SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Discover why Bar Harbor attracts so many foodies by sampling a variety of delectable dishes and treats made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. As you walk about a mile or so around the Village Green in the heart of the city, you will sample imaginative and classic Maine dishes at four different venues. Your guide will be local, so the experience will be enlightening. One of the most fascinating aspects is learning how Bar Harbor’s cuisine has evolved yet kept true to its roots. You can also expect to learn about Maine’s thriving lobster industry during this epicurean experience. You might hear how lobsters are caught and how their numbers are sustained to ensure that the industry continues to flourish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample classic Maine delicacies around the Village Green.
• Gain an historical perspective of Bar Harbor as you walk downtown.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Admire the glorious sights of Frenchman Bay while paddling a kayak among the forested Porcupine Islands that lie just offshore. Your tandem kayak will be a breeze to maneuver, especially after a few helpful hints from the guide. Be sure to ask about the amusing mnemonic that makes it easy to remember the names of the five islands within the Porcupine archipelago, each of which has its own distinct features. The coast of Burnt Island looks like charcoal ashes, Long Island is the lengthiest and Bald Island was once deforested for grazing livestock. The guide will also provide enlightening commentary about the local geology, history and wildlife, which is considerable. You can expect to see harbor seals, porpoises, cormorants and bald eagles, whose giant stick nests can be seen high in the trees. Another highlight is viewing the opulent summer “cottages” on Frenchman Bay built by the likes of the Rockefellers, Carnegies and Vanderbilts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a tandem kayak among the naturally beautiful Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay.
• Look for seals, porpoises and birds such as majestic bald eagles.
• Pass lavish “cottages” that wealthy industrialists built during the Gilded Age.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Hike the meandering Ocean Path in Acadian National Park with a naturalist guide that will describe the flora, fauna and history of the park. The seaside trail is considered an easy walk as it is well-groomed with just gradual inclines. Even so, the foremost reason for its popularity is the dramatic views of the natural wonders. You will pass jagged pink granite formations, small rocky beaches, precipitous oceanside cliffs and lush evergreen forests. If the tide is right, you will hear the deafening waves pounding the inlet at Thunder Hole long before you see them. Upon reaching Otter Cliffs, the highest point on the trail, you will climb a granite staircase that offers a different perspective of the seascape. To add to your understanding of the park’s history, the guide will elaborate on John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s donation of more than 11,000 acres to Acadia, the first national park east of the Mississippi.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the sensory experience of walking the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park.
• Follow a naturalist guide that will describe the flora, fauna and natural wonders.
• Pause for photos as the sea roars through Thunder Hole.
• Behold precipitous Otter Cliffs, which rise more than 100 feet above the sea.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take in the breathtaking views while driving along the Ocean Drive section of the iconic Park Loop Road that winds through Acadia National Park. Frederick Law Olmstead – the landscape architect that most famously designed New York’s Central Park – designed the loop road. Construction started in 1922 and continued for more than three decades, the result being one of America’s most gorgeous roadways. Although the views will be spectacular from nearly everywhere, Cadillac Mountain will offer the best elevated vantage point as it is the highest spot along the North Atlantic seaboard. Other highlights include seeing glacially sculpted Jordan Pond and Martha Stewart’s vacation home in Seal Harbor. You will also stop for photos at Thunder Hole, where the water can violently spew as high as 40 feet in the air. A three-course meal of classic Maine dishes such as lobster rolls will follow at the restaurant in the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for an incredibly scenic, mostly coastal drive through Acadia National Park.
• Gaze out over the natural beauty from the summit of Cadillac Mountain.
• See Martha Stewart’s summer home and pristine Jordan Pond.
• Pause for photos as the sea roars through Thunder Hole.
• Enjoy a three-course meal at a restaurant overlooking the water.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Admire the natural beauty and charming villages along the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, which French explorer Samuel de Champlain named for its bare mountains. Be sure to look for birds along the way, as species ranging from bald eagles to scarlet tanagers live here. Ahead lie the palatial summer residences of Seal Harbor, the so-called “cottages” owned by the immensely wealthy. Northeast Harbor is another destination that is picture-perfect, especially with its many sailboats, yachts and lobster boats. You will be treated to a different waterfront perspective as you drive along Somes Sound, a deep lengthy waterway that an ancient glacier carved out of the landscape. Although not technically a fjord because its topography isn’t extremely vertical, the sound resembles the fjords commonly seen in Norway.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold the quaint villages on the island’s “quiet side.”
• See lavish summer “cottages” once owned by the likes of John D. Rockefeller.
• Drive along a sound that resembles a Norwegian fjord.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride a bicycle along the spectacularly scenic carriage roads that run through Acadia National Park and learn fascinating details about their history. To indulge his passion for horseback riding near his summer estate in Bar Harbor, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. funded the construction of the carriage roads starting in 1913, insisting that they be free from motorized vehicles – a condition still in effect. The roads look much like they did more than a century ago and are considered to be the finest example of hand-cut broken-stone roads in America. While pedaling along on your 21-speed bicycle, you will notice that the cut granite stones along the edges of the roads serve as natural guard rails. They resemble molars, the reason their nickname is “Rockefeller’s Teeth.” The steel-and-concrete bridges are also noteworthy as they are finished with stone to give them a 19th-century appearance. The guide will go into greater detail about the carriage roads during stops.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a bicycle along the carriage roads that crisscross Acadia National Park.
• Take comfort in knowing that the roads are off limits to motorized vehicles.
• Notice how the roads follow the natural contours of the land to maximize views.
• Learn how John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed and influenced the road construction.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Behold the natural beauty of Acadia National Park from atop Cadillac Mountain and the elegance of northern New England’s grandest Gilded Age mansion. Being the highest peak on the eastern shore of North America, Cadillac Mountain offers spectacular views of Bar Harbour and the islands just offshore. Tectonic and volcanic activity formed the mountain eons ago and until receding glaciers sheared off its top it was much higher. While taking in the panoramic views, you will learn about the area’s history and some of the most influential people that lived in Bar Harbour. Financier George Sullivan Bowdoin was among them and his 1903 La Rochelle is an extraordinary example of the opulence of the time. The 35-room residence sprawls over 13,000 square feet and features a grand wishbone staircase, intricate crown moldings and period furnishings. Your guided tour includes the rare privilege of viewing the third-floor servant quarters, followed by free time to explore further.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a scenic road up Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on North America’s east coast.
• Spend time exploring the summit and enjoying panoramic views of Bar Harbour and the islands.
• Tour the finest Gilded Age mansion in northern New England and explore it further on your own.
• Get a glimpse into the lifestyle of Bar Harbour’s ultra-wealthy, early 20th-century residents.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Drive the serpentine road that leads to the top of Cadillac Mountain and enjoy free time at the summit to take in the panoramic views. The mountain is the highest peak along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place in the United States to see the sunrise from early October through early March. Its indigenous name – Wapuwoc – translates to “white mountain of the first light,” a reference to that distinction. As you ascend the mountain, the natural beauty of Acadia National Park will unfold. You will gaze out over pink granite cliffs and spruce woodlands. The higher you go the more spectacular the views, especially on a clear day. While walking about the summit, you will look out over Bar Harbour, the Porcupine Islands and Schoodic Peninsula. There is no better vantage point on Mount Desert Island. Later, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Victorian cottages and the Village Green in downtown Bar Harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a scenic road up Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on North America’s east coast.
• Spend time exploring the summit and enjoying panoramic views of Bar Harbour and the islands.
• See some of Bar Harbour’s most historical landmarks while driving through town.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a chilling journey through Bar Harbor's haunted history, immersing yourself in captivating tales and maritime yarns from such storied haunts as the Bar Harbor Inn, the Shore Path, and the 1932 Criterion Theatre. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, discover the mysterious allure of this playground for the rich and famous Golden Age. Despite its transformation into a trendy modern destination, Bar Harbor is still shrouded in eerie legends and native lore. Uncover the spectral anomalies that haunt this historic landscape, from the mysterious sea serpent of Frenchman Bay to the ghostly bride of the Ledgelawn Inn. Ponder the father of Acadia National Park's pioneering work in psychical research and the otherworldly beauty of the Village Burying Ground, among other puzzling facts and landmarks. Investigate Bar Harbor's cryptic past, where every street holds a ghost story, and each strange anecdote exerts an enduring influence. Accounts of strange creatures, poltergeists, and unexplained events will surprise and might even make you reconsider the boundaries of reality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Embark on a captivating stroll through Bar Harbor, where eerie local tales blend with the scenic charm of Maine’s Mount Desert Island.
• Visit storied haunts including the Bar Harbor Inn, the Shore Path, and the 1932 Criterion Theatre—each with its own spine-tingling eyewitness accounts.
• Immerse yourself in seafaring yarns and unsolved mysteries, all supported by a local guide who carries a carefully curated binder of story sources including historic newspaper articles, illustrative visuals, and other documentation.
• More than just a ghost walk, it’s a perspective-altering examination of Maine's folklore, haunted history, and unexplained events.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Step back in time to the turn of the 20th century, when Bar Harbor became one of New England’s most exclusive destinations. As you walk through the historic district, the guide will entertain you with tales of rich and powerful families such as the Rockefellers, Carnegies and Vanderbilts and with stories about their opulent summer “cottages” on Frenchman Bay. Pausing in Village Green, you will see Bar Harbor’s cast-iron town clock and the bandstand, which has hosted summer concerts since it was built in 1899. Although the Great Fire of 1947 left its mark on Bar Harbor, a number of Victorian mansions survived and are well worth a look. This tour offers an intriguing introduction to the city and points outs attractions you may wish to explore later on your own, such as Dorr Museum of Natural History and the Abbe Museum, a showcase for Wabanaki Indian artefacts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Bar Harbor’s historic district.
• See central landmarks such as Village Green.
• Pass Victorian mansions that survived the Great Fire of 1947.
• Hear tales of famous residents such as the Rockefellers and Fords.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy a leisurely drive on the gorgeous 27-mile road that winds through Acadia National Park and observe some of the most extraordinary offshore marine life in the Mount Desert Oceanarium. On the way to the park, you will travel through Bar’s Harbor’s meticulously preserved historic district, a setting that showcases the grandeur of Gilded Age architecture. While following the park’s winding loop road, you will come across scenic highlights such as Otter Cliff, the spewing blowholes at Thunder Hole, the only stretch of sand on the park’s rocky coast and the Bubbles, two rounded mountains that retreating glaciers shaped during the last Ice Age. You will delve even deeper into the natural world at the oceanarium, where a marine biologist guide may show you rare blue Maine lobsters, green crabs and sea cucumbers. A juvenile humpback whale skeleton can be seen in an outbuilding that was once a lobster hatchery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow the gorgeous 27-mile roadway that loops through Acadia National Park.
• View some of the unusual local marine life at the Mount Desert Oceanarium.
• Admire the Gilded Age architecture in Bar Harbor’s historic district.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the history of the affluent Bar Harbor area by driving through town and around Acadia National Park before heading out to sea on a 151-foot schooner. You will follow the 27-mile road that loops through the naturally beautiful park as your coach journeys through the park, you might see the crashing surf spew as high as 40 feet at Thunder Hole, gaze out over gorgeous Sand Beach or spot some of Acadia’s enchanting wildlife. Back in town, you will board the Margaret Todd, a spacious four-masted schooner, and head into Frenchman Bay for a closer look at the offshore wonders. As you sail around the immensely scenic island-dotted bay, you will hear commentary describing the points of interest and wildlife such as porpoises and bald eagles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through affluent Bar Harbor while listening to commentary that describes its history.
• Follow a scenic road that loops through Acadia National Park.
• Sail into Frenchman Bay on a schooner and look for wildlife such as bald eagles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a relaxing drive through the magnificent Acadia National Park, pausing for photos at the most dramatic overlooks. The drive will begin along the gorgeous coast and soon bring you to Acadia National Park, the first national park east of the Mississippi River. It sprawls over three main areas, including Mount Desert Island, the focus of this exploration. One of its coastal highlights is Thunder Hole, a small inlet carved out of the granite rocks. If the tidal conditions are just right, the waves will rush into the cavern below and violently spew out with a thunderous roar. While pausing for photos, you will also enjoy a panoramic view of Otter Cliff and the Schoodic Peninsula. Turning inland, you will then pass through lush pine forests while slowly ascending Cadillac Mountain. The sights are always spectacular from this vantage point, as it offers a 360-degree view of Bar Harbor and the islands beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the park’s highlights in a group of no more than 14.
• Stop at Thunder Hole, site of a natural phenomenon.
• Behold the expansive scenery from atop Cadillac Mountain.
• Listen to the guide describe the area’s striking geology.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate, layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Settle in for an immensely scenic drive along the 27-mile road that loops through Acadia National Park and stop along the way for photos at the most dramatic viewpoints. Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscape architect that famously designed New York’s Central Park, designed the loop road. Although construction began in 1922, the mostly coastal road wasn’t completed for more than three decades. As you will see firsthand, it was well worth the effort. Depending on the conditions and time of day, you may stop at, Scenic Otter Cove causeway, the Sieur de Monts Spring or Thunder Hole, a small inlet carved out of the granite rocks. If the tidal conditions are just right, the water will rush into the cavern below and violently spew out high into the air with a thunderous roar. Enlightening commentary will enhance your understanding of this first national park created east of the Mississippi River.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow the gorgeous 27-mile roadway that loops through Acadia National Park.
