Bar Harbor activities and recreation near acadia

Activities / Recreation

The Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor region has a variety of things to do during the day as well as late into the evening. Explore areas away from Bar Harbor such as Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Bass Harbor, Ellsworth, Blue Hill and even Schoodic Peninsula located on the mainland. There is a wonderful and exciting blend of entertainment and recreation type activities as varied as the terrain such as whale watching, kayaking, hiking, biking, museums, galleries, nightly entertainment, music, theater, shopping, and more. Chose the titles or photos to access more information or to view individual websites.

Downeast Windjammer Cruises

207-288-4585  or  207-546-2927
Cranberry Cove Ferry: 207-244-5882
Open: Varies

Margaret Todd - Join us aboard the only 4-masted schooner working in New England. Three 1.5-2 hour trips daily, sailing among the islands of Frenchman Bay.

Bar Harbor/Winter Harbor Ferry - Four passenger service trips daily. Visit Schoodic Point, the “other side” of Acadia National Park.

Cranberry Cove Ferry - Four to six trips daily providing passenger service between Southwest Harbor/Manset and the Cranberry Isles. Buy tickets onboard.

Join us for a private intimate charter for a truly memorable sail aboard one of the last original working Maine Lobster sloops • Perfect for your family, a group of six or a perfect romantic getaway for two!


Scenic Flights of Acadia

On Route 3 at the Bar Harbor Airport
112 Caruso Dr., Trenton, ME 04605
(207) 667-6527  or  info@scenicflightsofacadia.com
Open: 7 Days/wk - Year-Round!

Experience the Island the Best Way - See it from above! Climb aboard a Cessna 172 aircraft with an experienced Commercial Pilot, who will point out sights you can only view 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 $49 per person. Reservations are not required, with the exception of our unforgettable Sunset Flights and ‘off-season’ flights. Gift Certificates are available.


Mansell Boat Rentals

391 Main St., Box 1102, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Pier Location: 135 Shore Road, Manset, ME 04679
(207) 244-5625  or  mansell@roadrunner.com
Open: Seasonal

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 and captain services are also available.Our shoreside loaction at the Moorings in has one of the most stunning locations on the island with a view of Somes Sound and the Bear Island Lighthouse.


Island Cruises - “Best Island Tour in New England”

12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653
(207) 244-5785  or  info@bassharborcruises.com
Open: June 1 - Mid Oct.

Island Cruises offers lobster boat tours and private charters out of Bass Harbor on the southwestern side of Mount Desert Island, Maine. We are a family-owned business offering Nature Tours and private charters for fishing, sailing, and sights. Our tour is narrated by the owner and Captain, which the editors of Yankee Magazine said was the best island tour in all of New England. Our professional charter captains are avid fishermen who provide a personalized experience of the Maine coast; genuine, personal and family friendly.


Coastal Kayaking Tours

48 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-9605  or  abckt@sitestar.net

We are MDI's premier outfitter and the favorite choice of people who want to go sea kayaking. We feature small group tours (six boats or less) and personalized service with a professional and fun-loving guide staff that's second to none. We've been leading sea kayak tours for 30 years, longer than anyone else in New England. Tours are on both the east and west sides of MDI with a variety of routes around Bar Harbor. We have a great record of seeing harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, osprey and other wildlife.


Tour Acadia

P.O. Box 426, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 460-4431  or  information@touracadia.com

We offer tours for small groups, anywhere from 1-12 people, with a variety of vehicles to meet any need. In addition to our regular menu of tours, we're always happy to design something especially for you, depending on how long you want to tour and what you want to see. It's simple: you decide how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Acadia and Mount Desert Island, and we'll put together a program that's right for you.


Acadian Boat Tours

Summer Sailing Location:
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel, 119 Eden St., Bar Harbor
(207) 801-2300  or  Seadawg47@gmail.com

Acadian Boat Tours offers Frenchman Bay sightseeing/nature cruises, family-friendly fishing trips (3 & 4 hours), puffin/lighthouse tours and fall spectacular Somes Sound Fjord tour. Our boats are comfortable and fully USCG licensed, equipped with indoor and outdoor seating, galley service, and restrooms. You will find us on the outskirts of downtown Bar Harbor, where we offer FREE ONSITE PARKING. The Acadian boat is pet friendly.


