Small Group Bar Harbor Tours USA

Best Bar Harbor Tours

Bar Harbor is home to one the most beautiful scenic places on the East Coast—and Bar Harbor tours offer many options, from guided hikes through Acadia National Park to delectable food walking tours. It’s a must-visit destination for tourists because of its proximity to the Acadia and stunning coastal features like Thunder Hole. With knowledgeable guides and various options, these tours offer insights into the region’s unique local history and natural wonders. Here are the best of Bar Harbor tours:

Best of Bar Harbor w/ Thunder Hole and Acadia National Park

You can enjoy the best of Acadia National Park on this tour. Visit stunning sights such as Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Sieur De Monts Spring, Otter Cliff Thunder Hole, and the rugged beauty of Beehive trail. You will also love the beautiful views of the Jordan Pond. 

The tour offers a drive of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park with pick and drop off from anywhere in Bar Harbor, Maine. It will be a small-group tour, so if you’re an introvert, this is perfect for you.You can stop for photos at the Sieur De Monts Spring, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliffs. 

Moreover, the tour offers fresh local lobster rolls for you to enjoy. Another perk of this tour is you can have access to Cadillac Mountain, the popular peak on the Acadia National Park. Because it is not easy to get a pass to the Cadillac mountain. And visitors often need a park pass or reservation to enter the area, especially during peak seasons. 

Bar Harbor Food Walking Tour

The Bar Harbor food walking tour is something you do not want to miss. You can explore the charming town of Bar Harbor, through its rich local flavors. This guided tour is specifically designed for food lovers. The tour typically begins with a warm welcome from a knowledgeable guide who provides an overview of the day’s itinerary. 

You will be led through the heart of Bar Harbor, stopping at various local eateries, markets, and specialty shops. Each stop is carefully chosen up to your preferences and liking. The main focus is on fresh and local ingredients. At the first stop, you will have the opportunity to taste freshly prepared seafood— including iconic Maine’s buttery lobster rolls. 

Next stop will be at a delicious ice cream and fudge shop, where you can get your sweet cravings satisfied. After that, you can take a peaceful walk around Agamont Park that takes you to the Bar Harbor Beach. 

The last stop will be at a hidden treasure, the Village Green, loved by locals and tourists alike. Here you can enjoy some delicious ice cream and soak in the beautiful views. 

Moreover, you can also learn about the Bar Harbor’s history and culture with this tour. Overall, the Bar Harbor food walking tour offers a perfect blend of taste, history, and local culture, making it a memorable experience for all. 

Best Attractions of Bar Harbor

Thunder Hole

Thunder Hole is a popular destination all year round. At this stunning place, you can see the beauty and power of ocean tides. Along the shoreline of Mount Desert Island, it’s a carved-out narrow channel and when a storm or the turning tide forces waves into this inlet, it makes a thunderous sound. 

For the best chance of hearing this sound, it is better to come two hours before a high tide. Moreover, when it is low tide, follow the stairs down for a close look at the cliff walls where you will see that they are carved by crashing water. 

Also, when you’re visiting Thunder Hole, beware of the weather, even when it’s calm, rogue waves come crashing down on the cliff. 

Here are some tips for Visiting Thunder Hole:

• Always check tide schedules before visiting this place because you don’t want to miss the thunderous reverberations. You can easily find tide charts online or at local visitor centers.
• Make sure to wear sturdy shoes because the area can be slippery. Also, for your own safety, it is best to stay behind the safety barriers.

Acadia National Park 

A tour of Bar Harbor is incomplete without visiting the Acadia National Park—the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. With millions of visitors each year, this place is in the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States. The Park offers a lot of outdoor activities and stunning vistas. If you love hiking, then this place should be on your list. Here’s a small guide to explore the best of Acadia National Park:

Cadillac Mountain is the highest peak in the Park with the most picturesque views of the surroundings. It is also the first place to see the sunrise in the United States, so make sure to visit early in the morning. You can drive to the summit or hike up for a more adventurous experience.

Jordan Pond is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the fantastic views of the Bubbles, which are two rounded mountains. Moreover, the Jordan Pond House offers a historic dining experience and the surrounding trail is perfect for a relaxing walk with stunning views.

Park Loop Road is the 27-mile loop that offers a scenic drive and gives some of the best highlights of the park. It includes many stops such as the Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach, and the Thunder Hole. Park Loop Road is an excellent way to explore a variety of attractions in a short time.

Acadia National Park tours feature a wide range of hiking trails suitable for everyone. The most popular trails include Precipice Trail for a challenging climb with impressive views and the easy-going Ocean Path, which offers a peaceful stroll along the coast with many scenic views.

Last but not least, you can find a lot of wildlife in Acadia National Park including fox, mink, otters, coyotes, snowshoe hares, deer, beavers, raccoons, seals, bald eagles, and maybe a bobcat too. Moreover, you can also find different species of whales such as Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, Pilot Whales, etc. It is always better to safely view wildlife from a proper distance. 

Getting Around Bar Harbor

Getting around Bar Harbor is not that difficult. There are tons of options for you to choose from. You can explore the town easily on foot or by bicycle. There are also many shuttle services available, The Island Explorer is a free bus shuttle service that you can use. There is another option of public transportation and taxis. 

Lastly, an excellent option is to avail tour guide services. You can take a boat tour too, where you can get the chance to see puffins, lighthouses, and more up close.

Best Month to Visit Bar Harbor

The best months to visit Bar Harbor are from May to September. The weather is really nice around this time of the year to enjoy the scenic beauty of the historic downtown, islands, and Acadia National Park. 

Best Time of Year to See Whales at Bar Harbor Maine

Summer is the best time of the year to see whales at Bar Harbor Maine. You will see different species of Whales around this time of the year including the rare Humpback Whale.

FAQs

How many days do you need to see Bar Harbor Maine?

2-3 days are typically enough to explore Bar Harbor and its surroundings —or enjoy a full day to explore its beauty if your schedule is packed.

Is Bar Harbor a walkable town?

Yes, you can walk around the area easily, especially in downtown Bar Harbor.

When to see Puffins Bar Harbor?

The best time to visit Puffins near Bar Harbor is from mid-June to mid-August.

When to see Puffins Bar Harbor?

The best time to visit Puffins near Bar Harbor is from mid-June to mid-August.

What is the rainiest month in Bar Harbor?

October is usually the rainiest month in Bar Harbor.

Is Bar Harbor worth the trip?

Yes, Bar Harbor is a great place to visit with its scenic beauty and many outdoor activities, making it worth the trip.

Why is Bar Harbor so famous?

Bar Harbor is famous for its stunning coastal beauty, Acadia National Park, and its downtown area. And when you’re in town, it is highly recommended to go whale watching.

Does Bar Harbor have a boardwalk?

No, Bar Harbor does not have a traditional boardwalk, but it has a gorgeous waterfront area with lots of shops and restaurants.

What are the best outdoor activities in Bar Harbor?

The best outdoor activities in Bar Harbor include hiking in Acadia National Park, whale watching, and scenic boat tours.

What is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?

May to September are the months that are generally best for visiting Bar Harbor due to its pleasant weather and various outdoor activities.

Are there any famous restaurants in Bar Harbor?

Yes, notable restaurants include Red Sky, Havana, and The Thirsty Whale.

Can you see Acadia National Park from Bar Harbor?

Yes, Acadia National Park is very close to Bar Harbor, and many of its viewpoints and trails are easily accessible.

What is the closest airport to Bar Harbor?

The closest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB), around 10 miles from the town.