Bar Harbor is famous for its rugged coastlines, towering pine forests, and spectacular ocean views. But it’s also a surprisingly lively town for those interested in sampling local brews, wines, and spirits. Whether you’re into scenic drives, storytelling, or tasting Maine’s renowned seafood with a splash of local alcohol, Bar Harbor offers a variety of memorable drinking tours. You’ll find options that include everything from narrated bus trips through Acadia’s highlights to ghostly pub walks that blend history with spirits—both spirits of the drink and ghostly legends. Some tours are perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the scenery, while others appeal to those seeking a fun, spooky evening. Whichever you choose, these tours provide a great way to experience Bar Harbor’s lively side and authentic flavors.
Important: Many of these tours include local specialties like lobster rolls and fudge—pair them with a good local beer or wine for an added treat. Planning ahead and booking early is recommended, especially in the busy summer months.
Quick Overview
Our list features 14 of the best drinking and themed tours in Bar Harbor, from narrated bus tours of Acadia National Park to ghost walks and culinary tasting adventures. Each offers a unique experience—some highlight Maine’s stunning natural beauty with scenic drives, others blend history and ghost stories with a drink or two, and a few focus on sampling the local food scene with a spirited twist. For a full experience, check out the Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for a comprehensive scenic overview, or explore the Ghost Walking Tour for a spooky evening with a local paranormal guide. Food lovers will enjoy the Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour, which combines Maine’s culinary delights with a relaxed walk through town.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them special and who they’re best suited for.
1. Premium Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
At number 1, this fully narrated bus tour offers a stress-free way to see the highlights of Acadia without the hassle of driving yourself. Traveling in a luxury Berkshire minibus, the guide shares insights about Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Jordan Pond. The tour is approximately 4 hours long but feels comfortably paced, with plenty of time to explore each stop. What sets this tour apart is the comprehensive narration—covering history, wildlife, and geology—making it perfect for first-timers or those short on time. The stop at Cadillac Mountain even includes an admission ticket, so you can take in panoramic views atop the highest point on the East Coast.
Reviewers highlight the comfort, knowledgeability, and engaging storytelling of guides like Rob and Heather, who make the park’s stories come alive. The value is excellent, considering the included stops and transportation—all you need to do is enjoy the scenery. This tour is ideal for travelers who want an overview without the stress of planning or navigating.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, informative way to experience Acadia’s main sights for those seeking a hassle-free day.
2. Fat Tire E-Bike Rental in Bar Harbor
Next up, for those who prefer active exploration, the Fat Tire E-Bike Rental is a fantastic choice. For around $86, you get a four-hour rental of an electric fat tire bike, which makes covering the carriage roads of Acadia a breeze. These bikes are equipped with gears and boost functions, so you can glide over gravel paths with minimal effort. The staff helps you pick a route suited to your fitness level and interests, and detailed maps are provided.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see parts of the park that are often missed on conventional tours, such as Eagle Lake or the quieter sections along Jordan Pond. Reviewers rave about how much ground they covered and how easy the bikes were to use, even for first-timers. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise—plus, the scenery at your own pace makes for memorable photos.
Bottom Line: An excellent, self-guided way to see the park’s carriage roads with the help of friendly staff and top-notch bikes.
3. Experience Bar Harbor with Thunder Hole and Acadia National Park
For around $159, this small-group tour offers a personalized half-day adventure, with stops at Sieur de Monts Spring, Thunder Hole, Cadillac Mountain, and Jordan Pond. It combines sightseeing with a touch of Maine culinary flair, including a lobster demonstration and a lobster roll tasting. The guide provides engaging commentary on the park’s geology, wildlife, and local culture, making it a well-rounded experience.
What makes this tour special is the intimate group size, which allows for better interaction and flexibility. Travelers consistently mention their appreciation for the guide’s local knowledge and friendly approach. The included lobster roll is a definite highlight for seafood lovers. The timing and stops are carefully chosen to maximize scenic views and photo opportunities, making it a perfect choice for those wanting a balanced mix of education and leisure.
Bottom Line: A great option for travelers who want a personal touch, local seafood, and plenty of photo stops.
4. 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor
If you’re intrigued by the spooky tales and haunted legends of Bar Harbor, this ghost walking tour is a thrilling choice. Led by a paranormal expert, the 1.5-hour walk takes you to haunted landmarks like Agamont Park, the Bar Harbor Inn, and Main Street, where stories of ghostly sightings, sea serpents, and mysterious happenings are brought to life. The tour is held at night, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Reviews praise the guide’s storytelling and humor, with many noting how the stories blend history with ghostly lore. The walk is leisurely and suitable for those interested in local legends rather than purely spooky scares. This tour is perfect for those who want a fun, different perspective on Bar Harbor after dark.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, spooky evening that combines local ghost stories with a relaxed walk around town.
5. Bar Harbor: Haunted Ghost Walking Tour
Another highly rated ghost tour offers a 1.5-hour exploration of Bar Harbor’s haunted spots, including the Bar Harbor Inn and Shore Path. Led by guides like Tom and Doug, the walk covers sites associated with residual hauntings, paranormal events, and local legends—like the jilted bride on the third floor of the Ledgelawn Inn.
At just $24 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some supernatural spice to your trip. Reviewers highlight the guide’s storytelling skills and the tour’s accessibility—easy walking on sidewalks and interesting stories that are more historical than scary. It’s ideal if you’re interested in local lore but prefer a shorter, lighter experience.
Bottom Line: A great, affordable option for ghost enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
6. Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour
For food and drink lovers, this culinary walking tour offers a taste of Maine’s local flavors. Over 2-3 hours, you’ll stroll through downtown Bar Harbor and sample lobster sliders, fudge, ice cream, and more. The guide shares insights about local food culture and Maine’s agriculture, with a small group setting of 14 or fewer for personalized attention.
