Bar Harbor, Maine & Acadia Region
Entertainment & Activities

The Acadia National Park region has a variety of things to do during the day as well as late into the evening. Don't be afraid to explore areas away from the center of Bar Harbor such as Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, Ellsworth, Bangor and Blue Hill . There is a wonderful and exciting blend of activities as varied as the terrain such as whale watching, kayaking, hiking, biking, museums, galleries, nightly entertainment, music, Theatre, shopping, and more. So, be sure to explore the interactive Acadia map as well as check out the links below to area entertainment.

Mount Desert Island Marathon
PO Box 117, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
(207) 276-4226
information@mdimarathon.org

The Mount Desert Island Marathon was founded in 2002 and is quickly becoming one of the United State's premier destination marathons! Beginning in downtown Bar Harbor and finishing in the fishing village of Southwest Harbor, the footrace is open to runners and walkers alike featuring the beauty of Acadia National Park and expert coordination from a dedicated and professional race committee. It is USATF certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifier.

The 2009 event is scheduled for Sunday, October 18. Photos by ASI.

Mansell Boat Rentals in Southwest Harbor

Mansell Boat Rental Co.
391 Main Street, Box 1102, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Pier Location: 135 Shore Road, Manset, ME 04679
(207) 244-5625 • E-mail: mansell@roadrunner.com

Located next to the Hinckley Yacht Yard on the Shore Road in Manset in Southwest Harbor, Maine, Mansell Boat Rentals offers sailboat and powerboat rentals for the Mount Desert Island area. Choose from several types of sailboats and powerboats. Sailing lessons are also available.

Manset Yacht Service
113 Shore Road, Manset, Southwest Harbor, ME 04609-0681
(207) 244-4040 • Email: info@mansetyachtservice.com

Powerboat rentals near Acadia National Park

Cruising the waters surrounding Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park is one of life’s simple pleasures. Located south of Somes Sound, the only natural fjord along the east coast, one can head out and explore.

Established in 1989, Manset Yacht Service – Powerboat operation, offers a large rental fleet of 'ANGLER' brand fiberglass powerboats powered by Yamaha. They are the finest quality available. They are clean, safe, dependable, U.S. Coast Guard certified and attractive.

The Bar Harbor Jazz Festival
Various locations in Bar Harbor, Maine

A 7 day festival of jazz - August 15 - 21, 2008 - with concerts and events happening all around town, from outdoor cafes to the grand old art-deco Criterion Theatre, from the public Village Green, to local pubs and restaurants. The Festival features modern jazz, classics, and great vocalists as well. Founded in 2004, the Bar Harbor Jazz Festival hopes to add another dimension to the great history of music here in Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
1 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-2386 or 1-888-WHALES-4
E-mail: info@barharborwhales.com • Online Ticketing

Bar Harbor's premier whale watching tour operator hosts excursions aboard “AtlantiCat” - a new $7 million high-tech luxury catamaran. Experience the magnificence of humpback, finback and Minke whales, also porpoises, seals, puffins, lighthouses and more. Offering on-site parking.

Acadia Park Kayak Tours
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 266-1689
E-mail: info@acadiaparkkayak.com

Kayak with an eco-friendly outfitter! Group size is limited to 6 people / 3 boats or less making ours the smallest groups in the area. All equipment is provided. Beginners welcome. We are a Registered Maine Guide Sea Kayak Guide service.

Acadian Nature Cruises
Summer: 58 Eagle Lake Rd., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Winter: 396 Newbedford Rd., Lake Como, NJ 07719
(207) 288-2386 or 1-888-533-9253
E-mail: acadian_naturalist@yahoo.com

Take a 2 hour, fully narrated cruise of Frenchman Bay and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine and Acadia National Park. Our Nature Cruises leave daily in search of eagles, porpoises, seals, and other interesting marine mammals and birds. We also feature views of timeless mansions, Egg Rock lighthouse and occasionally migrating birds that have ventured into Frenchman Bay.

