Driving in the park? Please watch for and obey the signs. Speed limits are strictly enforced as are the rules about roadside parking. Wear your seat belt, it’s the law!
Cell phone users! Maine’s area code is 207. Cell service can be spotty at best on the island.
Raining?! Don’t despair. Look for the umbrella ( ). It indicates an activity you can enjoy, rain or shine.
Fog? Don’t sit inside. Coastal drives can be beautiful. Inland roads and trails may be obscured.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Visitor Center - The park’s Hulls Cove Visitor Center is an excellent place to begin your tour. Maps, guides, displays, and a fifteen minute movie familiarize you with the park and services offered by the Park Service. Books, maps, videos, and guide books are available for purchase. The rangers are very helpful if you have questions. Visitor information: (207) 288-3338.
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Park Loop Road - This scenic road begins at the Visitor Center (may be entered at many points along its course) and is approximately 27 miles long. This famous route, a must for every visitor, is described in detail in the Motorist Guide section of this issue (see page 23). Be sure to take your camera and allow enough time to stop and enjoy the many overlooks. Consider parking the car and taking a bus or trolley tour.
Cadillac Mountain - This, the highest point on the Atlantic coast, can be reached easily by car via the Park Loop Road or Route 233 (refer to the Motorist Guide section of this issue). For those up to it, there are several hiking trails to the summit. The road to the summit is narrow, winding, very steep, and should be avoided by those on mopeds or bicycles (unless you are on a specially guided tour). The views from the top are truly spectacular. Allow enough time to fully enjoy them.
Carriage Roads - The forty plus miles of car-free carriage roads in Acadia National Park offer the walker, biker, and carriage rider an opportunity to experience the park from a totally different perspective. They are easily accessible. Because of their popularity, these roads are often crowded with a variety of users. At this time of the year sections of these roads may be under repair by both park and contract personnel. Exercise care and review the information and map on page 25 before setting out for a day of fun.
Ranger Programs - The full program descriptions offered by the National Park Service were not finalized by press time. The Park will be offering many educational talks, walks, and hikes. Or take an educational cruise with a Park Ranger or go bird watching. Call the Park for details, 288-3338. Some programs require advance reservations, most are free of charge, but some have an admission charge.
Sieur de Monts Spring - Just off of Route 3 in Acadia National Park. Here you will find the Wild Gardens of Acadia, the Robert Abbe Museum of Stone Age Antiquities, and the Acadia National Park Nature Center. This is an excellent spot to learn about the flora and fauna of the island. At this time of the year there is no better place to observe birds in the early morning. Be prepared for a lot of insects!

AQUARIUM
The Oceanarium - Convenient location on Mount Desert Island; The Oceanarium Bar Harbor, the Maine Lobster Museum and The Maine Lobster Hatchery are at the head of the island. For more details on exhibits, programs and activities, see the Daily Calendar on pages 30-39 or Museum Listings on the opposite page.
BEACHES
Sand Beach - This popular ocean beach is located in Acadia National Park just off of the Park Loop Road. The arctic current controls the water temperature here and at this time of the year the ocean temperature will be near 50 degrees. Park in designated areas only.
Echo Lake - A man-made beach at this lovely inland lake draws a lot of swimmers. Although the fresh water temperature is warmer than the ocean it still may be chillier than you think. Watch for the signs along Route 102 toward Southwest Harbor.

See also SAILING CRUISES
and BOAT RENTALS
Acadian Nature Cruise - 2 hour nature and sightseeing cruises at 10am, 1:15pm, and starting June 8, a 4:00pm trip. Welcome aboard Bar Harbor’s longest running cruise take in the scenic mountains and bay from three viewing areas. Enjoy their open upper deck while eagles soar overhead. Take great pictures of Egg Rock Lighthouse and watch seals play on the rocks, or just sit back and absorb the breathtaking scenery from their heated cabin. Listen to the naturalist share the history of BAR HARBOR, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, and the wildlife that surrounds you - “a must do on your Maine vacation.” Sailing daily from HARBOR PLACE, 1 WEST ST. BAR HARBOR. For tickets and sailing times call 207-288-2386.
Baker Island Acadia National Park and Lighthouse Tour - Travel by boat with a park ranger/naturalist to one of the crown jewels of Acadia National Park.  Land by launch and spend two hours exploring this fascinating 130-acre island, a 200-year-old farmstead, and the famous Baker Island Lighthouse. Eat lunch onshore while enjoying breathtaking scenery. A great fun-filled 4½-hour adventure! Tours on Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat. at 8:45am, June 15th – Sept. 11th . Call 1-800- WHALES4, (207) 288-2386, or visit them at www.barharborwhales.com.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. - . - Come with us and see the largest animals on earth and a great variety of marine wildlife and seabirds. Tours are professionally narrated and include whale scientists onboard each trip. Our boats our large stable jet powered catamarans and whale watches last 3 to 4 hours. A full galley, film, sweatshirts, and binocular rentals are available onboard.  We also offer Seal watching and Lobsta Fishing trips, Lighthouse tours, a Baker Island Acadia National Park tour (with a park ranger), and Nature Cruises. Sailing location and ticket sales at 1 West Street next to the town pier. Whale watching starts May 27th. Call 1-800-WHALES4,  (207) 288-2386, or visit them at www.barharborwhales.com.
Dive-In Theater - Journey to the bottom of the sea - WITHOUT GETTING WET!! Bar Harbor’s only virtual diving adventure begins when you push Diver Ed overboard. Watch live underwater video footage on a four-foot screen as this zany crew collects critters from the ocean floor to bring back aboard for an unforgettable hands-on show-and-tell that will amaze both young and old. Don’t miss this unique adventure!! Shows depart at 1:30pm from Bar Harbor. Call their ticketing company Zerve:1-800-979-3370 or international number: 1-212-209-3370.
Lighthouse & National Park Tour - Let the 90 ft. jet powered catamaran Bay King III show you five of Maine’s most beautiful and unique island lighthouses, plus the Little Cranberry Life Saving Station, Great Head, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs. See some of the most magnificent mansions on the coast of Maine. Lighthouse Historian provides lively and informative narration. Great photo opportunities! Learn about Maine’s legendary lighthouse and history of Acadia National Park.   Tours depart from 1 West Street daily starting June 21st. Tours last 2¾ hours. Call 1-800-WHALES4, (207) 288-2386, or visit us at www.barharborwhales.com.
Lobster Fishing Tour Miss Samantha - CHILDREN 5 and under FREE! Join local Captain Jeff Black for his 28th year aboard the Downeast lobster boat Miss Samantha. We have the most room of any lobster tour boat and an open bow for taking pictures. The Miss Samantha is the only lobster tour with an onboard aquarium touch tank so you can hold a sea star, lobster, and a variety of interesting sea life. Learn all about lobster fishing, the Gulf of Maine and see seals so close you can count their whiskers! Professional Guide on every trip to answer all your questions. Trips begin on May 10th, leave daily and last for 1¾ hours. Call 1-800-WHALES4, (207) 288-2386, or visit them at www.barharborwhales.com.
Lulu Lobster Boat Ride - Join Captain John on Lulu for an exclusive, personal cruise hosted on a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. Experience lobster fishing up close. Enjoy fascinating seal watching and breathtaking coastal scenery. Share the Captain’s interest in local history and folklore. From May 9th to the 22nd, 10:00am and 1:00pm, May 23rd to June 12th, 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:30pm. Adults $30, Seniors $27, Children $17. Tickets at 56 West Street. Departures from The Harborside Hotel dock, 55 West Street, Bar Harbor. www.lululobsterboat.com (207) 963-2341 or toll free 1-866-235-2341.
Schooner Margaret Todd - Windjammer Cruise - Come aboard the 151 foot four masted schooner Margaret Todd, the first four masted schooner to sail New England waters in over half a century. Enjoy a spectacular one and a half to two hour Windjammer cruise, three times daily, seven days a week. Adults $32.00, children under 12 $22.00, group and charter rates on request. Departing from the Bar Harbor Inn pier on the waterfront in downtown Bar Harbor. On the web at www.downeastwindjammer.com. Call at 288-4585, or see page 26 for more information.
