Bar Harbor, Maine - Cruise Port
Fall Edition
Welcome to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park and, of course, a haven for lobster lovers! Join us as we explore the port, the quaint town, and our adventure renting an electric car to explore the park. And yes, there will be lobster.
Getting Acquainted with Bar Harbor
Situated on Mount Desert Island in Southern Maine, Bar Harbor draws visitors for its natural beauty and, most notably, Acadia National Park. This popular park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and mountain views, with options for whale watching and even lobster boat rides for a true Maine experience. With peak season drawing large crowds, planning ahead can make all the difference.
Arriving at the Port
Bar Harbor is a tender port, meaning you’ll arrive by tender boat after anchoring behind Bar Island, roughly a 15-minute ride. Plan for about an hour from getting your tender ticket to arriving at the dock.
Once on land, the wharf area is small but well-maintained with clean restrooms, sheltered areas for tour groups, and some cute shops and bike rentals nearby. Oli’s Trolley has a noticeable presence, with ticket booths here and its main office a short walk away on Main Street. Another option is Acadia Gem, the local electric car rental service we chose for exploring Acadia—more on that below.
Exploring Bar Harbor
The town itself is charmingly classic, with white picket fences, historic homes, and everything from lobster treats to sweets on offer. Here’s what you need to know as you stroll through:
West Street: Starting point with a small promenade, tourist information, and Oli’s Trolley storefront.
Main Street: The town’s main drag featuring Argamont Park, the Visitor Center, banks, ATMs, and the Village Green, Bar Harbor’s version of Central Park.
Cottage Street: Extra shops and restaurants, a Walgreens, bike rental, the post office, and Hannaford Supermarket.
Public Restrooms: In addition to those at the wharf, you’ll find bathrooms near Oli’s Trolley, at Argamont Park, and on Firefly Lane next to Village Green.
Accessibility: Be aware that sidewalks can be uneven and narrow, with a slight incline up Main Street. Watch out for tricky corners, especially for those with limited mobility.
Island Explorer Shuttle
For public transportation around Acadia, the Island Explorer is a free seasonal shuttle service (late June to mid-October) with various routes in and around the park. On cruise days, it can fill up quickly, so plan ahead and allow time for a return trip. Remember, there are few taxis and no rideshares in Bar Harbor, so if you’re relying on the shuttle, time management is crucial.
Location: Catch the Island Explorer at the Village Green, about a 5-10 minute walk from the tender dock.
Park Pass: You’ll need a park pass to board the shuttle; buy it in advance online.
Renting an Electric Car with Acadia Gem
With our group of five, renting an electric car gave us maximum flexibility. Acadia Gem, the only rental car service in town, rents out electric golf cart-style vehicles and a few full-electric cars. The golf carts are fine for the lower park areas, but for greater range and access to higher spots like Cadillac Mountain, we opted for a Chevy Volt.
Rental Details
Cost: Around $345, which, for a group, turned out to be cheaper than booking five seats on a tour.
Booking: Reserve online well in advance (link in description).
Pickup Location: Main Street, about a 15-minute walk from the port, with shuttle service available.
The pickup was smooth, the staff helpful, and the electric car perfect for a relaxed day at our own pace. Plus, if you’re traveling with a Senior America The Beautiful Pass (a lifetime national parks pass), entry for up to four people is covered.
Touring Acadia National Park: Highlights and Tips
With an electric car, we could explore Acadia’s famous sites, like Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond, at our own pace.
Cadillac Mountain: The highest peak on the eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain offers expansive views. To visit, you’ll need a $6 timed vehicle reservation in addition to your park pass—book this in advance, as tickets are not available at the park entrance. At the summit, there’s a gift shop and restrooms.
Jordan Pond: Known for its tranquil views and carriage roads, Jordan Pond is a popular spot with a restaurant onsite. Be prepared for busy parking, even in the off-season, and book a restaurant reservation if you plan to dine.
Hulls Cove Visitors Center: A great starting point for maps, information, displays, and water filling stations.
Note: Acadia can be very crowded, so if you’re planning to visit multiple points, allocate extra time for parking and walking.
Final Thoughts
Our independent tour gave us the flexibility to enjoy Acadia at our own pace, from fall colors to panoramic views, without the crowds. The quiet electric car allowed us to explore stress-free, and we even had time to sample more of Maine’s culinary staple—lobster. If we return to Bar Harbor, we’d do it all over again, with more of Acadia to explore and more lobster to enjoy!