Maine: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival, Bike Fitting, Short Ride

   Start your Maine bicycle tour at the historic Bar harbour Inn. Meet your tour leaders for a fitting followed by a ride to a beautiful point overlooking the lighthouse that marks the entrance to the head of Frenchman’s Bay. This evening, enjoy a traditional Maine Lobster Bake on the terrace of the inn with stunning oceanfront vistas.

   • 11.2 miles
   • The Bar harbour Inn
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Dramatic Oceanfront

   The one-way Park Loop Road is a cyclist’s dream. Spin through lush forest before emerging on the dramatic coast. This one-way, two-lane road winds through beautiful spruce, fir, and hardwood forest before it brings you into full view of the dramatic coastline.
   

   Enjoy a respite on Sand Beach, a solitary stretch of sand nestled between granite points extending from the shoreline. A hike to a scenic overlook above the beach provides stunning views of the beach and the rocky coastline.
   

   While cycling this magnificent road, you can witness the sea as it crashes upon Acadia’s pink granite shores. Your leaders will serve a delicious picnic lunch along the route. The ride curves inland along Bubble Pond, giving you your first taste of the car-free carriage roads. This fabulous 45-mile network of roads lacing the eastern side of the island was built by John D. Rockefeller over a course of nearly three decades during the early 20th century. Rockefeller’s foresight, generosity, and efforts to preserve natural beauty are most evident in Acadia National Park. This evening, join your tour mates for dinner at a favourite restaurant in town.
   

   • 24.2 miles
   • The Bar harbour Inn
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3The Carriage Trails to Northeast harbour and Somes Sound

   Cycle for miles on Acadia’s automobile-free Carriage Roads. Cross several signature granite bridges on your way to Northeast harbour Just before entering town, visit the serene and beautiful Asticou Azalea Gardens or Thuya Gardens – a mix of formal English gardens with simple Japanese influences. Northeast harbour is home to a large collection of summer “cottages” built by wealthy east coast families who began erecting summer homes in town in 1880. These elegant homes line many of the streets leading from town all the way to Somes Sound and, as you pedal, the cottages will blend into beautiful views of the sound. Fjord-like Somes Sound is one of the closest resemblances to a fjord in North America. For a longer ride, hop back on the carriage trails and ride to Hulls Cove Visitor Center at the northern boundary of Acadia National Park.
   

   This evening, join your fellow riders for a sunset sail on a Maine Windjammer. The late day light and light breeze seem to envelope the islands in magical mystique. Afterwards, choose your own dining spot from one of the many great restaurants around Bar harbour.
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • The Bar harbour Inn
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Cruise to Schoodic Peninsula

   Cruise across Frenchman’s Bay to Schoodic Peninsula. Ride the shoreline so close to the sea that you can feel the spray from the surf. Sail past the Porcupine Islands and enjoy wonderful views of the Winter harbour Lighthouse before docking at the pier to begin your exploration of the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park. Schoodic Peninsula features small fishing villages and secluded bays so characteristic of rural seacoast Maine. Stop in at the classic 5 & 10 in Winter harbour before catching the return ferry to Bar harbour. Tonight, gather in the Bar harbour Inn’s private dining room to enjoy an evening together. 

   • 28 miles
   • The Bar harbour Inn
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Morning Sea Kayak Excursion & Afternoon Hike

   Begin your day with a guided kayak excursion. While paddling these sturdy boats during the calm morning hours, you are likely to encounter seals and sea birds. Join your tour leaders for an afternoon hike featuring spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Calm waters during the early hours of the day provide optimal conditions for seal and porpoise encounters. Loons, osprey, and bald eagles are frequently observed while paddling the sheltered waters around the island.
   

   If you prefer a less strenuous afternoon, the town of Bar harbour offers many options such as the Abbe Museum, the College of the Atlantic’s Museum of Natural History, or whale watches that travel offshore in search of giant humpbacks that frequent the area. Kebo Valley Golf Course is also nearby should you have the urge to hit the links. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for dinner at one of Bar harbour’s top restaurants.
   

   • The Bar harbour Inn
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
6. Day 6The Carriage Roads & Cadillac Mountain

   Enjoy a spin on the carriage trails or along the coast before arriving at the Jordan Pond House to enjoy their signature popovers on the lawn. Those up for a challenge can tackle the gradual climb up Cadillac Mountain. Your reward is the 360-degree view of the surrounding islands and rugged coastline from the highest point on the east coast — a final highlight before the tour concludes.

   • 34.2 miles
   • Breakfast