Sea Princess Cruises - Sailing daily from the town pier in Northeast Harbor. Enjoy professionally narrated trips to the great Harbor of Mount Desert, Little Cranberry Island, and Somes Sound Fjord. See osprey, eagles, and other wildlife. The Sea Princess Cruise runs in conjunction with ACADIA NATIONAL PARK. For information or reservations (which are highly recommended) call 207-276-5352. www.barharborcruises.com. See the ad on page 24 for more information.
Sea Venture Tours - Treat yourself! Captain Winston Shaw, an expert naturalist with more than three decades experience, offers totally unique private tours for individual and families of up to six. Wide variety of enjoyable one to eight hour trips custom designed around your interests and timetable. Discover eagles, seals, loons, and other fascinating wildlife, along with spectacular sea cliffs, secluded coves, picturesque island lighthouses, and breathtaking sunsets. Affordable prices. Free no hassle parking. Beginning mid-May. Reservations and information. Call 288-3355, or email: info@svBoatTours.com.
Quietside Cruises - Explore the pristine quiet side of Acadia aboard the Elizabeth T, a 33’ wooden lobster boat. Learn about the glacially carved Somes Sound Fjord, migrating sea birds, and historic lighthouses. Haul a lobster trap for a fishing demonstration and visit a seal colony. Enjoy an island picnic or have lunch at the famous Islesford Dock Restaurant. 2-hr cruises depart daily until sunset from Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor. Private charters and water taxi service available. Visit www.sailacadia.com 207-244-7312.

BREWERY TOUR
Atlantic Brewing Company - Free Tours and Tastings Every Day! 10:00am to 5:00pm, tours at 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm. Brewery Gift Shop plus their Restaurant and Barbecue by Dougie Douglas, featuring Bar Harbor Real Ale, Blueberry Ale and their own wines! Barbecue open until dusk. Located on Knox Road off Route 3 just 7 miles west of Downtown. Call 288-2337 (BEER) for more information.
Bar Harbor Brewing Company- Downeast Maine’s oldest microbrewery producing award winning ales such as Cadillac Mountain Stout, Thunder Hole and Harbor Lighthouse Ale. We offer free beer and soda tastings all day from 11am until closing. Our downtown brew shop features local beers, wines and beer related gifts. Located directly across from the village green at 8 Mount Desert Street. 207-288-4592
BUS TOURS
Acadia National Park Tours -2½ hours of the best sights and stories this area has to offer, featuring 3 stops inside Acadia National Park. Sit back, relax, and allow their native guides to show and tell. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and photographers. Stops include Thunder Hole, and the top of Cadillac Mountain. Tours depart daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, from Testa’s Restaurant, 53 Main Street, Bar Harbor. For reservations, call 207 288-0300.
Oli’s Trolley - Choose the Trolley and let the Native Guides amuse and inform you. See Bar Harbor and the best of Acadia in comfort and view it all through low profile windows with clear glass for maximum visibility. Trolley tours are 2½ hours long (10:00 and 2:00), they have several 15 minute stops for walks and pictures. Starting June 1st - one-hour tours at 10:00am, 11:30am, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm. Tickets at the Trolley, or 1 Harbor Place (on the waterfront next to the town pier). Month of May Special: Buy one 2½ hour tour, get a 2nd at half price with Maine Driver’s License. June Special: 3:30pm One-Hour Tour, just $10. Call 288-9899.
CANOE RENTALS
See also SEA KAYAKING
National Park Canoe and Kayak Rental, Inc. - “Park and Go” located at the northern end of Long Pond, two miles from Somesville on the Pretty Marsh Road, Route 102 West. Off Season rates. Canoe rental:½ day $27, all day $44. weekly $140 Solo Kayak rental: ½ day $27, full day $42,weekly $135. Tandem Kayak: ½ day $30, all day $52, weekly $200. Self-guided sunset $18 Per Person No experience necessary, free lessons, friendly service, thirty years of experience and on-site ample parking. Call 244-5854.
