Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide

Active
(38 reviews)
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Return to the extravagance of the Gilded Age in Bar Harbor, Maine. Once the vacation destination of choice among some of America’s wealthiest families, this quaint seaside town is still chock full of lavish historic architecture. Dive into Bar Harbor’s rich history, stroll alongside the ocean, and learn how the lobster became such a Maine icon!

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

1

Your tour of Bar Harbor begins on the pier by Agamont Park, where you'll find plentiful parking. As you walk through this historic town, you'll see tons of beautifully preserved architecture, phenomenal ocean views, and much more. Plus, you'll learn plenty of fascinating history along the way!

NOTE: The tour is over 2 miles long, with more than 28 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

2

Bar Island Trail is a totally unique walking trail. It's a sandbar trail leading out to one of Bar Harbor's beautiful islands, but it only appears at low tide! If you're here at the right time, it makes for a positively magical stroll.

3

The West Street Historic District features rows of breathtaking historic homes, all dating between 1870 and 1910. Here, you'll learn how to identify which ones are the oldest!

4

Built in 1902, La Rochelle is a simply jaw-dropping estate. This enormous mansion has 41 rooms and a ton of history. It's now owned by the Maine Seacoast Mission Society, which purchased the property for only a dollar.

5

Built in 1878, this iconic structure only barely survived a huge fire that swept through Bar Harbor in 1947. Today, it continues to welcome visitors as a cozy bed and breakfast!

6

This is a church which simply must be photographed. The impressive stonework, the imposing tower, and the gorgeous windows are all just begging to end up on Instagram!

7

St. Saviour's Episcopal Church is a quirky architectural oddity. This church was built in multiple sections, with the oldest parts dating back to 1877 and the newest to the 1930s. The end result is an oddly endearing and totally unique structure.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

This historic library dates all the way back to 1877. At the time, it had only 250 volumes, almost all of which were donated by the town's wealthy residents. Since then, that small collection has continued to expand.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Abbe Museum celebrates the heritage of the native Wabanaki. Also known as the People of the Dawn, the Wabanaki lived in Bar Harbor long before it was Bar Harbor. Museum founder Robert Abbe wanted to honor that long history, and the museum now features exhibits encompassing 12,000 years of Native history in the region.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

Bar Harbor's village green isn't just any old park. It was designed by Beatrix Farrand, who also designed the Rose Garden at the White House! It features an 1896 street clock, a historic bandstand, and a fountain in the style of 17th century Italian fountains.

11

Balance Rock is an unusual landmark which rests right next to the Shore Path. It's a glacial erratic, meaning a glacier dragged it a very long way before setting it down here. This boulder is estimated to have moved about 40 miles before setting up shop in Bar Harbor!

12

Once the site of a Gilded Age mansion, Grant Park is now just a pleasant, oceanside green space for all to enjoy. If you're looking for the ideal picnic spot, this is it!

13

The Bar Harbor Inn is a seaside resort with a very long and complicated history. It was once a reading room where Bar Harbor's wealthy residents discussed literature and the matters of the day. Today, it has been converted into one of the most lavish hotels in the town. Your tour concludes just past this hotel, right near the pier where it began.

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4
16 reviews
5★
11
4★
2
3★
2
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.4
22 reviews
5★
15
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Meeting point

Start at John B. Ells Pier, 23 Ells Pier, Bar Harbor. Look for the Bar Harbor Port Security Building on your right and Ellis Park with a gazebo ahead. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio plays automatically—check your email/text for details.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-714-333-0534
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town in Maine, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and proximity to Acadia National Park. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and New England charm.

Top Attractions

Acadia National Park

A stunning national park with rugged coastline, forested mountains, and diverse wildlife. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and scenic drives.

Nature Multiple days for full exploration Free entry, but some activities may have fees

Cadillac Mountain

The highest point on the Atlantic coast in the U.S., offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and ocean.

Nature 1-2 hours for the visit Free entry, but parking fees may apply

Bar Harbor Village Green

The heart of downtown Bar Harbor, featuring a picturesque green space surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Historical 1-2 hours for exploration Free to visit

Jordan Pond House

A historic restaurant and tea house located on the shores of Jordan Pond, known for its famous popovers and scenic views.

Cultural 1-2 hours for a meal and short hike Moderate (prices for popovers and tea)

Thunder Hole

A natural ocean inlet where waves crash dramatically against the rocks, creating a thrilling spectacle.

Nature 30-60 minutes for the visit Free entry

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A classic New England sandwich featuring fresh lobster meat served on a buttered, toasted bun.

Lunch Contains shellfish, gluten (from the bun)

Maine Clam Chowder

A creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and other vegetables, often served with oyster crackers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, gluten (from oyster crackers)

Blueberry Pie

A sweet pie filled with wild Maine blueberries, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten (from the crust)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Acadia National Park Kayaking on the ocean or lakes Rock climbing Mountain biking Beachcombing Scenic drives Picnicking Yoga classes

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit Bar Harbor, with warm weather, long daylight hours, and all attractions and accommodations fully open. It's perfect for outdoor activities and exploring Acadia National Park.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5:00 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4:00 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bar Harbor is a generally safe destination for travelers. Common safety concerns include petty theft, traffic accidents, and outdoor hazards. Exercise normal precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides

Getting there

By air
  • Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport • 5 miles (8 km) from Bar Harbor
  • Bangor International Airport • 60 miles (97 km) from Bar Harbor
By bus

Downtown Bar Harbor

Getting around

Public transport

Free shuttle service connecting key attractions, parking lots, and downtown Bar Harbor. Runs seasonally from June to October.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Bar Harbor West Street Eagle Lake

Day trips

Winter Harbor and Schoodic Peninsula
40 miles (64 km) from Bar Harbor • Half day to full day

A quieter alternative to Acadia National Park, offering stunning coastal views, hiking trails, and a charming fishing village.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
10 miles (16 km) from Bar Harbor • Half day

A picturesque lighthouse located at the southern tip of Mount Desert Island, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Camden and Rockland
60 miles (97 km) from Bar Harbor • Full day

Charming coastal towns offering a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Bar Harbor Music Festival • June to August Bar Harbor Lobster Festival • Late July Acadia Night Sky Festival • Late September

Pro tips

  • Visit Acadia National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and secure parking
  • Use the Island Explorer shuttle service to avoid parking hassles and reduce your carbon footprint
  • Try the famous popovers at Jordan Pond House, a must-visit spot in Acadia National Park
  • Explore the charming streets of downtown Bar Harbor, with its unique shops, galleries, and restaurants
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, with layered clothing and appropriate footwear
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-100
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook