Visiting Yarmouth and Bar Harbor Aboard The CAT

February 16, 2022

The CAT is back! We’re so excited to be visiting Yarmouth and Bar Harbor in 2022 — and we want to share it all with you!

Mark your calendars, spring 2022 is when The CAT comes back! This means more fun on the water, more exciting adventures, and more chances to experience Yarmouth and Bar Harbor like never before. Whether it’s your first time exploring the region or you’re returning after a few years away (something we totally understand), there’s so much to see and do in both of these wonderful port towns. So, let us assist you in planning your adventures in Yarmouth and Bar Harbor. We’ve got plenty of things to do, places to visit, and experiences to try — all waiting for you!

You’ll Love Yarmouth

If your trip takes you from the shores of Maine to the stunning southern shores of Nova Scotia, you’ll love spending some time in Yarmouth. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of an authentic seafaring town. Or explore a little further for out-of-this-world views, natural wonders, and more. Here are a few can’t-miss things to do in Yarmouth.

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

Nova Scotia is a province full of lighthouses, so visiting one during your travels here is a must. And one of the most famous lighthouses in Canada’s Ocean Playground is just outside Yarmouth. In fact, you probably noticed it as you arrived aboard The Cat, the Cape Forchu Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been in operation since 1840, with the current structure standing since 1962. Whether you visit early in the day or just before sunset, taking in the remarkably rugged coast of Cape Forchu is definitely an instagrammable moment — make sure you have your camera with you! If you’re lucky, you may just catch a glimpse of The CAT en route to Bar Harbor or returning to Yarmouth.

Dark Skies = Stargazing

Have you ever stared upon the Milky Way and witnessed the hazy, spiral band of light glistening with brilliant jewels of the night sky? Well, you can just outside Yarmouth! The Deep Sky Eye Observatory is a fantastic place to gaze upon the star-filled night sky. But don’t take our word for it. Located just 24 minutes from Yarmouth, this observatory is in North America’s first certified Starlight Tourist Destination. Experience the wonders beyond our reach through the lens of an HD telescope. You can peer into deep space and view galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, the moon and planets from an outdoor platform or an indoor dome. Whichever your preference, you might just experience a starry night more memorable than Van Gogh’s painting.

Be a Local for the Day

There’s a lot of history in this quintessential seaside town, and it comes alive at the Living Wharves experience. Here, you can commune with active and retired fishermen and women and learn about their stories and lives on the seas. If those stories pique your interest, we suggest trying your hand as a fisherman. Or, at the very least, learning how to braid ropes and tie knots. You never know, these skills may come in handy one day! Learn more about what’s waiting for you to discover along the Yarmouth & Acadian Shores here.

Beautiful Bar Harbor

There’s plenty of natural beauty and small-town charm waiting for you in Bar Harbor. This coastal community is home to a vibrant art scene, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and plenty of family-friendly. Here are a few of our favourite things to do.

Explore Acadia National Park

Intrepid explorers, take note! Your trip to Bar Harbor should definitely include a visit to the crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast, Acadia National Park. For the nature lover, the park is blanketed with lush, diverse forests, as well as rugged coastlines, sparkling ponds, and majestic pink granite mountains. Here, you can spend your days hiking more than 150 miles of trails scattered throughout this sprawling oasis. One of our favourite trails to hike is the Land Bridge to Bar Island. For 90 minutes before and after low tide, take the 1.9-mile trot along the gravel bar that connects Bar Harbor to Bar Island. This is the perfect opportunity to do something not everybody can say they’ve done before — take a walk on the ocean floor!

Discover The Beauty of Frenchman Bay

Next up on your Bar Harbor vacation? A visit to the sparkling waters of Frenchman Bay. The scenic views here are plentiful. You can stroll along the banks and soak in the breathtaking panoramic scenery as the rugged beauty of Bar Harbor unveils itself before your eyes. And if you’re looking for more excitement, you’ll find it here as well! Try some of the many water activities offered here, such as sailing, boating, boat charters, tours, cruises, and kayaking. These are all awesome ways to see everything Frenchman Bay has to offer. To the east, keep your eyes peeled for Egg Rock Lighthouse and the Porcupines islands. And to the west, be sure to feast your eyes on the majestic pink granite Cadillac mountain.

Experience the tastes of Bar Harbor

Looking for something to fuel the fun? You’re in the right place! It goes without saying that Maine is famous for its lobster, and this is the perfect opportunity to satisfy your taste buds. Bar Harbor offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the catch of the day — literally! Many dishes on the menus in town feature ingredients that come directly from the waters just off the coast. Enjoy a variety of local dishes such as lobster rolls, lobster bisque, and even lobster ice cream! Yes, you read that correctly, lobster ice cream! If lobster isn’t your preference, there’s plenty of other seafood here, including mussels, clams, and freshly caught fish. And, if you want to put on your chef hat and replicate some of the delicious meals you’ve enjoyed, you can catch and cook your own fish while in Bar Harbor. Looking for even more to see and do in Bar Harbor? Check out Visit Bar Harbor today.

The CAT is Back!

We’re so excited that The CAT is back, and we cannot wait to welcome you aboard. To keep up to date with the latest on The CAT, follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We look forward to sharing seaside experiences with you!