CLIMBING, MOUNTAIN
Acadia Mountain Guides - Spectacular oceanside rock climbing for adults, children, families or groups. Enjoy half day or full programs tailored to your personal goals and experience. Climb with confidence! Climb with experienced certified guides at Maine’s only accredited climbing school. Reservations suggested. All equipment provided. Beginners welcome. Inside Alpenglow Adventure Sports, 198 Main St, Bar Harbor. Open daily. Phone 288-8186. climb@acadiamountainguides.com
FERRY SERVICE
Bar Harbor Ferry - Coastal passenger ferry service between Bar Harbor and Winter Harbor. Enjoy the magnificent views as their ferry cruises across Frenchman Bay, past Turtle Island and on to the fishing village of Winter Harbor, gateway of the Schoodic Peninsula. Bring along your bike, a picnic lunch and visit beautiful Schoodic Point. The ferry meets the Island Explorer bus at the Winter Harbor Marina. Service begins June 23rd with 5 round trips daily. Round Trip - Adults: $29.50, Children - $19.50, One Way: Adults - $19.50, Children - $14.00. Bicycles: $6.00. Departing from the Bar Harbor Inn Pier in Bar Harbor, and the Winter Harbor Marina in Winter Harbor. Call 288-2984, or visit them on the web: www.barharborferry.com.
Beal & Bunker - Locally owned and operated for over 50 years. Service to the Cranberry Isles from Northeast Harbor Municipal Pier on board the mailboat SEA QUEEN (4 Trips Daily). Walk the islands or bring a bike. Visit museums, gift shops, art gallery, general stores. Park at the Marina. Adult $24 - Round Trip. Child $12 - Round Trip (see page 7 for more information). 244-3575.
Cranberry Cove Ferry - Daily passenger service between Southwest Harbor/Manset and the Cranberry Isles. They have four trips daily. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains of Acadia National Park from the ferry. Hike, bike, picnic or visit a museum. All trips do a loop between Great Cranberry Island, Islesford (Little Cranberry) and Great Cranberry. Four Trips daily. Adults $24.00 round trip, Children under 12, $16.00 round trip, Bikes $6.00 Phone:244-5882 Boat Cell Phone: 460-1981. www.cranberrycoveferry.com.
FISHING TRIPS
Four Hour Fishing Trips - Fish Frenchman Bay on a four hour fishing trip with a professional captain and crew. See spectacular scenery and wildlife at the same time! Educational and lots of fun! Two trips daily at 8:00am and 1:00pm, please call for details. Other dates available, please call 207-546-2927 for details.
FLOWER GARDENS
Asticou Gardens - Located off of Route 198 just before you enter the village of Northeast Harbor. Magnificent azalea gardens complemented by sand and shadow gardens. No admission charge.
Thuya Gardens - Located in Northeast Harbor, offers a look at what an internationally renowned landscape artist could do with the face of a cliff. Call 276-5130 for more information.
Wild Gardens - Sieur de Monts Spring, Acadia National Park, just off of the Park Loop Road. Large, well- planned presentation of many of the plants and flowers which thrive here — nicely arranged by habitat, labeled for easy reference. This is a great place for birding early in the morning!
HIKING
Mount Desert Island has over a hundred miles of trails and more than 50 miles of car-free carriage roads. Park the car and walk Acadia as visitors have done for more than 150 years. There are paths and trails for every skill level and physical ability. A great, inexpensive guide to 15 island walks and hikes called A Hiking Guide to Acadia National Park is available at area bookstores and shops for only $2.50. This is the best guide to the best way to fully enjoy the wonders of Acadia. Ask for it by name!
KAYAK RENTALS, TOURS
See SEA KAYAKING
MAINE LOBSTER HATCHERY
The Oceanarium, Bar Harbor - Located on Route 3 at the head of the island, Bar Harbor. If you have questions about Maine’s famous crustacean, this is the place to get the real answers - see baby lobsters as they grow! Great for the entire family. See the Museums section on page 40 for more details.
