Shipbuilding is alive and well in this historic city on Maine’s Kennebec River, but it’s only one reason to plan a visit by boat to Bar Harbor. This famous resort port is home to stunning scenery, offers easy access to Acadia National Park, and provides visitors with great food, interesting shops, and lots to enjoy.
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BAR HARBOR AT A GLANCE
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NOAA Charts: 13323
The Bar Harbor Story
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Maine’s best-known summer retreat is a small town with big possibilities. Bar Harbor’s slim year-round population of 5,200 swells to more than 18,000 in the summer, with another two million visiting nearby Acadia National Park.
Dockage, Moorings & Service: Bar Harbor Municipal Pier (207-288-5571): Dockage and moorings, but no launch service, so you’ll need a dinghy. There is a small landing for offloading passengers on the right side of the town pier. Dinghy tie-up is available, as well. There are no public showers, no ice and fuel cannot be purchased when a cruise ship is berthed at the dock.
Harbor Place (207-288-2386): Managed by Bar Harbor Whale Watch; offers dockage and moorings on a first-come, first-served basis.
Launch Ramp: Bar Harbor’s only improved launch ramp is adjacent to the town pier. There is no fee, and parking may be found along West Street. Another launch ramp is located in Lamoine, on the mainland north of Bar Harbor. This is a good, free ramp with access on most tides and space for 12 vehicles.
Anchorages: The Bar Harbor anchorage (marked on charts) affords limited protection from wind and wakes, which can make for an uncomfortable stay on the hook. Note that you must contact the harbormaster before anchoring here. A second, more protected anchorage—at least in southerly winds—is on the northern and western sides of Bar Island, although this puts you farther from town. The northside anchorage is marked on charts. There is a shallower spot just west of the island, but watch the rocks close to shore.
DESTINATION BAR HARBOR
Dining: McKay’s Public House (207-288-2002): Eclectic menu of high-end pub fare and classier dishes served in a homey atmosphere and offered at reasonable prices.
Provisions: Peekytoe Provisions: Low-key eatery with specialty products including jams and jellies, pickled veggies, rubs and sauces, cheeses and meats, plus open-air dining and takeaway lobster.
DESTINATION BAR HARBOR
Things To Do: Acadia National Park (207-288-3338): The popular national park—the first in the nation—encompasses nearly 50,000 acres along the Atlantic Coastline of Maine, including Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and other outer islands. It features 60 miles of coastline, 33 miles of scenic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails provide numerous ways to explore the park.
Diver Ed Dive-In Theatre (207-288-3483): Join Diver Ed and his crew for a live underwater view of the Bar Harbor sea floor. Later, Ed surfaces with treasures from the below, including urchins, starfish and lobsters. Fun, entertaining and educational.
Mount Desert Oceanarium (207-288-5005): Explore the wonders of Maine’s ocean, marshes and forests through live-animal exhibits and trail walks. Great “kid-friendly” learning experience.
Cool Shops: Sagegrass Gallery (207-610-4074): Handcrafted jewelry, wearable and hanging art, glasswork, fragrances and lotions, home decor and more.
Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel (207-288-5266): A replica of the historic 1895 Rodick House, the Grand transforms your Mount Desert Island vacation into a trip to the past.
Boat & Kyak Rental: Coastal Kayaking Tours (800-526-8615): Kayak rentals, as well as guided half- and full-day harbor and sunset tours in and around Bar Harbor.
Getting Around: Island Explorer (207-667-5796): Free, propane-fueled shuttle buses running between the Village Green on Cottage Street and almost anywhere inside Acadia National Park.