Scenic Flights of Acadia - Open 7 Days a Week*
On Route 3 at the Bar Harbor Airport
112 Caruso Dr., Trenton, ME 04605
(207) 667-6527
E-mail: info@mainecoastalflight.com

Experience the Island the best way. See it from above! Gain a unique perspective of Bar Harbor, Coastal Lighthouses, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, Somes Sound and more. Choose from one of our five popular flights, or custom tailor your own, with prices starting at $46 per person. Reservations are not required, except for our unforgettable Sunset Flights. *Weather permitting

Atlantic Climbing School
67 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
E-mail for information: info@acadiaclimbing.com

ACS has been guiding rock climbing courses in Acadia since 1994. Half-day and full-day courses are available for all ages and abilities; all equipment is provided. Low guide-to-client ratios • Owned by Eli Simon and Pete Fasoldt

Fandango - Find the Treasure on Mount Desert Island

Somewhere on Mount Desert Island, Maine, a golden key is hidden. The location of the key can be found by reading through FANDANGO and uncovering the clues concealed in the pages of the book. Be the first person to solve the riddle and locate the key and a treasure worth over $10,000 will be yours!

Bars, Clubs & Taverns

Carmen Verandah:: Right in the heart of Bar Harbor on the second floor of Rupununi's. We have live music & dancing, pool, darts, an excellent menu, and a beautiful verandah overlooking the village green. Open 7 days a week from April through November.
Lompoc Cafe& Brewpub:: Provides an eclectic menu along with a full bar featuring fine microbrewed ales, scotches and brandies from around the world. On weekends hear live jazz, blues, original rock and local acts. Located in Bar Harbor on 36 Rodick Street off West Street.
Rupununi Restaurant:: Great Maine Seafood, pasta, steak and hard-to-get cigars. We have the best selection of single malt scotch, microbrews and wine in Bar Harbor. We also have live entertainment with no cover charge.

(back to top)

Bicycles
Information on Biking in Acadia National Park

Acadia Bike:: There is hardly any better way to see Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities than by bicycle. We have the largest fleet of rental bikes in New England and are conveniently located at 48 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop:: Serving the year round needs of the recreational and sports biker on Mount Desert Island. Conveniently located at 141 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.

(back to top)

Boat Rentals

Mansell Boat Rentals:: Located next to the Hinckley Yacht Yard on the Shore Road in Manset in Southwest Harbor, Maine, Mansell Boat Rentals offers sailboat and powerboat rentals for the Mount Desert Island area. Choose from several types of sailboats and powerboats. Sailing lessons are also available.
Manset Yacht Service:: Established in 1989, Manset Yacht Service – Powerboat operation, offers a large rental fleet of 'ANGLER' brand fiberglass powerboats powered by Yamaha. Rentals are clean, safe, dependable, U.S. Coast Guard certified and attractive.

(back to top)

Boats, Cruises & Sailing

Diver Ed Underwater Video Tours:: Experience Maine's only underwater sightseeing trip direct from the bottom of the sea! You remain dry on the boat as divers go down with a video camera which you watch on a screen. Then, divers bring their catch directly to you on the boat to answer questions.
Ferry Service:: From June 1 through October 15, round trip ferry service between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is provided by Bay Ferries Limited. The catamaran design of “The Cat” allows speeds of up to 55 miles per hour while passengers relax and enjoy the view, eat in Cafe 91, have a drink at the bar, play the slots or shop in the duty free shop.
Island Cruises:: Our narrated nature cruises (including lunch trip to Frenchboro) will help you discover the abundant wildlife and history of Maine's offshore islands. See seals, eagles, porpoise; haul lobster traps; learn about fishing along the Maine coast, yesterday and today.
Lulu Lobster Boat Ride:: Offers 2 hour tours leaving from the Harborside Hotel and Marina in Bar Harbor, Maine. Each tour can accommodate up to 15 people maximum. Includes an informative and entertaining demonstration of how the Maine Lobster is harvested as well as seal watching.
Sea Princess Cruises:: Offers four unique narrated scenic tours of Mount Desert Island departing from the Northeast Harbor Town Marina in beautiful and protected Somes Sound.
Sea Venture Custom Boat Tours:: Captain Winston Shaw, an expert naturalist with 3 decades of local experience, offers unique private boat tours for individuals and families of up to 6. Choose from more than 20 enjoyable 1 to 8 hour custom designed trips. Experience eagles, seals, loons, and other fascinating wildlife, along with spectacular sea cliffs, pristine islands, secluded coves, lighthouses, and breathtaking sunsets.
Schooner Rachel B. Jackson:: A working replica of an 1890's coastal schooner, offering day sails, boat & breakfast overnights and specialty cruises out of Rockland, Maine.