MAINE LOBSTER MUSEUM
The Oceanarium, Bar Harbor - Yes, there is a great Maine Lobster Museum and it is located on Route 3 at the head of the island, Bar Harbor. For more information refer to the Museums section on page 40.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Acadia Massage - Soothe away a long day of travel, sports, sight-seeing, or working with Therapeutic Massage from an expertly trained Licensed Therapist. From sports massage to stress reduction, headaches, injuries, pampering, aromatherapy, relaxation or de-stressing, their experienced therapist will design a massage just for you. Air-conditioned, quiet office. Acadia Massage, 103 Ledgelawn Ave., Bar Harbor, 288-3899.

MOVIES
Reel Pizza Cinerama - Bar Harbor’s unique and fun twin cinema. Watch quality American and foreign language films in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere while enjoying draft beer and gourmet fresh dough pizza. Choose from an extensive selection of toppings, sauces, and cheeses. Admission: $6.00. Film information line: 288-3811. Office/takeout line: 288-3828. The theatre opens at 4:30 pm seven days a week.
MUSEUMS
The area offers many museums with displays sure to please everyone. Take time to check the information on page 40 to be sure that the museum of choice is open before setting out.
SAILING CRUISES
See also BOAT CRUISES
Downeast Friendship Sloop Charters - Escape the crowds and SAIL aboard an original Maine Friendship Sloop, built in 1899 for lobstering. Haul the sails, take the wheel, or sit back and enjoy seals, porpoise, eagles, and lighthouses from a cushioned cockpit. Specializing in private charters, day sails, sunset and lobster dinner cruises. Six guests maximum, local knowledgeable captains, appetizer and refreshments included, BYOB. Sailing from two locations: Northeast Harbor (Town pier) and Southwest Harbor (Dysart’s Great Harbor Marina). Reservations necessary, Children welcome. Visit www.sailacadia.com (207) 266-5210.
Schooner Margaret Todd Windjammer Cruise - come aboard the 151 foot four masted schooner Margaret Todd, the first four masted schooner to sail New England waters in over half a century. Enjoy a spectacular 1½ to 2 hour windjammer cruise, three times daily, seven days a week. Adults $32.00, children under 12, $22.00. Group and charter rates on request. Departing from the Bar Harbor Inn pier on the waterfront in downtown Bar Harbor. On the web at www.downeastwindjammer.com. Call at 207-288-4585, or see page 26 for more information.
SEA KAYAKING
See also CANOE RENTALS
National Park Sea Kayak Tours - Celebrating their 18th season providing Ecological Sea Kayak Tours of the pristine “West Side” of Mount Desert Island. Best wildlife sightings; harbor seals, osprey, bald eagles, porpoise, and sea birds. Professional Maine Sea Kayak Guides provide all equipment (Necky Kayaks), van transportation and personalized instruction. Their half-day (4-hours) tours allow adequate time for a brief stop on a beach/island, photos and interaction with your guide. The only outfitter owned /operated by a lifelong MDI native. Tour Schedule: 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm. Rates: $44.00 per person. Located at 39 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor (big light blue building) next to Patagonia Shop. Call 288-0342 for information/reservations. Open daily at 8:00am. Beginners welcome.
SIGHTSEEING FLIGHTS
Acadia Air Tours – Sightseeing Flights, Scenic Biplane & Glider Rides - Transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary “experience of a lifetime!” View Acadia National Park and the rugged rock-bound shores of Mount Desert Island from the “open cockpit” of their romantic two passenger Biplane or experience the sheer exhilaration of what it is like to “soar like an eagle” in their popular two passenger GLIDER. Whichever adventure you choose, you can’t help but ask, “Why did I wait so long to do this?” For more information call 207 667-7627 or visit one of our two locations: Flight Operations, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, 968 Bar Harbor Rd (Route 3),Trenton, ME 04605 Bar Harbor Ticket Office, Harbor Place (on the Pier) 1 West Street, Bar Harbor – Downtown.
TROLLEY TOURS
See BUS TOURS
WINERY TOUR
Sweet Pea Winery and Flower Farm - Bar Harbor’s original vineyard and flower farm! Free Wine tastings all day, every day (10:00am - 5:00pm). Featuring unique farm grown specialty cut flowers, arrangements and an array of local products and gifts. Located on Route 3 six miles west of downtown Bar Harbor. For more information call 288-3907.

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