ROCK CLIMBING & CAVING

Bar Harbor: Where the Mountain Meets the Sea

Found on Mt. Desert Island, just across the Bay of Fundy from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. The Bar Harbor area includes Trenton Bridge, Otter Creek, and Town Hill and is close to Bangor, Portland, Boston and Montreal. Bar Harbor, “Where the mountain meets the sea,” has become a major traveller area, captivating scores of visitors yearly. Easily accessed by air, boat or car, Bar Harbor offers diverse and entrancing sites and activities for all ages and tastes.

Bar Harbor has a rich and complicated history as evidenced by the Native American encampments that’ve been found. Nevertheless, it was in 1604 that the explorer Samuel de Champlain, one of the first European settlers, named the surrounding area Isle des Monts Deserts (Island of Barren Mountains). When word of the island’s beauty and appeal became more well known, the area quickly became a “must-visit” retreat that attracted the more well-to-do North Americans to the area and they decorated the landscape with extravagant and fantastic estates.

The east side of Mount Desert Island was called “Eden.” Although the name may appear poetic, it was given in acknowledgment of a British Statesman, Sir Richard Eden. Little did the early settlers realize, though, how suitable the name truly was! Many see the area as a paradise and although the name was changed to Bar Harbor in 1918, the surroundings are still very much thought of as ‘heavenly. ‘

A visit to the downtown area on Mount Desert Street showcases the fine houses that made the area the “Queen of the East Coast” and although some have remained personal houses, others have become friendly historical inns. Because of the enormous number and delightful beauty of these period houses, this area has been deemed a National Historic District. It is in this area that you’ll also come accross a trail of beautiful restaurants and pubs with menus to satisfy all tastes.

In addition to the exceptional views and landscape, many enjoy Bar Harbor’s historic attractions. The Bar Harbor Inn is a fine testament to the area’s rich and entrancing past. Originally the headquarters of the Oasis Club in 1887, the structure has changed owners many times. It was purchased in 1987 and renamed the Bar Harbor Inn. Today the Inn has 153 guest rooms and is actually considered one of Maine’s best oceanfront properties.

A trip to the area wouldn’t be complete without visiting Acadia National Park, which surrounds Bar Harbor on 3 sides. The majesty of the mountains and granite cliffs combined with the cobblestone beaches and comforting presence of the ocean make this park incredibly memorable. Park rangers, outfitters, instructors, and guides are available to help you in exploring the park (walking, hiking, rock climbing or on horseback) as well as answer any questions you might have. With two life-guarded beaches, campgrounds and park museums, Acadia National Park is a stop you will want to make. With the closeness of the Atlantic Ocean, many take advantage of the opportunity to test their marine abilities in kayaking, sailing or canoeing – either solo or with assistance from a professional. During the winter months many winter sports fanatics enjoy the ski slopes found at the park.

You may also opt to go whale watching, nature- and lighthouse-seeing or take in a lobster and seal watch trip. These activities are offered by a considerable number of outfitters, using fleets of boats prepared to take you on the trip of your choice. Cruising past incredible scenery you’ll see the rugged landscape which has been etched by glaciers as well as catch glimpses of seals and porpoises that pop up for food or haul up onto ledges.

For the museum lover, Bar Harbor has one for every taste. The Isleford Historical Museum is a destination for a lot of tourists as visitors can relive the history of life on the Cranberry Islands from the 1800s onward, detailing shipbuilding, woodworking and fishing items. The Robert Abbe Museum has a superb display of Native American Culture of the region. The Nature Center features the diversity of Acadia in terms of its naturally occuring resources “the study of resources and how they are being protected.

With something good to offer all year round, Bar Harbor, Maine is a vacationer’s delight. Unparalleled hospitality together with a wealth of attractions and superb views, diverse activities, fine lodging and dining, Bar Harbor and the encircling Bay of Fundy area have been welcoming visitors for over one hundred years. Whether it is for a weekend, a week, or even longer, a trip to Bar Harbor is really a chance to experience your own little piece of heaven.

Summit Adventures at the Maine Mall