(back to top)

Buses & Tours

Island Explorer Shuttle Bus:: Free transportation is provided in the area via Island Explorer Shuttle Buses - clean propane-powered vehicles supported by the National Park Service, area towns, the US DOT, Maine DOT, local businesses, and Friends of Acadia. There are 7 bus routes linking inns, hotels, campgrounds and destinations within Acadia National Park and elsewhere on the island.
Oli's Trolly:: This is a great way to see the sites of Acadia National Park when you want to leave the driving to someone else. There are 1 and 2 1/2 hour tours available depending upon the season so check with the web site.

(back to top)

Canoes & Kayaks

Acadia Park Kayak Tours:: Kayak with an eco-friendly outfitter! Group size is limited to 6 people / 3 boats or less making ours the smallest groups in the area. All equipment is provided. Beginners welcome. We are a Registered Maine Guide Sea Kayak Guide service.
Aquaterra Adventures:: Offers guided sea & freshwater kayak tours - canoe, kayak & bike rentals - Maine guide training & accommodations - have private docks in Bar Harbor. We encourage you to try what may very well be the highlight of your Acadia vacation. Reservations are recommended.
Maine State Sea Kayak Guide Service:: Experience and view Acadia National Park as few ever do. We are located in Southwest Harbor and pride ourselves in keeping our excursions small so that they remain of the highest quality.
National Park Sea Kayak Tours:: Specializing in Sea Kayak Tours of the Acadia National Park coastline and uninhabited islands. Let our Registered Maine Guide help you discover local marine wildlife close to the shore.

(back to top)

Entertainment & Theaters

Atlantic Brewing Company, The:: Offers a free tour of their brewhouse in Town Hill, Maine, where you may taste their award winning ales in the Tasting Room. The Estate Brewery is designed with the age old beer gardens of Germany and England in mind.
Deck House Restaurant and Cabaret Theatre, The:: “One of New England's premier dining and entertainment establishments” located on 11 Apple Lane in Southwest Harbor, Maine. Try to arrive between 6:30 and 7:45 PM to place food orders from a full dinner menu prior to approximate 8:15 PM showtime.
Diver Ed Underwater Video Tours:: Experience Maine's only underwater sightseeing trip direct from the bottom of the sea! You remain dry on the boat as divers go down with a video camera which you watch on a screen. Then, divers bring their catch directly to you on the boat to answer questions.
Criterion Theater, The:: First opened in 1932, the Criterion Theater has recently been undergoing a dramatic revitalization of its exquisite art deco interior as well as having its stage redone to accommodate its great lineup of nationally known talent and local theater productions. First run movies are also shown. Located at 35 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.
Great Maine Lumberjack Show, The:: As seen on ESPN and MTV's Real World, The Great Maine Lumberjack Show, located in Trenton, Maine, provides family edu-tainment about the famous lumberjacks of the Maine woods.
Island Astronomy:: Get your hands on a telescope, we make it easy! Lessons, rentals, activities, and more on a historic pier. The universe is waiting for you on the Quiet Side. "It's like no place on Earth."
Oceanarium, The:: Learn about the ocean, marshes, and their inhabitants. You'll see lobsters and have their life cycle explained at the Lobster Hatchery and the Lobster Museum. There is a Gift Shop for special items related to the Maine coast. There are two locations - one in Bar Harbor and the other in Southwest Harbor, both on Mount Desert Island, Maine.
Oli's Trolly:: This is a great way to see the sites of Acadia National Park when you want to leave the driving to someone else. There are 1 and 2 1/2 hour tours available depending upon the season so check with the web site.

