Bar Harbor is built for dogs who love the outdoors. Between Acadia National Park’s 45 miles of carriage roads, waterfront restaurants that genuinely welcome your pup, and a local culture where dogs outnumber tourists in shoulder season, this coastal Maine town delivers one of the best dog vacations on the East Coast.
The reality check: Acadia restricts dogs from ladder trails like Precipice and Beehive, Bar Harbor enforces strict leash laws with $50+ fines, and those gorgeous restaurant patios you see in photos close October through April when temperatures plunge.
Why Bar Harbor Works for Dogs (And What to Know Before You Go)
Bar Harbor sits on Mount Desert Island with Acadia National Park as its backyard, and the town’s 5,000 year-round residents have embraced dogs as part of the culture. You’ll find water bowls outside shops on Main Street, dogs lounging under tables at Side Street Cafe, and locals who’ll stop to chat about your pup on the Shore Path.
The rules matter here: Bar Harbor municipal code 14-1 requires leashes at all times in public areas, with fines starting at $50 for violations.
Animal control officers actively patrol the Shore Path, downtown, and park entrances. Acadia National Park prohibits dogs on ladder trails (Precipice, Beehive, Ladder to Dorr, Beech Cliffs, Perpendicular Trail, Jordan Cliffs) but welcomes them on all carriage roads and most other trails. The seasonal swing is dramatic: restaurant patios close October through April when temperatures drop to -10°F to 30°F and snow piles up.
Visit between May and October for the full experience. July and August bring peak crowds that fill parking lots by 8 AM, so plan early morning outings. Late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) offer milder weather (50°F to 75°F), fewer tourists, and better odds of snagging a patio table at The Chart Room without a wait.
Insider Tip: The free Island Explorer shuttle system welcomes leashed dogs and runs late June through Columbus Day. Use it to access carriage road trailheads without fighting for parking at Jordan Pond or Sand Beach. The Wildwood Stables stop drops you right at the carriage road network.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor’s restaurant scene welcomes dogs on outdoor patios with genuine enthusiasm, not reluctant tolerance. Most patios operate seasonally (May through September), with a few extending into October if weather cooperates. Expect closures November through April when temperatures make outdoor dining impossible.
Best Waterfront Dining with Dogs
The Chart Room at 565 Eden Street serves weekend brunch on a waterfront patio where dogs get water bowls and the harbor views are unbeatable. The lobster benedict runs $22, and walk-ins are accepted though you might queue 30 minutes on summer weekends. The patio seats about 40 and operates May through October, closing by 8 PM in shoulder seasons as temperatures drop.
Looking Glass Restaurant at 50 Eden Street offers fine dining with a deck overlooking the harbor where dogs join guests at 12 outdoor tables. The fire pit gets going after sunset, making this the spot for upscale dining with your pup. Expect $30 to $45 entrees, and reservations are essential in summer. Seasonal operation through October.
Stewman’s Lobster Pound at 35 West Street puts you and your dog on an oceanside deck for classic Maine lobster boils. The all-outdoor setup (no indoor seating) means dogs fit right in at picnic tables. Twin lobster dinners run $45 to $60, and reservations are essential during summer months. They close for winter, typically November through April.
Casual Spots for Quick Bites
Side Street Cafe at 49 Rodick Street is the local favorite for lobster rolls ($28) and American comfort food on a dog-friendly patio with 20 tables. Walk-ins work here, and the mid-range pricing makes it easy to visit multiple times. The patio closes by late October when temperatures drop below 40°F consistently.
C-Ray Lobster at 882 Route 3 operates as a classic Maine lobster shack with all outdoor seating at picnic tables, which means dogs are part of the scene. The casual setup and paper plates make this the most relaxed dining experience in town. Lobster rolls run $24, cash is preferred, and they close for winter (November through April).
Sweet Pea’s Cafe at 854 Route 3 does farm-to-table pizza on a back patio and deck where leashed dogs are welcome at 15 outdoor tables. The wood-fired pies run $12 to $18, and the outdoor space feels tucked away from the main drag. Seasonal operation, typically closed December through March.
