Autumn in Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park Encore Symposium 2026

Bar Harbor - Acadia National Park

Location: Visitor Center Road Hulls Cove Visitor Center, 25 Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Phone Number: 207 288-3338
Website: https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches, and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bears, whales, and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, with restaurants and shops, is a popular gateway.

What is special about Acadia National Park?
Acadia is famous for its stunning fall foliage.

Why is Acadia National Park popular?
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 3.5 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States.

Bar Harbor - Adventures to Do and See

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Scroll through this Adventure page to get a glimpse of what this one-of-a-kind New England destination has to offer.

Bar Harbor - Whale Watch Tour

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 288-2386
Website: http://www.barharborwhales.com/

Call the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. directly to secure your reservations.

The Friendship V, built in 1996, is the largest, fastest, and most luxurious whale watcher in Maine, and provides the most educational and enjoyable aquatic sighting experience available. The vessel features three outside decks, two fully heated cabins, cushioned seating, dining tables, and a well-stocked galley offering a wide variety of hot and cold foods prepared fresh onboard.

Onboard, your professional naturalist will describe the behavior and habits of available species, which typically include Finbacks, Humpbacks, Minke whales, pilot whales, dolphins, basking sharks, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and various wildlife indigenous to the area.

ALL ADULT PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO SHOW A PHOTO ID TO BOARD!

Bar Harbor - Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 288-5005
Website: https://theoceanarium.org/

This is the real thing ... these people and the lobster fishermen in the area are actually raising little lobsters to release in local waters - they have turned loose hundreds of thousands.

You get a chance to see the whole operation, plus they have the Maine Lobster Museum right there, too. The Museum has games to play while you learn.

Address: 1351 State Route 3, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Bar Harbor - Nature Tour

Location: Bar Harbor
Phone Number: (207) 288-2386
Website: http://www.barharborwhales.com/

Nature Tour

Hop aboard The Acadian for a cruise in the protected waters of Frenchman Bay. From the shear granite cliffs of Schooner Head to the smooth rock beaches behind Ironbound Island, you'll see a rugged maritime landscape etched by glaciers and battered by sea & wind. Yet, despite the harsh environment, seals still haul out on the ledges of Flanders Bay to warm up and raise their pups. Eagles still build nests along the shores of the Porcupine Islands and porpoises still surface unexpectedly in the bay for a few breaths of air. See magnificent summer homes, Egg Rock Lighthouse, and wonderful views of Acadia National Park.

Reservations: Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. @ (207) 288-2386 or visit www.barharborwhales.com

Bar Harbor - Coastal Kayaking Tours

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (800) 526-8615
Website: http://www.acadiafun.com/

The waters of Mount Desert Island are ideally suited to travel and exploration by sea kayak. With miles of protected coastline and many offshore islands, the paddling opportunities are endless. Explore the surf-laced beaches and glacier-carved shoreline of coastal islands. Enjoy a close-up view of porpoises, seals, shore birds, an occasional whale, and Acadia's varied plant life.

Address: 48 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor - Rock Climbing in Acadia National Park

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 288-2521
Website: http://www.climbacadia.com/

The sea cliffs of Acadia National Park offer some of the most stunning rock climbing found anywhere in the U.S. - and it's all just minutes away from downtown Bar Harbor.

Regardless of your experience level - whether you're a first-time climber or advanced - there's a course for everyone. Choose from half-day (morning or afternoon) or full day courses to fit your seminar schedule.

All equipment is provided (climbing shoes, harness, and helmet).

Address: 67 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor - Tour Acadia National Park with Ranger-Led Programs

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 288-2386
Website: https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/ranger_programs_descriptions.htm

Learn more about Acadia National Park by joining a park ranger on a walk, campfire program, hike, boat cruise, or one of the many other programs offered from mid-May to mid-October.

Some programs require advanced reservations. See program descriptions for more information. Most programs are free. A number of programs are wheelchair accessible; check with park staff for accessibility.

Bar Harbor - Weathervanes and Cupolas

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 843-0440
Website: https://www.barharborweathervanes.com/

Bar Harbor Weathervanes is located on the outskirts of Bar Harbor on Route 3 right before you get to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. We are next to the Trenton Airport. We are lucky to be in the Bar Harbor area as it is one of the most beautiful locations in Maine. Our weathervane making was started by William H. McElvain Sr. in 1971 out of his garage. He found that he had such a talent of bending and forming metals into weathervanes that he quit his day job to become a full time weathervane maker.

Today, Bar Harbor Weathervanes is onto the third generation of copper artists as we continue to add new weathervane designs and other products each year.

We have many of weathervanes in stock but not all. We make some of our weathervane to order. If you have a specific weathervane that you wish to view in person, please call ahead before coming to our summer retail location so we can be sure to have one available.

Bird Feeders and Houses - Wind Chimes - Fence Post Caps - Finials and More!

Address: 1318 Main Rd, Eddington ME 04428

Bar Harbor - Historic Greens: Champion Golf Course

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 288-5000
Website: https://kebovalleyclub.com/

Meet the challenge of Kebo! Surrounded by the mountains of Acadia National Park, Kebo Valley has been enticing golfers from all over the world for more than 100 years.

This picturesque course, just minutes from downtown Bar Harbor, is meticulously groomed to recapture the original greens plan and consistently ranks among America's best public golf courses.

Address: 136 Eagle Lake Road Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

Bar Harbor - Biking in Acadia National Park

Location: Bar Harbor, ME

Acadia National Park and the surrounding Maine communities offer a truly spectacular setting for the bicycling enthusiast or professional alike.

The Park has approximately 45 miles of suitable road surfaces comprised of the famous Carriage Roads (financed and directed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., between 1913 and 1940) and portions of paved motor vehicle roadways. Carriage Roads wind through the heart of the park and have crushed rock surfaces.

Bike Rentals

Acadia Bike & Canoe: 48 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor - (207) 288-9605

Southwest Cycle: Main Street, Southwest Harbor - (207) 244-5856

Bar Harbor - Historic Lighthouse Tour

Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Phone Number: (207) 288-2386
Website: https://www.barharborwhales.com/lighthouse-cruises/

Climb aboard the Bay King III and visit five offshore island lighthouses. Learn about Maine's legendary lighthouses and the brave men and women who maintained them.

Along the way, you will have an opportunity to see some of Acadia National Park's most scenic highlights. This trip is fully narrated and offers ample time for the many excellent photo opportunities.

Address: 1 West St., Bar Harbor, ME