Eagle Mountain Guide Service

Acadia & Downeast Region
(207) 537-5282  or  emgsinfo@gmail.com
Reservations Recommended!

Eagle Mountain offers individual and family guided freshwater fishing trips for trophy Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Brook Trout and Smallmouth Bass. Full day and half day fishing trips available. Fish from our comfortable 24ft Pontoon boat, all fishing gear provided. We fish a spring fed lake 30 minutes from Acadia. It has some of the best trophy Smallmouth Bass fishing in Maine and fantastic Salmon and Lake Trout fishing. We strongly promote catch and release. Call or e-mail to book a day on the water with, Master Maine Guide, Matt Whitegiver.


At Your Service Private Tours

Will pick you up at your downtown location!
(207) 288-9222  or  Email

We have been providing personalized private tours since 1999. Tours are from 3 to 6 hours with narrations of all Acadia National Park and MDI highlights. The local guide will create a tour customized to your time and interests. We handle all the permits and reservations needed to see the Summit of Cadillac Mountain and all the highlights of Acadia National Park. We pick you up at your downtown location and provide cold ice water and snacks in the vans. We can stop and stay as long as you would like at each location. All major credit cards accepted • 5 star-rated on TripAdvisor.


North Country Rivers

Gadabout Gaddis Airport
Bingham, Maine 04920
1-800-348-8871

Discover Maine White Water Rafting on the Penobscot, Kennebec and Dead Rivers. All equipment provided. No experience necessary. Daily trips from April through October. In addition, we offer ATV Tours (May-Nov), Moose Safaris (May-Sept), Kayaking (May-Sept), Snowmobile Tours (Jan-March), RV and Tent Camping (Apr-Nov), Cabins (Year Round) and Restaurant.


Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

1 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-2386 or 1-888-WHALES-4
info@barharborwhales.com
Open: Seasonal

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers many adventurous boating tours on the Gulf of Maine. Featuring several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house and nature trips sailing daily throughout the summer season. Enjoy a fantastic experience you will never forget.


Oli's Trolley

55 West Street, Bar Harbor
(207) 288-9899  or  denise@olistrolley.com

We provide fully narrated tours of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island that are fun and relaxing. Discover the unique treasures that the island has to offer. Enjoy our friendly guides’ knowledge and flair for storytelling as you journey past historic landmarks and fantastic scenery.


National Park Canoe & Kayak Rental

145 Pretty Marsh Road, Mount Desert, Maine
(207) 244-5854  or  edihamor@gmail.com

Located on the north end of beautiful 4 mile Great Long Pond • Loons, eagles, ducks, osprey, and even pileated woodpeckers add to the experience. Canoes in 3 lengths, solo kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddle boards, we can deliver to you or car-top on-site. Provide all paddling gear plus instruction and a pre-trip briefing.


JERICHO - Private Boat Charters

1 Clifton Dock Road, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
(207) 370-2880  or  info@JerichoMDI.com

JERICHO is available for day and evening charters around Mount Desert Island for up to 12 guests. Charter one of the most recognizable boats on the Maine coast, perfect for scenic picnic cruises, special occasions, or exploring offshore islands. Contact us to help craft your perfect day in Maine.


Cadillac Mountain Summit Shuttle - NEW!

Bar Harbor Pick-up/Drop-off Point: 317 Main Street
(207) 669-2476  or  cadillacmtnshuttle@gmail.com

There is now a way to get to the Cadillac Mountain Summit even though you were not able to secure a reservation! We are now offering hourly one-way or round-trip tickets on a first-come-first-served basis to Cadillac Mountain from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM with a break for lunch. A Park Entrance Pass will still be required. View our website for details or call us.