Coffee Hound at 67 Cottage Street lives up to its name with a dog-themed interior and customer pup photos on the walls. Grab morning coffee ($4 to $6) and a pastry before hitting the carriage roads. Year-round operation with limited outdoor seating (4 tables) in winter, though most dog owners do takeout November through April.
Breweries and Bars
Atlantic Brewing Company at 15 Knox Road (Town Hill location) welcomes dogs on the summer patio at their 10-acre farm setting. The craft beer selection includes their popular Bar Harbor Real Ale, and the farm atmosphere gives dogs space to settle under tables. Live music runs weekends in summer. Patio operates Memorial Day through October, closing around 7 PM in shoulder seasons.
Dog & Pony Tavern at 4 Rodick Street offers pub fare with seasonal outdoor seating (8 tables) where dogs join their owners. The name suggests they get it. Expect typical bar food (burgers $14 to $18), local beers on tap, and a casual vibe. Outdoor seating May through September only.
Insider Tip: Most restaurant patios close by 8 PM in shoulder seasons (May, September, October) as temperatures drop into the 40s. Plan dinner for 6 PM to 7 PM to guarantee outdoor seating with your dog, especially at waterfront spots like The Chart Room where sunset views are the draw.
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels and Lodging
Bar Harbor’s accommodations range from luxury waterfront hotels to budget motels, with most charging pet fees between $25 to $100 per night. Size restrictions are common (typically 30 to 50 pounds), and advance notice is required at all properties. Book early for summer, pet-friendly rooms sell out first, often by March for July and August stays.
Luxury Pet-Friendly Hotels
West Street Hotel at 50 West Street offers modern luxury with a $100 per night pet fee for dogs under 30 pounds, maximum two dogs. Your pup gets a welcome gift bag with treats, stainless steel food bowls, and a plush mat. The downtown location puts you walking distance from Side Street Cafe and minutes from Acadia’s entrance. Rooms start around $400 nightly in peak season (July to August).
Balance Rock Inn at 21 Albert Meadow welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds with a $100 per night fee, maximum one dog. The waterfront mansion setting includes dog treats at check-in and easy access to the Shore Path for morning walks. This is old-money Maine elegance with your dog in tow. Expect $350 to $500 per night, and the oceanfront suites book months ahead.
Harborside Hotel & Marina at 55 West Street provides dog amenities including bowls, treats, and a pet relief area on property. Dogs up to 50 pounds are welcome with a $75 per night fee, maximum two dogs. The marina location and waterfront rooms make this a solid mid-luxury choice at $300 to $450 nightly.
Mid-Range and Budget-Friendly Options
Highbrook Motel at 94 Eden Street accepts dogs under 40 pounds, maximum two, with a $25 per night pet fee. The policy prohibits leaving pets unattended in rooms, standard for most Bar Harbor properties. The location near downtown and reasonable pricing ($200 to $300 nightly) offer good value for multi-night stays.
Acadia Inn at 98 Eden Street welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds with no pet fee, a rarity in Bar Harbor. The restriction: no unattended pets in rooms, and you’ll sign a damage waiver at check-in. The location near the park entrance and budget pricing ($150 to $250 nightly) make this a solid choice for travelers prioritizing trails over luxury.
Wonder View Inn at 50 Eden Street offers motel-style rooms with a $50 per night pet fee for dogs up to 60 pounds, maximum two dogs. The property includes 14 acres with walking paths for morning bathroom breaks. Rooms run $180 to $280 nightly, and the location is walkable to downtown.
Vacation rentals through Airbnb and VRBO offer another option, with many Bar Harbor cottages welcoming dogs for $25 to $75 per stay (not per night). Look for properties near carriage road access points like Eagle Lake Road or Duck Brook for easy morning walks without driving. Check BringFido listings for verified pet-friendly rentals with reviews from dog owners.
| Hotel Name | Pet Fee | Size Limit | Price Tier | Standout Amenity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Street Hotel | $100/night | Under 30 lbs, max 2 | $$$ | Welcome gift bag, bowls, mat |
| Balance Rock Inn | $100/night | Up to 40 lbs, max 1 | $$$ | Waterfront mansion, Shore Path access |
| Harborside Hotel & Marina | $75/night | Up to 50 lbs, max 2 | $$$ | Marina location, pet relief area |
| Highbrook Motel | $25/night | Under 40 lbs, max 2 | $$ | Near downtown, budget-friendly |
| Acadia Inn | None | Up to 50 lbs | $ | No pet fee, near park entrance |
| Wonder View Inn | $50/night | Up to 60 lbs, max 2 | $$ | 14 acres with walking paths |
Insider Tip: Request a first-floor room when booking, it’s easier for bathroom breaks at 6 AM and less stair climbing after 10-mile days on the carriage roads. Many hotels have only 2 to 3 first-floor pet rooms, so mention this preference when you call to reserve.
