10 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbour

Acadia National Park is a stunning national treasure offering magnificent views, recreational opportunities, and organised park activities. You will find the park located southwest of Bar Harbour. There are over 48,000 acres of land and more than 120 miles of hiking trails for you to explore, including the paved, 27-mile Park Loop Road. A hike here will give you access to the picturesque shoreline and lush forests. There are also opportunities for camping, horseback riding, bicycling, kayaking, and canoeing. The National Park Service offers a variety of activities, so you may get a chance to participate in guided walks, amphitheatre presentations, or educational programmes.

Thunder Hole is a famous natural rock inlet where water and air are forced out, causing a thunderous boom and water to spout as high as 40 feet. You can find Thunder Hole on the left side of Park Loop Road after you pass Sand Beach. Perched on the high rocks above the inlet, you will experience picturesque views in every direction. The best time to go is halfway between high and low tide, but be sure to check the weather forecast, as the crashing waves can get extreme as storms roll in. There is a good chance you will get wet, so come prepared.

Jordan's Pond House is a charming historic restaurant and store that sits on a high hill with views of beautiful Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. The restaurant is located on the western side of Park Loop Road. Afternoon popovers and tea are a visitor favourite, as guests have been enjoying these since the original owner began baking and serving them in 1893. The regular menu includes local specialities like lobster stew, freshly squeezed lemonade, and locally made ice cream. Reservations are highly recommended, but if you aren’t able to call ahead, the best times to visit are before 11.30 am or after 4 pm.

The Gorham Mountain Trail is a favourite hiking path in Acadia National Park that provides stunning views. To access the trail, park in the lot on Park Loop Road and you will see the trail on the right, just a small distance past Thunder Hole. The hike to the 525-foot summit has a moderate rating. You will ascend through a peaceful spruce forest onto a rugged granite slope that will lead you to the summit. Here you will have a fantastic view of Otter Cliff, Otter Point, Baker Island, and the Cranberry Islands. Blue trail markers will guide you to the summit where you can relax and take in the panoramic views.

Boat tours and whale watching offer many opportunities to explore Bar Harbor’s coast and sea life as you cruise through the open water, catching glimpses of vintage homes and a charming village. A sought-after experience is whale watching tours, where you can see finback, right, minke, and humpback whales during the peak season from June to August. Wildlife is abundant, and even if you’ve missed whale season, you can still spot puffin, seals, porpoise, and seabirds on your boat trip. If you’re looking to sightsee, you can take a tour that includes nearby lighthouses, the Acadia Islands, or sail through a fjord while enjoying a gorgeous sunset. Regardless of what you choose, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

Criterion Theatre is an Art Deco theatre that has been open since 1932 and offers a wide range of performances including children’s programmes, live music, opera, films, and much more. You can find the theatre located in city centre Bar Harbour on the corner of Rodick and Cottage Streets. It's been bringing in crowds since it's very first night when 2000 people enjoyed the first show. The magnificent interior covered in rich jewel tones of fabric and paint has been well preserved. You will find the original lighting board, curtains, and seats in place and there is also a rare floating balcony. In addition to the fantastic shows, the theatre also offers historical tours and year-round programmes open to the public.

Nightlife around Main Street gives plenty of opportunities for you to explore local pubs, dance clubs, and restaurants. Main Street late-night businesses span from West Street south to Park Street and include local favourites like Getty’s, One Up, and Bar Harbour Beer Works. At Carmen Verandah, you can dance the night away while enjoying live music and DJs. You can also find many bars that offer outdoor patios where you can sip on a craft beer or cocktail while enjoying salty ocean breezes and people watching.