2orGuide Audio Tours of Acadia

Plays on most phones, tablets and computers

Tour Acadia's Park Loop Road from the comfort of your car. The “Loop Road Tour” introduces Acadia, stopping at all the Loop Road highlights including Cadillac Mtn, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. The “Loop Road Geology Tour” explores the evidence of the 400 million-year story telling how Mt Desert came to look as it does.


Acadia Mindfulness Adventures

61B Cottage St., Bar Harbor
(207) 801-1107  or  Email

Guided Mindfulness Practice in Nature. Take some time to relax into life as you are guided through a variety of practices to help you slow down, calm your busy mind, and connect deeply with yourself and your experience in a beautiful setting. Led by Local Mindfulness Instructor Jen Harry.


Northeast Whitewater - Rafting & Moose Tours

155 Greenville Rd, Shirley, ME 04485
PO Box 1623, Greenville, ME 04441
Call 207-695-0151  or  info@northeastwhitewater.com

Northeast Whitewater is the closest whitewater rafting and moose tour guide service to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Our Moosehead Outdoor Adventures are at the heart of moose country, mild to wild whitewater rafting trips, waterfall hikes, camping and Yurts. Make the most out of your Maine vacation with us!


Pedego Acadia Electric Bikes

55 West Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Call 207-664-9181

Tour Acadia on an electric bike! See Schoodic, Cadillac Mountain, the Park Loop Road and miles of trails in half the time. An ebike is just like a regular bike – only better. Pedal normally (or not) and get power when you want it. Go farther, faster! Conquer hills and headwinds with ease.


Alpha Coons - Maine Coon Cattery

Chelsea, Maine
Call 207-659-2736

Our kittens come with CFA & TICA Registration Papers, age appropriate vaccinations and deworming, a veterinarian health report, a health guarantee, Trupanion Health Insurance offer, select toys, and kitten food (dry & wet). Our next liter is expected in Spring, 2023. Make your reservations now. Facebook is a good method of communication and for sharing photos and information. All methods work. Make your reservation today! www.facebook.com/alphacoons

Bars, Clubs, Taverns:

Bar Harbor Beer Works

119 Main St., Bar Harbor
207-288-2886

We offer pub-style food and a nice variety of craft beers in a casual, fun, and family friendly atmosphere. There are daily food and drink specials, inside and outside seating, open daily 11am - 9pm

Carmen Verandah

119 Main St., Bar Harbor
207-288-2886

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

36 Rodick St., Bar Harbor
207-288-9392

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.

Paddy's

50 West St., Bar Harbor
207-801-3786

Join us in a spectacular waterfront setting as we pay tribute to Ireland's rich and celebrated pub culture - a culture of hearty food and drink, good music, warm hospitality, and friendly banter. Slainte! Cheers!


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Bike Rentals:

Acadia Bike

48 Cottage St., Bar Harbor
800-526-8615

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 the heart of Bar Harbor. We also have a variety of high-quality used bikes for sale.

Bar Harbor Bycycle Shop

141 Cottage St., Bar Harbor
207-288-3886

We have been serving the year round needs of the recreational and sports biker on Mount Desert Island since 1978. Visitors may rent or buy a variety of quality bikes from children's tricycles to high performance off-road or racing bikes. Conveniently located at 141 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.

Pedego Acadia Electric Bikes

55 West St., Bar Harbor
207-664-9181

Tour Acadia on an electric bike! See Schoodic, Cadillac, Park Loop Rd. and miles of trails in half the time. An ebike is just like a regular bike – only better. Pedal normally (or not) and get power when you want it. Go farther, faster! Conquer hills and headwinds with ease.


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Boat Rentals:

Acadia Outfitters

106 Cottage St., Bar Harbor
207-288-8118

We are the first choice for people wanting to experience all the outdoor fun that Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park have to offer. We have scooters, bicycles, sea kayaks - both rentals and guided tours. Choose your pleasure!

Mansell Boat Rentals

Pier: 135 Shore Rd., Manset
207-244-5625

Located next to the Hinckley Yacht Yard on the Shore Road in Manset in Southwest Harbo, 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.

Mount Desert Island Map

Island Ports of Call
For Reference

Depending on where you are staying while on Mount Desert Island, or where you want to boat or sail, you may want to choose either Bar Harbor, or Manset in Southwest Harbor as your boat rental location.