Acadia National Park: What Dogs Can (And Can’t) Do
Here’s the critical information most guides bury: dogs are prohibited on Acadia’s ladder trails including Precipice Trail, Beehive Trail, Ladder to Dorr, Beech Cliffs, Perpendicular Trail on Mansell Mountain, and Jordan Cliffs. These are the dramatic, Instagram-famous hikes with iron rungs and cliff exposure that define Acadia for many visitors.
The good news: dogs are welcome on all 45 miles of carriage roads and more than 100 miles of other hiking trails, leashed at all times with a maximum 6-foot leash. The carriage roads are the real star for dog owners, smooth gravel paths built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the 1920s that wind through forests, past ponds, and over 17 iconic stone bridges. The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days.
Best Carriage Roads for Dogs
Witch Hole Pond Loop is the perfect starter carriage road at 3.3 miles with minimal elevation gain. The easy gravel path circles the pond with swimming access for dogs at the northeast corner and plenty of shade from pine and birch trees. Park at the Duck Brook entrance off Route 3 (small lot, 15 spaces). Expect the lot to fill by 9 AM in summer, arrive by 7 AM or use the Island Explorer shuttle.
Around the Mountain Loop combines several carriage roads for a 10.5-mile day with your dog, circling Day Mountain with views of Seal Harbor and the Cranberry Isles. The route includes Cobblestone Bridge and Waterfall Bridge, the two most photogenic stone bridges in the system. Start at Jordan Pond parking (arrive before 8 AM or lot will be full). Bring plenty of water, there are limited natural sources along the route.
Eagle Lake Loop offers 6 miles of relatively flat carriage road circling the lake with mountain views and swimming access for dogs. The Eagle Lake parking area off Route 233 provides easy access and fills slower than Jordan Pond (usually by 10 AM in summer). This is a local favorite for early morning walks before the tour buses arrive.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Ocean Path Trail to Otter Point allows leashed dogs and delivers the coastal views you came for. The moderate, rocky trail runs 4 miles round trip along the coastline with ocean access points at Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Start at Sand Beach parking (arrive before 8 AM in summer, lot has 150 spaces and fills fast) and hike south. The trail takes about 2 hours with photo stops, and dogs can wade in tidal pools at low tide.
Jordan Pond Shore Trail is a 3.3-mile loop around Jordan Pond on a mostly flat path where leashed dogs are welcome. The north end includes a rocky section that can be tricky for small dogs, but the views of the Bubbles mountains reflected in the pond are worth it. Jordan Pond parking fills by 8 AM in summer, use the Island Explorer shuttle or arrive at sunrise.
Gorham Mountain Trail allows leashed dogs and climbs 525 feet over 1.8 miles to ocean views from the summit. The moderate trail includes some rock scrambling (manageable for most dogs) and connects to Ocean Path for a longer loop. Park at Gorham Mountain parking area off Park Loop Road.
Insider Tip: Download the Acadia National Park app before you arrive. It includes offline carriage road maps with dog-friendly trail markers, crucial when cell service drops in the interior. Tick checks are essential after every hike, Lyme disease is prevalent in Maine and the wooded carriage roads provide perfect tick habitat. Bring tick prevention and check your dog thoroughly, especially around ears, between toes, and under the collar.
Dog Beaches and Waterfront Activities
Sand Beach on Park Loop Road allows leashed dogs, but only September 15 through May 15. During peak summer (May 15 to September 15), dogs are prohibited to protect nesting birds and manage crowds. When access is open, tide schedules matter significantly. Low tide expands the beach from 50 feet to 300 feet of sand, while high tide can cover the beach entirely, leaving only rocks. Check NOAA tide predictions for Bar Harbor before heading out.
