We start in Portland, where your guide meets you at the airport and drives the group up the coast to Acadia, stopping in small harbor towns along the way. The first two nights are spent glamping, with a full day of coastal hiking and e-biking the carriage roads in between. Day three brings a wildlife cruise, a hike on the island's quiet side, and a move to the hotel in Bar Harbor. We paddle the harbor on day four, then leave you free to wander town before a farewell dinner. The last morning is Cadillac Mountain at sunrise, then the transfer back to Portland.
Arrive in Portland and meet your guide by mid-morning for the transfer to Acadia National Park. Along the way, we stop to take in views of the rocky coastline, visit coastal towns, and collect any last-minute supplies. In the evening, we settle into our glamping accommodations outside Acadia, get to know one another over a welcome dinner, and review our full adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Glamping in Bar Harbor
We head out on the trails of Acadia for a full day of exploring. The day starts with a morning tour and hike, with a chance to explore the park’s rocky coast and wooded trails. After a picnic lunch, we hop on e-bikes to explore the park’s carriage roads. Along the way, your guide shares their knowledge of the area’s fascinating wildlife and human history. We then head back to our glamping tents to relax before dinner and a good night’s rest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glamping in Bar Harbor
In the morning, we head out on a wildlife cruise, with chances to spot puffins, seals, whales, and more. In the afternoon, we hike on the quiet side of the island. Later in the day, we transfer to our luxury accommodations in downtown Bar Harbor, stopping for a lobster dinner along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor
This morning, we see the coast from a new vantage point on an ocean kayaking tour in the harbor. We enjoy lunch on the beach before heading back into Bar Harbor, where you’ll have the afternoon to shop and explore the charming town. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Kayaking: About 3 hours on the water
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor
Today is designed for early birds. We wake up well before the sun and head to Cadillac Mountain, making our way up to the summit as the sky turns a myriad of colors, just in time to see the sun peek above the horizon. For much of the year, this is the first spot in the United States the sun touches. After sunrise, we stop at Jordan Pond House before the crowds arrive. After packing up, we transfer to Portland for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
In order to join this Acadia National Park tour, good fitness is required, and some hiking experience is recommended. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 8 miles (12.9 km).
On your guides’ 1–5 intensity scale, this trip is rated level 2. Hiking days usually include about 5 total hours on the trail, covering 5–8 miles (8–12.9 km). The kayaking tour is suitable for beginners and includes about 3 hours on the water. Conditions can make paddling more or less difficult, but your guides will adjust the day to the water conditions. This trip is perfect for travelers who are comfortable being active for most of the day.
Summers in Maine are typically pleasant. In July, daytime temperatures usually peak in the high 70s°F (around 25–26°C), with nighttime lows in the low 50s°F (around 10–11°C). It can be breezy and cool on the water, so be prepared for chillier temperatures on boat days. Some rain is possible, but most days are either overcast and dry or sunny.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking vacations in the USA!
Gear:
Personal items:
Clothing & footwear:
It can be breezy and cool out on the water, so pack an extra layer for the boat and kayak days. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing:
Min. age requirements:
The starting point of your Acadia National Park tour is Portland, Maine. To get there, most people fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM), where your guide will pick you up. Plan to arrive by 12 pm (ET) on the first day. If you’d rather arrive a day early, your guide can collect you from your accommodation or another central point in Portland, within 30 minutes of the airport, by 11 am (ET).
You will meet your guide shortly after 12 pm at Portland International Jetport.
On the final day, your guide will transport the group to the airport at 10 am (ET), so plan a departing flight after that time. If your flight leaves much earlier or later, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the airport.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.