Bar Harbor is a lovely place to explore on foot, thanks to its charming streets, seaside scenery, and walkable downtown area. Its compact size makes it easy to see many highlights without feeling rushed. What sets Bar Harbor apart is its mix of experiences—whether you’re interested in sampling Maine’s famed seafood, uncovering ghost stories from the past, or learning about local culture. We particularly enjoy the Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour for its delicious tastings and personalized attention, or the Haunted Ghost Walking Tour for a spooky night with plenty of local lore. Both tours give you a genuine feel for the town’s character while keeping the experience engaging and fun.
For those interested in combining food and walking, Bar Harbor offers a variety of options, and if you love stories of the supernatural, the ghost walks are full of eerie tales that bring the town’s history to life—or ghostly life, rather. Whether you prefer discovering local cuisine, exploring historic sites, or haunted tales, these tours provide a great way to see Bar Harbor from different angles.
Quick Overview of Top Walking Tours in Bar Harbor
Our list features eight fantastic walking tours, each with its own focus and style. You’ll find culinary tours offering tastings of Maine lobster, fudge, and ice cream (Tour #1, Tour #2), and ghost tours that explore Bar Harbor’s haunted sites and ghostly legends (Tour #3, Tour #4). Other options include general historic walks (Tour #6) and shorter guided food tours (Tour #7). The variety ensures there’s something for every interest and schedule.
Below, we take a closer look at each tour, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which is the best fit for your trip.
1. Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour in Maine
For around $159.99, the Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour offers an engaging 3-hour experience exploring local Maine cuisine. With a small group (14 people or fewer), you’ll visit several eateries around the Village Green, sampling regional specialties that form a satisfying lunch. The focus is on providing an intimate, personalized experience with guided commentary about Bar Harbor’s culinary scene and history.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of food tastings and storytelling. Stops include tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and regional dishes, plus fascinating insights from guides like Renee or Laura, who share their knowledge of Maine’s food culture. The small group size ensures you can ask questions and get detailed recommendations. Many reviewers mention how much food is included—enough to skip dinner after the tour—and praise the guide’s lively narration.
Bottom line: If you’re a foodie who loves local flavors and engaging guides, this tour offers an authentic taste of Bar Harbor, with the added bonus of learning about its history and culinary traditions.
2. Bar Harbor, Maine: Culinary Walking Tour with Tastings
At number 2, this Culinary Walking Tour provides a 3-hour exploration of the waterfront’s food scene. It emphasizes local flavors and is a great choice if you want to experience Bar Harbor’s culinary offerings while strolling along the scenic shoreline. You’ll sample Maine dishes and learn about the town’s history from your guide.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on waterfront specialties and local history, making it ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded experience. The reviews highlight a good variety of tastings and an engaging guide. It’s perfect for a midday activity that combines walks, eats, and stories.
Bottom line: This tour is a solid pick if you want a straightforward, tasty introduction to Bar Harbor’s seafood and local culture, especially if you enjoy maritime scenery.
3. Bar Harbor: Haunted Ghost Walking Tour
For those intrigued by the spooky side of history, the Haunted Ghost Walking Tour offers a 1.5-hour walk through some of Bar Harbor’s most haunted sites. Costing $30 per person, it explores legends of ghostly apparitions, residual hauntings, and paranormal tales linked to places like the Bar Harbor Inn and Shore Path.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local ghost stories and paranormal lore, often based on actual reports and historical buildings. Guides like Doug or Tom share stories that blend history with a touch of the supernatural—perfect for fans of ghost stories or spooky history. It’s a shorter, more relaxed walk with a lot of atmosphere, especially at night.
Guests love how the stories complement the scenery, with reviews praising the storytelling style and the tour’s ability to bring history to life—or haunt it. If you’re after a haunting experience that’s both fun and informative, this tour hits the spot.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers craving a spooky yet educational experience, especially in the evening.
4. 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor
This shorter, 1.5-hour Ghost Walking Tour offers a night-time stroll through Bar Harbor’s haunted sites, led by a local paranormal expert. For $32.99, you visit landmarks like Agamont Park, the Bar Harbor Inn, and Main Street, hearing ghost stories, legends, and historical tales.
