Local Attractions On Mount Desert Island

Bar Harbor Shopping & Activities

Mount Desert Island offers a variety of activities and amusements for visitors and the Quimby House Inn is close to all the fun. Whether you have an adventurous spirit or you are more interested in learning about the historic island and immersing yourself in the local culture, you can be sure that there is always something to enjoy.

Tours & Sightseeing In Bar Harbor Maine

Oli’s Trolley-  Bar Harbor and Acadia’s original trolley sightseeing tour, Oli’s Trolley offers 1 hour and 2 1/2 hour narrated tours that allow you to explore Mount Desert and Acadia National Park while sitting back on Oli's red and green trolley. 207.288.9899 www.acadiaislandtours.com

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.- With the fastest, largest whale watch catamarans in North America, the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. invites you to join them on the Friendship V or the Atlanticat as they take you on an ocean adventure to remember! Offering a variety of cruises including the Sunset Whale Watch, the Whale & Puffin Cruise and the Lighthouse & National Park Tour, the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. will delight the whole family. 207.288.2386 www.barharborwhales.com

Scenic Flights Of Acadia- Enjoy a scenic plane ride over Acadia National Park, coastal towns and rugged Maine coastline with Scenic Flights Of Acadia. Operating daily, Scenic Flights Of Acadia is operated by experienced commercial pilots, does not require reservations and offers custom flights. Flights start at $46. 207.667.6527 http://scenicflightsofacadia.com

Windjammer Cruises- Offering three trips daily from Bar Harbor aboard the 3-masted Schooner Natalie Todd or the first 4-masted Schooner Margaret Todd, Windjammer Cruises is an ideal way to enjoy learning about the history of the area, view the native wildlife and experience the Atlantic Ocean. 207.288.4585 www.downeastwindjammer.com

Nature Cruises On The Acadian- Fully narrated tours of Frenchman Bay, coastal Maine and Acadia National Park make this an unforgettable cruise. The Acadian nature cruises leave daily in search of eagles, seals and other marine mammals and birds. 207.288.2386 www.acadiannatureruises.com

Aquaterra Adventures- Offering a variety of sea kayaking tours with the best licensed Maine Guides and naturalists available in the industry, Aquaterra Adventures is located on West Street in downtown Bar Harbor, just minutes walk from the Quimby House Inn.  Tour prices start at $37 per person, and there is a wide variety of kayaking adventures to choose from, including custom group tours.  Reservations are highly recommended. 207.288.0007 www.aquaterra-adventures.com

Acadia Sailing Company- Enjoy an intimate 2 to 3 hour sail or private charter with Captain Jesse out of beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine, and dive into the rich maritime history of Mount Desert Island aboard a traditional Crosby Catboat. Rates for a 2 hour sail are $35 per passenger, and children 12 and under are only $25 per child.  Rates for a 3 hour sail are $50 per passenger with children 12 and under for $35 per child.  Private charters are $100 an hour.  Nice dogs sail for free!  www.acadiasailingcompany.com

Visit Acadia National Park

To truly appreciate Acadia National Park it is recommended that  you explore the island from all angles. Hike a mountain, kayak in the ocean, take a carriage tour on the carriage trails or simply enjoy the sand and surf of the beaches. Acadia National Park offers fun and adventure for all experience levels and for all ages. No matter how you choose to see the park you can be sure of great scenery, breathtaking views and unlimited fun.

Acadia National Park Hiking

Acadia National Park offers approximately 120 miles of hiking trails on Mount Desert Island. Terrain varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods, to carriage roads and open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. Enjoy a strenous adventure climbing Cadillac Mountain or walk around Jordan Pond’s shoreline. With a variety of mountains and trails ranging from easy like Bubble Rock to the more difficult, there is sure to be a hiking adventure to suit you.

Scenic Driving 

Acadia National Park boasts a 27 mile Park Loop Road that takes you on a tour of the park and provides access to many of the main attractions including Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach and Jordan Pond. The road begins a short distance from the Quimby House Inn at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and the park does charge a fee at the Entrance Station near Sand Beach. Take a scenic drive in Acadia National Park and experience breathtaking views of the island from the ocean to the mountains.

Beaches & Swimming In Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park has two life-guarded beaches: Sand Beach, located off Park Loop Road, offers swimming in the Atlantic ocean. The water temperature rarely exceeds 55 degrees. Echo Lake Beach offers a warmer, freshwater swimming experience on the west side of the island. Other than Echo Lake, freshwater lakes located in the park serve as drinking water reservoirs and are off-limits to swimming and wading.

Carriage Trails In Acadia

With over 50 miles of broken-stone carriage roads, Acadia National Park is an ideal destination for walkers, bikers and horse-back riders. The park also offers a few horse-drawn carriage tours including a ride that cirles Day Mountain and a narrated two hour ride that allows you to step back in history and explore the roads that were built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. You can also take the Jordan Pond House Tea And Popover Ride that will take you by horse-drawn carriage to the Jordan Pond House for a nineteenth century tradition and will return you to the stables after your tea.

