The Natural Allure of Bar Harbor

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The world’s elite have always been drawn to Bar Harbor, Maine, and with good reason.  It is utterly private and fabulously gorgeous, with stunning ocean vistas, pine-scented air, and a culinary scene including some of the freshest seafood offerings imaginable. Bar Harbor delivers in droves for those who want to immerse themselves in Mother Nature’s often rugged, magical, and wondrous gifts.

You should pencil in Bar Harbor on the list of places to visit, even if just for the spell it will cast on you. It is one of the ideal places to forget about the world for a while, slow down, reconnect with yourself and the Earth, and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul—which a place like this can do. Here are some reasons why:

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Acadia was first established as Sieur de Monts National Monument in July 1916 by US President Woodrow Wilson. However, it changed to Lafayette National Park in February 1919, when it became the first national park east of the Mississippi. It was officially named Acadia National Park in January 1929. 

Today, the park encompasses about 49,052 acres. There is much to see and do here; stopping by the Visitor Center is necessary. Hiking trails range from very easy to strenuous, with one of the most popular hikes being Acadia Mountain Trail, offering stunning views of Somes Sound and Southwest Harbor. National Park Rangers often lead these hikes in their regular summer program. The steep 700-foot climb can descend to a fire road or continue up St. Sauveur, then down to a parking area about a half mile south of the Acadia Mountain parking area (Route 102). The three-mile Ocean Trail is an effortless vacation, beginning near Sand Beach and running parallel to Park Loop Road on the east side, past Thunder Hole, and going to Otter Cliff.

The ethereal wonder of Acadia National Park. 

LULU LOBSTER BOAT TOUR

This ideal family venture is one of the top activities in Bar Harbor. For two hours, everyone on board is engaged in learning what it takes to be a lobster fisher. The tour is on a traditional Downeast lobster boat. Children can be involved in baiting the lobster traps and are delighted when traps are hauled onto the ship and lobsters are on board. Everyone who wants to hold a lobster can have the chance. Children will learn about the lobster’s anatomy and life cycle. The tour also sails past Egg Rock Lighthouse, home to countless seals. Also frequently spotted on the tour were bald eagles, porpoises, and other wildlife.

The Lulu Lobster Boat Tour [Source: https://lululobsterboat.com/]

Bar Harbor is one of the most incredible US nature destinations, and if you want to explore it for yourself, staying at Villa Eastern Watch puts you in the middle of Bar Harbor’s magnificence. A stately mansion is perched high above glorious Frenchman Bay on Sols Cliff, with breathtaking views stretching from Porcupine Island to Egg Rock Lighthouse and beyond. The land has two residences—the cottage and the carriage house. Plentiful patio space and an outdoor BBQ beckon al fresco dining under the stars, a fine vintage in hand, chosen from the estate's comprehensive wine cellar.

Villa Eastern Wach, with its magnificent vantage point 

PRIVATE WHALE WATCHING TOUR

Bar Harbor Whale Watch will take you on a private tour for up to six for a whale-watching adventure. You will head out into the Gulf of Maine, searching for large baleen whales like the Humpback, Finback and Minke. You might also spot other creatures like porpoises, sharks, seals and birds. Your guide will tell you about the gulf's history and explain Bar Harbor Whale Watch’s involvement in the Whale Sense Program, which helps promote responsible whale-watching practices, education, and ocean stewardship. This program collaborates with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Research interns with Allied Whale at the College of the Atlantic are on every trip to collect information about whales and other marine species!

Seeing a Humpback whale breach right before you is humbling and extraordinary. 

KAYAKING AROUND PORCUPINE ISLAND

Kayak around the chain of evergreen dotted island archipelago, Porcupine Island. You can watch for marine life, such as seals and birds. Paddling a kayak around the islands is one of the most scenic things in Bar Harbor and a fun way to explore the outdoors by the water. Several outfitters in Bar Harbor offer kayak rentals by the hour or for the day. They also offer tours and will provide you with the needed information. The most popular tours include:

  • National Park Sea Kayak Tours
  • Coastal Kayak Tours Inc.
  • Acadia Outfitters
Paddling a kayak around the islands of the Bar Harbor coast. 

For the most magical time on your exclusive holiday to Bar Harbor, we invite you to contact an LVH client relations associate who will start the planning. We will build a customized itinerary for you, including outdoor activities you would love. Your home away from home comes with complete services and constant support, so you never have to worry about anything. Enjoy every brilliant outdoor moment in Bar Harbor—one of the US's most stunning seacoast towns.