• Pass secluded beaches, panoramic overlooks and historical homes within the park.
• Stop for photos at a dramatic overlook such as Thunder Hole.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

bake. Starting off from the pier, your journey takes you to Acadia National Park, first passing through the quaint town of Bar Harbor to view some of the charming Victorian mansions built by America's rich and famous at the turn of the 20th century. Upon arrival at the park, you will proceed along the 27-mile Park Loop Road taking in spectacular coastal, mountain and forest views. Next, you will travel along the ocean's edge, passing Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook, and High Seas a beautiful mansion built by a wealthy gentleman whose wife perished on the Titanic before ever stepping foot in her dream home. Continuing, you'll pass Thunder Hole, the Otter Cliffs, and the Jordan Pond House as you make your way to a scenic setting where the delicious treat of a true "Downeast" lobster bake awaits you. Pulled fresh from ocean water, you will enjoy typical Maine lobster drizzled with butter along with all the trimmings. For dessert, you won't want to miss one of Maine's local favorites, a mouth-watering piece of homemade blueberry pie. (Steak is available upon request for non-lobster eaters. Please advise your guide just before the tour departs). At the conclusion of lunch, you will enjoy a short walk back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience Acadia National Park and ‘’Downeast’’ lobster bake.
• Pass by magnificent Thunder Hole, the Otter Cliffs and the Jordan Pond House.
• Enjoy typical Maine lobster drizzled with butter along with all the trimmings

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Nestled between the mountains of Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Ocean on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor has attracted visitors, naturalists, and scientists for decades. Pass the College of the Atlantic, devoted to marine biology with an emphasis on whale management, and learn about Jackson Laboratory, a unique medical research facility working. Catch a glimpse of Bar Harbor’s attractions including the Village Green and beautiful ‘summer cottages’ originally built by wealthy Victorian era residents. Your guide will share stories of how these wealthy residents tried to outdo each other with their lavish parties and lifestyles. The backdrop to Bar Harbor is the famous Cadillac Mountain, centerpiece of Acadia National Park. Enjoy a journey to the summit, the highest point on North America’s Eastern Seaboard. With a 360-degree panoramic view, you’ll see how glaciers carved through the granite cliffs to form a beautiful landscape of lush forest, lakes, and valleys. From this vantage point you’ll have magnificent views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia National Park, and your cruise ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Catch a glimpse of Bar Harbor’s attractions.
• Enjoy a journey to the summit, the highest point on North America’s Eastern Seaboard.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a picturesque drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road that winds through Acadia National Park and sit in on an enlightening talk about lobstering. While traveling through the forested park, you will pass historical seaside villages and pause for photos at particularly scenic lookouts such as Schooner Head, the towering headland Otter Cliff and Thunder Hole, where the sea relentlessly crashes against the rocky shore. Although the natural beauty will be captivating in every direction, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife such as peregrine falcons and harbor seals. You will learn more about the marine life back in Bar Harbor by listening to a local naturalist or experienced fisherman elaborate on how Maine’s iconic lobsters are caught in the cold waters just offshore and how environmental changes in the ocean have affected the lobsters’ habits. Afterwards, enjoy a short return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the natural beauty of Acadia National Park by driving along the Park Loop Road.
• Listen to talk about lobstering and how the industry is changing.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow one of the most spectacularly scenic roads on the east coast as it loops through Acadia National Park. You can expect to see one stunning view after another as you pass coastal highlights such as Sand Beach, Schooner Head Overlook and High seas, a colonial revival-style estate on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also enjoy magnificent views of Penobscot Mountains and the twin rounded mountains known as the Bubbles. If conditions permit, you will ascend even higher to Cadillac Mountain, which offers the best elevated viewpoint. It is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and has the distinction of being the first place in the United States to watch the sunrise from early October through early March. While pausing at the summit, you will gaze out over Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands in the distance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the natural beauty of Acadia National Park while driving along its famed loop road.
• Enjoy spectacular views of the rocky coast and the stately Penobscot Mountains.
• Pause for photos atop Cadillac Mountain, which rises more than 1500 feet above the park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.