The water stays cold year-round (50°F to 60°F even in August), so most dogs wade rather than swim. The surrounding Ocean Path provides leashed walking access with dramatic coastal views of Great Head and Otter Cliff. Parking fills by 8 AM on nice days, even in shoulder seasons. The lot has 150 spaces and no overflow.
Bar Harbor Shore Path offers a 1-mile paved waterfront walk perfect for morning or sunset strolls with your dog. The path runs along the harbor from Agamont Park to Wayman Lane with mansion views, ocean access, and benches every few hundred feet. Leashes required, and the flat terrain works for all fitness levels and dog sizes. Free parking at Agamont Park (20 spaces, fills by 10 AM in summer) or downtown municipal lots on Park Street.
Agamont Park in downtown Bar Harbor provides a small green space (about half an acre) right on the water where leashed dogs can stretch their legs. It’s more of a quick stop than a destination, but the coastal views and proximity to restaurants like The Chart Room make it useful between activities. The park includes benches and a small grassy area.
Dog-Friendly Boat Tours
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company at 1 West Street welcomes leashed dogs on whale watching tours. The 3 to 4-hour tours run May through October, and space is limited to 2 to 3 dogs per trip. Call (207) 288-2386 to confirm pet policies and reserve spots, advance booking required in summer. Bring a towel for your dog and be prepared for spray on the bow.
Lulu Lobster Boat at 55 West Street offers 90-minute lobster fishing tours where leashed dogs are welcome. Captain John pulls traps and explains the lobster industry while your dog enjoys the boat ride. Tours run $35 per person, and dogs ride free. Call ahead to confirm space, maximum 2 dogs per tour.
Downeast Windjammer Cruises at 27 Main Street operates 2-hour sailing tours on traditional schooners where well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. The sailing experience is calmer than motor boats, and the crew provides water bowls. Reservations required, call (207) 288-4585. Tours run May through October.
Insider Tip: For boat tours, bring a non-slip mat or towel for your dog to lie on. The fiberglass decks get slippery when wet, and most dogs feel more secure with their own spot. Also pack waste bags, even though you’re on the water, you’re responsible for cleanup.
Bar Harbor Dog Parks and Off-Leash Areas
Bar Harbor itself has no designated off-leash dog parks. The town’s leash law (Section 92-51) requires leashes at all times in public areas, and enforcement is real. Animal control officers patrol the Shore Path, Agamont Park, and downtown areas regularly, issuing fines starting at $50 for violations. Repeat offenses increase to $100 or more.
The nearest off-leash option is Hamilton Pond Off-Leash Area in Gouldsboro, about 30 minutes east of Bar Harbor via Route 1. The designated area allows voice control in a natural wooded setting with pond access. Specific boundaries are marked with signs, and the honor system applies. Clean up after your dog, and vaccinations are required though not checked.
Little Long Pond Off-Leash Area in Seal Harbor (15 minutes from Bar Harbor via Route 3) has been a local favorite, but new regulations starting in 2025 require leashes from 10 AM to 4 PM between May and September. Early morning visits (before 10 AM) still allow off-leash access. The unfenced natural area includes pond swimming and wooded trails. Vaccinations are required, and this is an honor system spot. Clean up after your dog and respect other users.
For on-leash exercise, the carriage roads provide the best option. Early morning visits (6 AM to 8 AM) often mean you’ll have sections to yourselves, and the gravel surface is easier on paws than pavement. The Witch Hole Pond area and Eagle Lake Loop tend to be less crowded than routes near Jordan Pond, which attracts tour buses by 9 AM.
Insider Tip: If your dog absolutely needs off-leash time, plan your Bar Harbor trip around early morning visits to Little Long Pond (before 10 AM) or build in a day trip to Hamilton Pond. Don’t risk the fines in town, animal control actively patrols and locals will report off-leash dogs. The Shore Path sees multiple citations weekly in summer.
Essential Info: Leash Laws, Weather, and Emergency Vets
Bar Harbor’s leash law is strict and enforced. Municipal code 14-1 requires leashes (maximum 6 to 8 feet) at all times in public areas. Fines start at $50 and increase to $100 or more for repeat violations. Animal control officers patrol popular areas including the Shore Path, downtown Main Street, and Acadia park entrances. No exceptions, no off-leash areas within town limits.
