - October.
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Tel: 288-9605 or (800) 526-8615
48 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
We specialize in small groups (12 people per tour) and personalized service, featuring the island's most experienced guide staff. Glide among the islands of Frenchman Bay, seeing seals, porpoises, bald eagles and other wildlife. Trips from 2-and-a-half hours to 3 days. Paddle with us and see why Coastal Kayaking Tours, with 24 years experience, is New England's premier sea kayaking outfitter. Have fun with our superb guides! No experience necessary. Located in downtown Bar Harbor, across from the post office. Open every day at 8am.
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Tel: (800) 597-9500 or (207) 801-5634
Located at College of the Atlantic, , 105 Eden Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Ranked among the top-five family camps in the U.S. by Good Morning America and Family Fun Magazine, College of the Atlantic's week-long Family Nature Camp is the vacation you and your family will talk about for years to come.
Under the guidance of experienced naturalists, you will delight in the wonder and adventure of the outdoors as you sight humpbacks and seals on your whale watch and nature cruises, hold sea creatures on the Starfish Enterprise, dip your hand in warm tide pools, hike the trails of Acadia National Park, visit beaver lodges, put together the bones of a Minke Whale, and delight in the tales of the "Bug Man." You will share all this and more with other families, who will become your life-long friends, in one of the most beautiful vacations spots in America. Suitable for adults and children 5 years and older.
Rates:  405 900
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Tel: 288-3441 (Info line)
35 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
The newly restored historic Criterion Theatre now offers an expanded schedule of movies, live music, dramatic performances, and other special events. Tour the theatre in its 1932 art deco splendor, or enjoy top-quality entertainment from a unique floating balcony serving wine and beer.
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Tel: 288-DIVE (3483)
College of the Atlantic, , 105 Eden Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Come aboard The Seal and watch live underwater footage as Diver Ed searches the bottom of Frenchman Bay for fascinating critters. Then roll up your sleeves and get ready to touch starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and whatever else he can fit into his catchbag to bring up to the boat! Diver Ed makes this vacation adventure entertaining as well as educational! Daily trips at 9:30am, 1:30pm & 5:30pm. Open: Memorial Day weekend-Columbus Day.
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Tel: 288-8128
P.O. Box 521, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Personalized bird watching and nature tours for individuals, couples, families and small groups. Bicycle, hiking and cross-country ski tours; 1/2 day & full day, camping and more. We help you discover the flora and fauna of Mt. Desert Island and Down East Maine with special emphasis on native birds. Bald Eagles, Osprey, Shore-birds, Warblers. A truly unique and enjoyable learning experience.
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Tel: (207) 288-4585 or (207) 546-2927
Bar Harbor Inn Pier, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Come enjoy a 1 1/2 to 2 hour windjammer cruise aboard the majestic 151' 4-masted schooner, Margaret Todd. Sail among the islands of Frenchman Bay. Bring your binoculars & keep a look out for bald eagles, seals & porpoise. Help the crew hoist sail or just relax on our spacious decks.
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Tel: Tee Times 288-3000; Clubhouse 288-5000; Superintendent 288-2200
100 Eagle Lake Road, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Surrounded by the mountains of Acadia National Park, Kebo Valley has been enticing golfers from all over the world for more than 100 years to the challenges of the finest 18 holes of championship golf in Maine. Just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor. Kebo Valley consistently ranks among America's best public golf courses. Expert PGA staff. Private and group lessons. Fully modern clubhouse. Banquets. Lunch served daily 11am-4pm. Open daily spring, summer & fall.
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Tel: 288-2386 or (800) 942-5374
Sailing daily from Harborplace, 1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Considered Bar Harborís best tour! Let the fast 90 ft. jet powered catamaran Bay King III whisk you away. Visit five beautiful island lighthouses and a historic life saving station - with ample time at each for photographs. Cruise among Acadiaís coastal islands and crown jewels; Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach, Champlain Mountain, and Thunder Hole. Enjoy fun-filled and fascinating stories from our onboard historian; learn of French explorers, the founder of Acadia ñ Mr. George Dorr, and all about Maineís legendary lighthouses, light keepers, ghosts and much more. Discover Bar Harborís golden age as we view mansions along ìmillionaires rowî; the Ford, Rockefeller, High Seas and Pulitzer Estates; and the spectacular coastal mansions owned by Dick Wolf (Southerly) and Martha Stewart (Skylands).