What makes this tour stand out is its narrative style and the chance to see the town after dark, creating a ghostly ambiance. Guides share stories of local sea serpents, haunted lighthouses, and mysterious sightings, providing a visual and atmospheric experience. Many reviews mention the engaging storytelling and the tour’s unique take on local history.
Best suited for those who want a compact, spooky experience that combines history, storytelling, and a nighttime walk.
Bottom line: Perfect if you’re pressed for time but want a memorable spooky experience that blends history and ghost stories.
5. Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour
The Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours, offering a taste-focused exploration of the town’s food scene. It’s ideal on a rainy day or if you prefer a more relaxed pace, with tastings of lobster rolls, fudge, and local treats around the Village Green. The small group size (14 or fewer) ensures personalized attention from your guide.
Guests rave about the quality of the food samples and the knowledgeable guides like Renee, who combine culinary insights with local history. This tour is value-packed because the food alone is worth the price, and the stories add depth to your experience.
Bottom line: If you love trying local foods and want a leisurely walk with plenty of tasting opportunities, this tour is a delicious way to spend a few hours.
6. Bar Harbor Walking Tour
For a comprehensive look at Bar Harbor’s history and culture, the Bar Harbor Walking Tour offers a 1 hour 20-minute glimpse into the town’s past. Starting at the Village Green, it covers landmarks like the Criterion Theater and St. Saviour’s Church, highlighting notable residents and local stories.
The guide Catherine is praised for her enthusiasm and detailed storytelling, making this a good choice for travelers who want an overall sense of the town in a short time. Reviews mention the knowledgeable narration and the opportunity to ask questions. It’s a straightforward tour that’s perfect for those with limited time or who want a gentle introduction.
Bottom line: Great for history lovers seeking a compact, informative walk that hits the highlights without a lot of walking.
7. Best of Bar Harbor: 2-Hour Guided Food Walking Tour
At just $129, the Best of Bar Harbor Food Walking Tour offers a focused, two-hour journey through the town’s most iconic culinary treats. It begins with lobster rolls at a local eatery, then moves on to fudge and ice cream, finishing at a scenic spot on the Village Green.
The tour is ideal for food lovers who want to sample signature dishes and learn about Maine’s coastal cuisine. Guests praise the friendly guide, Sean, for his humor and knowledge, making the experience both fun and informative. The tour’s short duration fits well into a busy sightseeing day, and the small group size enhances the personalized feel.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a quick, tasty introduction to Bar Harbor’s culinary highlights.
$129.00 per person
8. Best of Bar Harbor Food Walking Tour
This more budget-friendly, 2-hour Food Walking Tour emphasizes iconic treats like lobster rolls, fudge, and ice cream, along with a scenic walk from Agamont Park to Balance Rock. While reviews are mixed, many enjoy the cuisine focus and the chance to indulge in local favorites with a relaxed stroll.
It’s best suited for travelers who want an affordable taste of Bar Harbor with opportunities for scenic views and delicious bites. However, some reviews note the tour’s simplicity compared to other more comprehensive options.
Bottom line: Good for budget-conscious travelers seeking a taste of local food with minimal fuss.
$129 per person
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Bar Harbor
When choosing a tour, consider your interests, time constraints, and budget. If you love food and want a delicious, in-depth experience, the Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour or Tour #7 are excellent options. For a more relaxed, scenic stroll with historical insights, the Bar Harbor Walking Tour offers a great overview.
If haunted stories fascinate you, the Haunted Ghost Walking Tour or 90-minute Ghost Tour provide spooky tales and atmospheric walks, especially enjoyable at night.
Booking early is advisable during peak season, especially for popular tours like the culinary walks. Consider your physical activity level—most tours involve light walking, but check for specific details if you have mobility concerns.
Final Thoughts
Bar Harbor’s variety of walking tours means there’s something for all—whether you want to indulge in Maine’s famous seafood, uncover ghostly legends, or simply enjoy a scenic, informative walk. For a culinary adventure, the Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour offers a delicious peek into local flavors, while the ghost tours provide fun, spooky stories that bring the town’s history to life. Budget travelers will appreciate the Best of Bar Harbor Food Walking Tour, and history buffs will enjoy the Bar Harbor Walking Tour for its broad overview.
No matter your interests, booking these tours early ensures you’re all set to enjoy everything this charming seaside town has to offer. Happy walking!