Guests rave about the delicious food, including standout treats like Italian grinders and crab cakes, and the friendly, informative guides. It’s a perfect choice if you want to learn about Maine’s culinary traditions while indulging in local specialties. Rain won’t spoil the fun—this is a great indoor/outdoor experience.
Bottom Line: An engaging, tasty way to explore Bar Harbor’s food scene in a relaxed setting.
7. Bar Harbor: Acadia National Park Tour with Lobster Roll
This half-day guided tour combines stunning scenery with a classic Maine experience. Visit Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Sieur de Monts Spring, and Jordan Pond, then cap it off with a lobster roll at Jordan Pond. The guide offers insightful commentary along the way, enhancing the sightseeing.
Travelers love the mixture of breathtaking views and tasty local eats, with many noting the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to enjoy the park without navigating it themselves. The tour runs about 4 hours, making it a manageable option for a quick but rich experience. The only challenge might be the foggy day’s impact on views, but that’s part of Maine’s charm.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a scenic, food-filled adventure with expert guidance.
8. Bar Harbor: Acadia National Park Small-Group Guided Tour
If you’re after an in-depth experience, this 7-hour small-group tour, led by specialists like naturalists and botanists, is unmatched. It covers Ocean Path, Thunder Hole, Bubble Rock, and Jordan Pond, with a focus on flora, geology, and wildlife.
Reviewers emphasize the guide Ash’s expertise—she shared detailed knowledge about plant life and rocks, making the day educational as well as scenic. The small group size ensures a personal, flexible experience. For those who want to understand the park at a deeper level, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers eager to learn about Acadia’s natural features and history in a personalized setting.
9. Bar Harbor Walking Tour
This walking tour is a relaxed way to see downtown Bar Harbor in about an hour and 20 minutes. Starting at Village Green Park, the guide shares stories about the town’s past—from indigenous Wabanaki traditions to the arrival of the Hudson School of Art. Along the way, you’ll see landmarks like St. Saviour’s Church and the Shore Path.
Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, especially Catherine, who brings history and culture to life. It’s a good option if you prefer a leisurely pace and want to soak up local stories and architecture without straying far from town.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and culture buffs wanting a quick, insightful overview.
10. Best of Bar Harbor: 2-Hour Guided Food Walking Tour
For a shorter yet delicious experience, this food walking tour focuses on iconic treats like lobster rolls, ice cream, and fudge. Over just two hours, you’ll stroll through the Village Green and sample some of the best local flavors, guided by a friendly expert.
Guests say the tour is a highlight of their trip—combining good food with engaging stories about Maine’s culinary heritage. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick taste of local cuisine without a big time commitment.
Bottom Line: An excellent, bite-sized way to savor Bar Harbor’s signature foods.
11. Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Bar Harbor
If you want to preserve your trip with stunning photos, this photoshoot is perfect. Led by a professional photographer, you’ll visit scenic spots like the beach and quaint streets, posing for expertly edited photos. It’s great for families, couples, or friends who want high-quality memories of their time in Maine.
Reviewers share how much they treasure their photos and the guide’s friendly, professional approach. Sessions last about an hour, with options for morning or evening.
Bottom Line: A worthwhile splurge for capturing your trip’s best moments.
12. Bar Harbor: Acadia National Park Customizable Private Tour
This customizable private tour allows you to select your preferred sites—like Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, or Jordan Pond—and customize your pace. It’s perfect for groups of up to five who want flexibility and personal attention.
Reviewers praise Caleb and Pete for their friendly, knowledgeable service, making it easy to focus on the scenery and your interests. With a 3-hour window, it’s ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: The top pick for groups who want full control of their Acadia adventure.
13. Narrated Bus Tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park
For a classic overview, this narrated bus tour covers three key stops—Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, and Sieur de Monts Spring—in about 2.5 hours. It’s a comfortable way to see the main attractions, especially if you prefer not to drive.
Reviewers mention the knowledgeable driver Rick, who shares interesting facts and keeps the ride lively. It’s a straightforward, well-priced way to get an introduction to the park’s highlights, suitable for those with limited time.
Bottom Line: A no-fuss, informative tour for newcomers or those with tight schedules.
14. Best of Bar Harbor Food Walking Tour
Finally, this food tour offers a two-hour walk through town sampling Maine’s signature dishes—lobster rolls, fudge, ice cream, and more. You’ll stroll scenic streets, including Agamont Park and Balance Rock, while tasting and learning about local culinary traditions.
Guests love the mix of delicious food and lively commentary, making it a tasty and fun way to experience Bar Harbor’s culture in a short time.
Bottom Line: A tasty, social experience perfect for food lovers short on time.
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Bar Harbor
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your interests and your schedule. If you want a comprehensive introduction to Acadia’s scenery along with some local drinks, the Premium Narrated Bus Tour offers great value. For those who enjoy active exploration, the Fat Tire E-Bike Rental gives you the freedom to see the park at your own pace.
If spooky stories are your thing, the Ghost Walking Tour or the Haunted Ghost Tour provide a fun, eerie twist. For culinary enthusiasts, the Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour and the Food Walking Tour showcase Maine’s best flavors.
In choosing, think about your budget, time available, and whether you want a group or private experience. Booking early, especially for popular tours, ensures you won’t miss out.
To sum it up, Bar Harbor offers an impressive variety of drinking and themed tours suited for every taste. For a scenic overview, the Premium Narrated Bus Tour is hard to beat. History fans may prefer the Ghost Walking Tours, while culinary explorers will love the Food Tours. No matter your choice, booking in advance helps secure your spot for a memorable trip through Maine’s coastal charm and spirited stories.