(back to top)

Galleries & Museums

Abbe Museum:: Dedicated to an appreciation and understanding of the Native Americans of Maine with a permanent collection of more than 50,000 objects representing 10,000 years of culture.
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History:: Housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park on the College of the Atlantic campus, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History investigates, interpretes, and displays the natural world of Acadia and Maine. Exhibits are designed and produced by college students. Open mid-June through Labor Day, Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Open Labor Day through mid-June by appointment.
Great Harbor Maritime Museum: (no web site): Located at the old fire station in Northeast Harbor on 125 Main Street, the museum exhibits copies of historic photographs that show aspects of maritime history relating to the Mount Desert Island area with a focus on boat design, boat building, and the impact it has had on the communities. Open June through Columbus Day Weekend, Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Judy Taylor Studio & Gallery:: Judy Taylor studio and gallery, located in Southwest Harbor, is a working studio and teaching atelier with works ranging from landscapes and townscapes of coastal and interior Maine to more classical renderings in oil of the figure and portrait. She was an Acadia National Park artist-in-residence and her work is included in many private and corporate collections.
Oceanarium, The:: Learn about the ocean, marshes, and their inhabitants. You'll see lobsters and have their life cycle explained at the Lobster Hatchery and the Lobster Museum. There is a Gift Shop for special items related to the Maine coast. There are two locations - one in Bar Harbor and the other in Southwest Harbor, both on Mount Desert Island, Maine.
Seal Cove Auto Museum, The:: This auto museum has one of the best brass car collections in the world that includes over 100 beautiful and rare automobiles and motorcycles. It is located on the quiet southwestern side of Mount Desert Island off the western loop of Route 102 in Seal Cove, across from Seal Cove Pond. Open June 1 through September 15, Seven days per week from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sieur de Monts Spring:: The Sieur de Monts Spring plays a significant role in the history of Acadia National Park. It got its name from an early 1600's Lieutenant Governor of New France. This location, with its 1909 Springhouse built by the original Park's Superintendent, George B. Dorr, has come to symbolize the enthusiasm and contributions of Dorr and other early twentieth century citizens in the creation and preservation of Acadia National Park. This location includes part of the Abbe Museum, The Nature Center, and The Wild Gardens of Acadia.
Wendell Gilley Museum, The:: A major showcase for the bird carvings of one of the 3 world renown pioneers of the art form - Wendell Gilley. Located in Southwest Harbor, Maine. (207) 244-7555
William A. Bracken Gallery:: Both a member of the American Watercolor Society and the New England Watercolor Society, William A. Bracken's realistic paintings depict the local surroundings.
Woodlawn Museum:: Also called the Colonel Black House, this unique historical property with period furniture is a must see museum in the Ellsworth area. Originally built between 1824 and 1827, you feel like you have stepped back in time while walking through its halls and rooms. The park, gardens, and grounds are open year round, sunrise to sunset.

(back to top)

Guide Services & Mountain Climbing Schools

Atlantic Climbing School:: ACS has been guiding rock climbing courses in Acadia since 1984. Half-day and full-day courses are available for all ages and abilities; all equipment is provided. Low guide-to-client ratios • Owned by Jeff Butterfield, author of Acadia: A Climber's Guide
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School:: Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School has been AMGA accredited since 1993 and offers state of the art instruction, seeking to develop and share cutting edge ideas on a continual basis. Along with the Acadia area, they also guide regularly in nearby Clifton and Camden. For Alpine style climbing in Maine, they journey to majestic Katahdin Mountain.

(back to top)

Horses & Stables

Stone Horse Stables:: Located just 5.6 miles outside of Bucksport, Maine and 1 hour from Acadia National Park lies Stone Horse Stables. We are working hard to build a fantastic stable with outstanding programs offered to people of all ages.
Wildwood Stables:: Wildwood Stables is located within Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island in Maine. They provide carriage rides on the Park's carriage roads and provide horse stabling for a fee.

(back to top)

Whale Watching

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company:: Experience the adventure of a lifetime aboard the state of the art Australian design Catamaran - the largest and fastest whale watching vessel in the U.S.

(back to top)

White Water Rafting

North Country Rivers:: Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime when you try White Water Rafting on the Penobscot, Kennebec or Dead Rivers of Maine! All equipment is provided. Daily trips from April to October.

(back to top)

AcadiaMagic Policies | User Terms and Conditions | Advertising Rates
Photographic & Web Site Design Services

Bar Harbor, Maine & Acadia Region Entertainment & Activities

Bar Harbor, Maine & Acadia Region
Entertainment & Activities