June 18, 2019

Explore Vacationland: Bar Harbor and Beyond

We’re making our way back to Bar Harbor and we can’t wait to meet you there! Check out some of our favorite things to do in Bar Harbor and beyond.

Small but mighty—with a population of just over 5,000, Bar Harbor has no shortage of visitors making the city a celebrated vacation hub. The largest town within Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is filled with rich history and culture, offers quick access to Acadia National Park (New England’s only National Park), and truly is a sightseer’s paradise. With The CAT returning to port in Bar Harbor in 2019, we can’t wait for you to discover all that Bar Harbor and surrounding areas have to offer. In fact, we’re so excited, we put together a list of some of our favorite things to do during your next trip to “Vacationland.”

“Whale” See you on the Water

Spend some time on the water by booking a whale watching tour with Bar Harbor’s Whale Watching Company. Explore the Gulf of Maine while learning about the humpbacks, dolphins, seals, porpoises and more that inhabit it. That’s not all—expect to see many other wildlife such as eagles, puffins, and dolphins, as well as historic lighthouses along the coast-line.

Get Some Culture at the Criterion

Traveling with a history buff? Look no further than the 1932 Criterion Theatre. As the name suggests, this beautiful theatre was built in 1932 as a signature attraction for tourists visiting Bar Harbor. Today, the theatre maintains much of its original charm and plays host to a variety of different entertainment options—from indie movies to live music, children’s theatre to opera—making it a perfect spot for those who want to soak up a little culture.

Maine’s Best Munchies

Of course, no vacation is complete without exploring local food and delicacies, and in Bar Harbor, you’re in luck. This town is full of fresh produce, grains, and dairy products from local farms, as well as seafood direct from the sea to your table! If your mouth isn’t watering yet, take the Maine Foodie Tour in Bar Harbor where you’ll enjoy local creative, flavourful dishes curated by local experts—from chefs and brewmasters to mixologists and bakers. On this guided tour, you’ll learn about the town while sampling some seriously delicious bites—we guarantee no one will leave with an empty stomach.

Adventure in Acadia National Park

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Escape to Ellsworth

Beyond Acadia National Park is the small village of Ellsworth. Surrounded by seaside villages and harbors, this quaint town has many tourist attractions of its own. Head to the Stanwood Wildlife Bird Sanctuary (Birdsacre) where you can hike or bike the groomed trails while learning about the many different bird species that live there. Learn about the town’s past when you visit The Grand Auditorium—an art deco theatre built in 1938. Catch a show, film or live broadcast while taking in the buildings stunning architecture! Craving more knowledge? Make your way to the Woodlawn Museum. This historic estate sits on 180-acres where you can stroll through the historic house and around the pristine grounds— you can even play a game of croquet on the lawn!

Take a Trip to Trenton

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From Ellsworth, travel to Trenton, where there is no shortage of family-friendly fun to be had. Looking to entertain the kids?  Make sure to check out Wild Acadia Fun Park & Water Slides where the whole family can spend the day go-karting, mini golfing, zip-lining, or racing down the slides at Eastern Maine’s only water slide park. In the mood to shop? Trenton is home to a multitude of shopping destinations, from gift shops to factory outlets and antique galleries, there is truly something for shopaholics of all types. Finish off your day with some local fare—from lobster to clams and chowder. If you’re craving something to satisfy your sweet tooth you will not want to miss the Mount Desert Island Annual Strawberry Fest, where you can try strawberries in all form—fresh, pies, shortcakes and more! Need a place to crash for the night? Set up camp at one the cities many family-friendly campgrounds.

We are beyond excited with the return of The CAT back to Bar Harbor for the 2019 season. With so many things to do in the Bar Harbor and the surrounding area, we know you will be too! Book your next trip on The CAT today, and be sure to check out more fun things to do in Maine.