Schoodic Peninsula Map

Explore Acadia on the mainland.
Further Down East

Schoodic Peninsula and the surrounding area is accessed on the mainland via Coastal U.S. One. This is the only significant part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland of Maine.


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Entertainment/Theater:

Atlantic Brewing Company

15 Knox Rd., Bar Harbor
207-288-2337

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.

Diver Ed Underwater VideoTours

146 Gilbert Farm Rd., Bar Harbor
207-288-3483

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.

Great Maine Lumberjack Show

127 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton
207-667-0067

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.

Improv Acadia

15 Cottage St., Bar Harbor
207-288-2503

ImprovAcadia is a great thing to do at night in Bar Harbor. Creating spontaneous comedy inspired by audience suggestions, our professional improvisers from Chicago are sure to make you laugh! We have a full bar, snacks, and desserts. Located at 15 Cottage Street on 2nd floor.

Oceanarium, The

1351 Route 3, Bar Harbor
207-288-5005

Learn about the ocean, marshes, and their inhabitants. See lobsters and have their life cycle explained at the Lobster Hatchery and the Lobster Museum. Open mid-May through late October 9 AM to 5 PM daily except Sundays.

Oli's Trolly

1 West St., Bar Harbor
207-288-9899

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.

Reel Pizza Cinerama

33 Kennebec Place-Bar Harbor
207-288-3811

Movies in Bar Harbor: Now celebrating 19 full years of uncommonly good cinema, food and community in Downeast Maine. We are located next to the Village Green in Bar Harbor.

Lodging Page

 

 


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Ferry Services:

Bar Harbor Ferry

Bar Harbor & Winter Harbor
207-288-2984

Enjoy spectacular views as you travel between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor, Maine. You’ll pass by lighthouses, mountains, fishing villages, mansions, and lobstermen hauling their traps. We provide daily passenger service from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.


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Galleries & Museums:

Abbe Museum

Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor
207-288-3519

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

105 Eden St., Bar Harbor
207-288-5395

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.

Great Harbor Maritime Museum

124 Main St. Northeast Harbor
207-276-5262

Located at the old fire station in Northeast Harbor, 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.

Judy Taylor Studio & Gallery

1517 Tremont Rd., Seal Cove
207-244-5545

Judy Taylor studio and gallery 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.

Seal Cove Auto Museum

1414 Tremont Rd., Seal Cove
207-244-9242

This auto museum houses the best brass era car collection in the USA and includes over 60 beautiful and rare automobiles and motorcycles. Open May 1 through October 31, Seven days per week from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wendell Gilley Museum

4 Herrick Rd, Southwest Harbor
207-244-7555

This gallery museum is 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.

William A. Bracken Gallery

Salisbury Cove, Bar Harbor
207-288-9560

Both a member of the American Watercolor Society and the New England Watercolor Society, William A. Bracken's paintings depict the local surroundings and have been included in regional and national juried exhibitions.

Woodlawn Museum

Route 172, Ellsworth
207-667-8671

Also called the Colonel Black House, this historical property with period furniture is a must see in the Ellsworth area. Originally built between 1824 and 1827, you feel like you have stepped back in time.


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Guides & Mountain Climbing:

Atlantic Climbing School

67 Main St., Bar Harbor
207-288-2521

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

Eagle Mountain Guide Service

48 Bunker Dr., Otis
207-537-5282

Fantastic fresh water fishing action fish for World Class Smallmouth Bass, Salmon and Lake Trout • May through August the fishing really heats up. This spring fed lake produces some of the best trophy bass fishing available anywhere.

North Country Rivers

36 Main St., Bingham
1-800-348-8871

Guided Rafting (Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers), ATV Tours and Moose Safaris offered daily (Apr-Oct). Guided trips run daily, all equipment provided, no experience necessary. Call today to book your Maine Outdoor Adventure with North Country Rivers.