The Arts and Museums On MDI

Improv Acadia- Bar Harbor’s only improv comedy club, Improv Acadia offers live improvised theater shows nightly. Featuring professional improvisers from all over the country, Improv Acadia is open seven nights a week and operates on audience suggestions and the quick skills of their perfomers. The club also offers a full bar and snack. For show times and reservations call 207.288.2503 www.improvacadia.com

The Criterion Theatre And Arts Center- The newly restored Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor now offers an expanded schedlule of movies, live music and performances as well as special events. True to it’s 1932 art deco beginnings, the Criterion offers fun entertainment for all. 207.288.3441 www.criteriontheater.com

Abbe Museum- With exhibits that span 10,00 years of history, art and archaeology, the Abbe Museum On Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor offers visitors a fun way to learn about the native people of Maine including their songs, stories, arts and crafts. Showcasing many exhibitions and programs, the Abbe is an enjoyable adventure for the whole family. 207.288.3519 www.abbemuseum.org

Mount Desert Island Recreational Activities 

Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop- Locally owned and operated for over 25 years, the bike shop offers bike rentals for a unique way to explore the island. Located close by the Quimby House Inn, they rent recreational bikes, road bikes, children’s bikes, as well as jogging strollers and children’s trailers. With knowledgeable staff and high quality rental equipment, Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop will help you enjoy the island on two wheels. 207.288.3886 www.barharborbike.com

Kebo Valley Golf Club- For more than 100 years Kebo Valley Golf Club has attracted golfers to one of the best 18 holes of golf in Maine. The golf course is surrounded by Acadia National Park and offers wonderful mountain views as well as a great clubhouse and serves lunch daily 11am-4pm. Private and group golf lessons are available. 207.288.5000 www.KeboValleyClub.com

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf- Enjoy a round of miniature golf  in Bar Harbor as you immerse yourself in the legends of pirates, putt your way through caves and climb aboard a pirate ship. Pirate’s Cove is located on Route 3 in Bar Harbor and offers two fun 18 hole courses on it's award winning theme park setting course. 207.288.2133 www.piratescove.net

Wild Acadia Fun Park - Take a short drive from the Quimby House Inn for a fun day of Waterslides, Mini Golf, Climbing Wall, Sling-Shot Trampoline and Go-Karts at Wild Acadia Fun Park in Trenton Maine.  The park offers fun for the entire family at affordable rates.  There are no entrance or gate fees and you only pay for the attractions you use.  207.667.3573 http://wildacadia.com

Shopping and Leisure Around Bar Harbor, ME

Specialty shops and galleries line the streets of Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Northeat Harbor and are sure to tempt you with the all their wares.

Bark Harbor- For all things dog, visit Bark Harbor. Located on Main Street in Bar Harbor the shop offers a variety of dog fun, including designer collars, leashes, ornaments, clothing, toys and all natural treats. Bark Harbor is the shop for those who love their dogs! 207.288.0404 www.barkharbor.com

Stone Soup- Stone Soup is a children’s specialty shop located in Bar Harbor. This fun shop sells quality wooden toys, delightful children's clothing and offers delights to children of all ages. 207.288.5219 www.StoneSoupToys.com

Christmas Spirit Shop- Right on Main Street in Bar Harbor, the Christmas Spirit Shop features unique ornaments all made in Maine or the USA and offers a wide selection of themes including Bar Harbor/Maine, families, careers, sports, hobbies, weddings and many more. Free personalizing and shipping is available.  The store also fills phone and internet orders. 207.288.8168 www.christmasspiritshop.com

The Kimball Shop & Boutique- Featuring items for children, your home, the kitchen, the bedroom or gifts for all occasions, The Kimball Shop welcomes you.  Located in Northeast Harbor, The Kimball Shop offers something special for your home or family. 800.673.3754 www.kimballshop.com

The Smart Studio- In business since 1967, The Smart Studio of Northeast Harbor features paintings and limited editions prints by Wini Smart and Gail Cleveland. Other exhibits include photographs, mosaics and painted furniture as well as custom framing. 207.276.5152 www.smart-studio.com

Flying Mountain Artisans Gift Shop and Gallery- Visit Flying Mountain Artisans in Southwest Harbor for an eclectic mix of hand crafted items including: pottery, soap, sea glass jewelry and more, or view their gallery of unique collections. Oil painting, acrylics, watercolors and photography are just a few of the mediums on display in the  Southwest Harbor gallery and art prints are on sale in a variety of sizes and price ranges. 207.244.0404 www.flyingmoutainartisans.net

The Moody Mermaid- Offering unique and appealing apparel for women, the Moody Mermaid is the ideal spot on Mount Desert Island for hip clothing, trendy accessories and shoes. Located on Main Street in Southwest Harbor, The Moody Mermaid offers clothing for all occasions. 207.244.3121

Hatched On MDI- Stop in and visit Hatched On MDI in Southwest Harbor for children’s clothing, toys and accessories. Offering unique and colorful clothing in all sizes including premie, Hatched On MDI is a fun store to outfit your children as well as splurge on a fun toy. 207.244.9800 www.hatchedonmdi.com

Helpful Links

For more information on fun ways to spend your vacation on Mount Desert Island or for a more complete listing of businesses and local attractions please review the helpful links below. Also don’t forget to ask the Quimby House Inn staff for fun ideas.  As always they are ready to assist you to make your vacation in Bar Harbor a memorable one!

Island Explorer Free Bus Shuttle- www.exploreacadia.com
Bar Harbor Chamber Of Commerce- www.barharborinfo.com
Acadia National Park- www.acadiainfo.com
Southwest Harbor And Tremont Chamber Of Commerce- www.acadiachamber.com
Mount Desert Chamber Of Commerce- www.mountdesertchamber.org