Truly A must see tour!
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Tel: 288-2386 or (800) 942-5374
1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Fish with local Captain Jeff Black aboard the Downeast lobster boat the M/V Miss Samantha. She has the most room for your comfort and is specially designed so that you can venture onto the bow to view scenery and watch wildlife. The only lobster tour in Bar Harbor that has a live aquarium touch tank so you can hold a lobster, sea stars, and a great variety of fascinating marine life. Learn all about Maineís lobster fishery and how to catch a lobster, about the medicinal benefits of ocean life, and visit seals and their pups up close! Your professional captain and naturalist will answer all your questions. Trips leave daily from Harborplace next to the downtown pier and last for 1æ hours.
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Tel: (207) 963-2341 or (866) 235-2341 (toll free in Maine only)
Harborside Hotel & Marina, , 55 West Street Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Discover Bar Harbor's most exclusive, personal and unique sightseeing cruise. Join Captain John on Lulu, a traditional Downeast lobster boat, for a 2 hour tour of Frenchman Bay. Enjoy an up-close demonstration of lobster fishing, fascinating seal watching and breathtaking coastal scenery. Share the Captain's interest in nature and local history and folklore. Sailings daily May to October. Adults $30, seniors $27, children $17. Ticket office - 56 West Street (corner of West and Rodick Streets).
Tel: (207) 244-5854 or (207) 244-1151
145 Pretty Marsh Road, , Somesville Mt. Desert, Maine 04660
Welcome to the most beautiful island in America. You are invited to discover the quiet beauty of Acadia National Park with the same peaceful means of travel as was used by the Penobscot Tribe of the Abenaki Indian Nation.
We encourage those who have never canoed or kayaked, as well as those with experience, to get away from it all and enjoy what might be the highlight of your vacation to Acadia National Park.
We have the finest equipment available and are happy to assist you with instruction if needed. We ask that you make reservations (8am thru 5pm) to avoid disappointment, particularly during the months of July and August.
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Tel: (207) 288-0342 or (800) 347-0940
39 Cottage Street (Nxt to Criterion Movie Theatre), Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
Paddle to remote "Western Side" of MDI with Professional Maine Guides. Personalized (12 people max) Ecological Tours, 1/2 day (4 hour) morning, afternoon & sunset tours (2.5-3 hours on the water). Best wildlife sightings: harbor seals, osprey, porpoise, eagles & more. Featuring comfortable, stable tandem Necky Kayaks. All tours include a brief stop on a beach/island. Kayaking is our only business. Locally owned/operated with a perfect safety record since 1993. All equipment, van transp., & instruction included for $48/person. Beginners welcome. Open daily at 8am.

Additional Resources

BAR HARBOR CELLARS
Rt. 3
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-2337
BAR HARBOR FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Newport Drive
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
244-9107
BAR HARBOR GUIDE SERVICE
28 Russell Farm Road
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
266-4565
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
33 Ledgelawn Ave.
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-0000
BAR HARBOR JAZZ FESTIVAL
35 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-5829
BAR HARBOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
59 Cottage St., Rodick Bldg.
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(212) 222-1026
DONNA HANKE - MASSAGE THERAPY
16 Eno Pines Drive
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 266-4258
IMPROV ACADIA
15 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-2503
MDI YMCA
21 Park St.
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-3511
P.O. Box 654
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 460-1682
NORTHEAST CHARTER & TOUR CO., INC.
235 Goddard Road
Lewiston, Maine 04240
(207) 784-3159
Route 3, Box 368
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-2133
SAGEGRASS GALLERY
15 Cottage St.
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-9442
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Route 233 Eagle Lake Rd.
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-3338
BAR HARBOR BICYCLE SHOP
141 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
288-3886
BAR HARBOR BREWING CO. & SODA WORKS
8 Mount Desert St
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-4592
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  • Acadia Welcome Center
  • 1201 Bar Harbor Rd
  • Trenton, Maine 04605
  • Phone:1-800-345-4617
  • Fax:(207)-667-9080