Northeast Whitewater

Greenville, Maine
207-695-0151

Northeast Guide Service is the closest rafting and moose tour company to Acadia and the Bar Harbor region. We provide personalized half and full day trips in whitewater rafting, moose tours, kayaking, canoeing and waterfall hikes in North Central Maine.


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Sailing:

Downeast Sailing Adventures

Eagle Lake Rd., Bar Harbor
207-288-2216

Experience Maine on Acadia’s Quiet Side as we sail among the Cranberry Islands and Somes Sound. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Acadia National Park, unspoiled by cruise ships and resort hotels. Sit back and relax as we sail past lighthouses, lobstermen, and cliffside mansions that make this world-class cruising area unique.

Downeast Windjammer Cruises

Margaret Todd: 207-288-4585
Cranberry Ferry: 207-244-5882

Join us aboard the Margaret S. Todd, the only 4-masted schooner working in New England. Three, 1.5 to 2 hour trips daily, sailing among the islands of Frenchman Bay. We also have the Bar Harbor/Winter Harbor Ferry and the Cranberry Cove Ferry providing passenger service between Southwest Harbor/Manset and the Cranberry Isles.

Mansell Boat Rentals

Pier: 135 Shore Rd., Manset
207-244-5625

Located next to the Hinckley Yacht Yard on the Shore Road in Manset in Southwest Harbo, 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.

Sail Acadia

2 Locations on MDI
207-266-5210

We offer private charters and shared sails in some of the world’s best sailing grounds. Cruises depart several times each day from Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor, just 15 – 20 minutes from Bar Harbor.


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Maine Coon Cats & Kittens:

Alpha Coons - Maine Coon Cattery

Chelsea, Maine
207-659-2736  or  contact@alphacoons.com

Our kittens come with CFA & TICA Registration Papers, age appropriate vaccinations and deworming, a veterinarian health report, a health guarantee, Trupanion Health Insurance offer, select toys, and kitten food (dry & wet). Our next liter is expected in Spring, 2023. Make your reservations now. Facebook is a good method of communication and for sharing photos and information. All methods work. Make your reservation today! www.facebook.com/alphacoons

Scooters:

Acadia Outfitters

106 Cottage St., Bar Harbor
207-288-8118  or  information@acadiaoutfitters.com

We are the first choice for people wanting to experience all the outdoor fun that Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park have to offer. We have scooters, bicycles, sea kayaks - both rentals and guided tours. Choose your pleasure!

Whale Watching:

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company

1 West St., Bar Harbor
207-288-2386  or  info@barharborwhales.com

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers many adventurous boating tours on the Gulf of Maine. Featuring several distinct whale watching, sightseeing, light house and nature trips sailing daily throughout the summer season.


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White Water Rafting:

North Country Rivers

Various Locations
1-800-348-8871

White Water Rafting on the Penobscot, Kennebec and Dead Rivers. All equipment provided. No experience necessary. Daily trips April - October. In addition, we offer ATV Tours (May-Nov), Moose Safaris (May-Sept), Kayaking (May-Sept), Snowmobile Tours (Jan-March), RV and Tent Camping (Apr-Nov), Cabins (Year Round.)


Northeast Whitewater - Rafting & Moose Tours

155 Greenville Rd, Shirley, ME 04485; PO Box 1623, Greenville, ME 04441
Call 207-695-0151  or  info@northeastwhitewater.com

Northeast Whitewater is the closest whitewater rafting and moose tour guide service to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Our Moosehead Outdoor Adventures are at the heart of moose country, mild to wild whitewater rafting trips, waterfall hikes, camping and Yurts. Make the most out of your Maine vacation with us!


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There is SO MUCH here to discover!

Greg A. Hartford, photographer, author, publisherIf you have made it all the way down here on the Activities, Recreation, and Entertainment page of AcadiaMagic.com, you have done well. Congratulations! There are so many things to do while visiting Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and the surrounding villages that it is truly a daunting task to review everything. Besides what is on this page, keep in mind that there are hundreds of places within the Park itself that you can discover here, and explore later, firsthand with family and friends. The maps will give you a good idea of what there is in the area. Have fun!

Acadia and Bar Harbor Resource Guide