A small town in Maine on Mount Desert Island, with a permanent population of only around 5,000 people, Bar Harbor is famous for being the gateway to the Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor, as the name suggests, is a historic harbor town located in the eastern part of Maine and is a favorite destination for boat people. It is known as the port of entry for the bay ferries from Nova Scotia and has been popular summer vacation spot for those from New England, as well as further afield.
Located on Mount Desert Island, Maine’s largest island, Bar Harbor is a favorite destination for sailors and many visitors do come by boat. The island has many marinas and mooring points for private and public boats – this is what life in Bar Harbor centers around. The island was a favorite vacation spot among the wealthy families such as the Astors, Morgans, Pulitzers and Fords.
First settlers on the island were the Abenaki Indians, who fished and hunted in the abundant waters. In 1604, the island was said to be found by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who named it Isles des Monts Deserts, translated as ‘island of barren mountains’. Hence the modern name, Desert Island.
Encompassing 35,000 acres, the Acadia National Park is one of the 20 most visited national parks in the US and is Bar Harbor’s leading visitor attraction. The national park boasts beautiful seacoast trails, lakes, forests and mountains. Here one can enjoy the numerous hiking trails or just enjoy the scenery and pristine nature.
Highlights
Whale watching: is something one shouldn’t miss when visiting Bar Harbor, an amazing, breathtaking experience as you see the whales just an arm’s length away.****
Acadia Zoo: just outside of Bar Harbor town showcases wild and domestic animals alike.
Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show: may be cheesy, but the lumberjacks that perform here have been on national television and frankly it is an entertaining night out.
The Cat: is a high-speed catamaran ferry that goes to Yarmouth in Nova Scotia; the three-hour ferry ride offers incredible ocean and island views.
Water activities: are abundant in Bar Harbor; try sailing, parasailing, jet-skiing, kayaking – anything that takes your fancy.
Abbe Museum: showcases the history of the settlers in Bar Harbor, starting with the Indians; learn about crafts, stories and songs native to this area.
Criterion Theater: is home to the annual Bar Harbor Jazz Festival, as well as other cultural and musical events throughout the year.