While we are getting married in the town of North East Harbor the best known town on Mt. Desert Island is the town of Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is a small tourist town full of shops, great restaurants, hotels, and is home base to a lot of the companies that provide activities on and around the island. Listed below are just a handful of the activities that can be found on and around Mt. Desert Island. As we find more or if we put together any organized trips we'll add them below. To get everybody started here is a great website that provides a TON of great information on Mt. Desert Island, the town of Bar Harbor, and Acadia national park which makes up most of the island. All about Mt. Desert Island.

Land Lovers

Acadia National Park Visitors Center in Hulls Cove: Acadia Park makes up the majority of Mt. Desert Island and is a place well worth spending some time. A vehicle pass costs $20 and will get that vehicle into the park for 7 days or you can buy per person passes for $5 which area also good for 7 days. The Acadia National Park services site is full of good info as is the All about Mt. Desert Island site.

Cadillac Mountain: You can hike or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain but no matter how you get up there if it's a clear day it is THE PLACE to watch sunrise or sunset on the island.

Biking: There are miles and miles of good biking across the island. The carriage roads are a favorite path for a nice paved ride and cars are not permitted on these paths. Acadia Bike is one local outfitter that we have used and has been great to work with.
Bar Harbor: The town itself offers lots shops and restaurants to explore. Taking our advice on the best places to visit will get you to the outdoor gear store and town brew pub. However we'd also recommend that if you are in town the Bar Harbor Motor Inn is a very good restaurant with a great view but on the expensive side. The Blue Nose Hotel has a great bar out over the water and is a nice place for a stop any evening.

Nearby Walks:

  • The Shore Path (approx 1 mile round trip) near Bar Harbor is a favorite walk that will take you along the eastern shore and offers great views of the town and nearby islands.
  • Bar Island hike (approx 1 mile round trip): This is a fun hike but you have to make sure you time it right! The island is only accessible via a sandbar that is above water 1.5 hours before and after low tide. Time it right or bring clothes you don't mind getting wet.
  • Jordan Pond: A scenic 1 mile loop that goes through the woods and around Jordan Pond. The added bonus of this hike is the Jordon Pond restaurant. When you're done with your hike stop in for afternoon tea and popovers.

Sea Legs
Kayaking: Local outfitters offer day trips as well as sunset tours of the island coast. Kayak tours offer a more personal view of the island as well as the chance to get more up close with the local wildlife. The one we have used in the past and have been very happy with is the Costal Kayaking Tours company.
Whale Watching and other cruises: The waters off the coast of Maine are home to multiple species of whales as well as seals, dolphins and the North Atlantic Puffin. The Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company Is just one company and offers tours ranging from $22-50 depending on how long you're out.

Fishing and Lobstering: This is something we are still working on. If we can find a way we'll be taking a day out on the waters to try our luck with the rod reel and trap. I don't know about you but I want to catch me a pinchy!

 

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