Downeast Windjammer Cruises

Take a Downeast Windjammer Cruise for a sail among the islands of Frenchman’s Bay aboard one of their historic schooner vessels. The harbor cruise is approximately 2 hours long, and meanders around the Porcupine Islands, providing beautiful scenery and incomparable views of Mount Desert Island from the water.

Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theatre

Join Diver Ed on the Starfish Enterprise for a real-time exploration of the ocean floor. At the Dive-In Theater, you sit comfortably on deck while Diver Ed and his sidekick, Mini-Ed, dive down under, equipped with video and sound equipment to show you what goes on under the sea in real time. At the end […]

Acadian Nature Cruise

Photo of the Acadian Nature Cruises boat

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of coastal Maine with a fully narrated cruise of Frenchman Bay and the Bar Harbor shoreline. Our Acadian Nature Cruises leave daily from the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel in search of eagles, porpoises, seals, and other interesting marine mammals and birds. You’ll also see historic mansions and the Egg Rock lighthouse. The […]

Can I see a moose in Acadia National Park?

The truth is, probably not. While the State of Maine does have an estimated 60-70,000 moose, they generally prefer less populated areas, and Acadia National Park – with its nearly 3 million visitors per year – is probably a bit too busy for their liking. Your best chance for seeing a moose is to go […]

When is the “off-season”?

Contrary to popular belief, the fall months (September and October) are not our “off-season”. In fact, the fall has become just as busy as the summer season, even though the kids are back in school. Therefore, we highly recommend making advanced reservations for your stay, and being prepared for both the town and the National […]

What does everyone do in the winter when things close down?

Many employees are seasonal workers who will therefore re-locate to a winter tourist destination at the end of October. However, Bar Harbor has a year round population of over 5,000, many of whom are employed by Jackson Laboratory, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Mount Desert Island Hospital, and College of the Atlantic, just to name […]

What is Bar Harbor like in the winter and do you get a lot of snow?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions – and it’s the hardest to answer, as our winter weather can vary tremendously from year to year. We may have snow – or we may not. Quiet often it snows a few inches, then turns to rain, and then freezes. Ice is the result and […]

What time do things close in Bar Harbor?

Photo of bus for Acadia National Park Tours

Most of the restaurants in Bar Harbor are open until 9 or 10 PM. Most shops will stay open until 10 PM or so, and the local pubs and bars can serve until 1 AM. In season (May – Oct.) everything is generally open 7 days a week. Don’t worry about Sundays being dull; everything […]

Mount Desert Island Marathon

Photo of the Acadian Nature Cruises boat

Presenting the award-winning Mount Desert Island Marathon, voted ‘most scenic’ and runner-up ‘best overall’ marathon by Runner’s World Magazine. Race day is held annually on the Sunday following Columbus Day. Hosted by Crow Athletics.