Maine has no breed-specific legislation, so all breeds are welcome. Cleanup is mandatory with penalties enforced through animal control. Carry waste bags everywhere, disposal stations are available at major trailheads (Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Eagle Lake) and downtown, but not consistently throughout town or on carriage roads.
Weather Considerations
May through October offers the best conditions, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. Summers are humid but rarely exceed 80°F. July and August bring the warmest weather (65°F to 75°F) but also peak crowds and black flies in wooded areas. October brings fall foliage and cooler temps (40°F to 60°F), pack a dog jacket for morning walks and evening patio dining.
Winter (November to April) is brutal: temperatures from -10°F to 30°F, deep snow that can reach 2 to 3 feet, and ice that can burn paws. Most outdoor activities shut down, patios close, and the town quiets to a few hundred residents. If you visit in winter, bring dog boots for ice protection and limit outdoor time to bathroom breaks.
Tick prevention is essential May through October. Lyme disease is prevalent in Maine, and the wooded carriage roads provide perfect tick habitat. Check your dog thoroughly after every hike, focusing on ears, between toes, under the collar, and in armpits. Consider preventative medication from your vet before the trip.
Wildlife encounters are possible on carriage roads and trails. Moose, porcupines, foxes, and occasionally black bears inhabit Acadia. Keep dogs leashed and under control at all times. A porcupine encounter can mean hundreds of dollars in emergency vet bills and a ruined vacation.
Coastal hazards include tide changes at beaches (check NOAA predictions), cold water temperatures year-round, and rocky shorelines with slippery seaweed. Don’t let dogs swim unsupervised, and rinse them after ocean exposure to remove salt that can irritate skin.
Emergency Veterinary Services
Acadia Veterinary Hospital
21 Federal Avenue, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: (207) 288-5733
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 12 PM
Not a 24-hour facility. For after-hours emergencies, use Ellsworth or Holden options.
Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic
15 Springer Drive, Holden, ME 04429
Phone: (207) 989-6267
24-hour emergency services available
Nearest true 24-hour emergency facility, approximately 45 minutes from Bar Harbor. Save this number before your trip.
Downeast Veterinary Clinic
Ellsworth, ME (20 minutes from Bar Harbor)
Phone: (207) 667-7117
Hours: Extended hours for urgent care walk-ins during business days
Good option for non-life-threatening issues during daytime, such as minor cuts or tick removal.
Ellsworth Veterinary Hospital
381 State Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Phone: (207) 667-3437
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 12 PM
Regular veterinary services with some urgent care capacity during business hours.
Program these numbers into your phone before you arrive. Bar Harbor’s remote location means limited after-hours options, and Acadia’s wilderness areas have spotty cell service, especially on interior carriage roads. Carry a basic pet first aid kit for minor injuries on the trails, including tweezers for tick removal, gauze for cuts, and your vet’s phone number.
Insider Tip: The drive to Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Holden takes 45 minutes from Bar Harbor, longer at night when you’re unfamiliar with the route. Save the address in your GPS before you need it, and know that cell service drops on Route 1A between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor.
Getting to Bar Harbor with Your Dog
Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (BHB) is the closest airport, located 10 miles from downtown Bar Harbor. Cape Air operates seasonal flights from Boston (May to October), and the small airport includes a pet relief area outside the terminal. Most travelers fly into larger airports and drive.
Bangor International Airport (BGR) sits 50 miles (1 hour drive) from Bar Harbor and offers more flight options including connections through major hubs. Delta, American, and United serve Bangor with varying pet policies. Small dogs (under 20 pounds in carrier) can fly in-cabin for $125 to $150 each way. Pet relief areas are available outside baggage claim. The drive from Bangor to Bar Harbor via Route 1A is straightforward and scenic.
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is 175 miles (3 hours) from Bar Harbor with the most flight options in Maine. JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, American, and United serve Portland. Pet relief areas are available outside the terminal. The drive north via I-95 and Route 1A is scenic along the coast, with multiple rest stops that have pet areas.
Driving to Bar Harbor
From Boston: 280 miles, approximately 5 hours via I-95 North to Route 1A. Multiple rest stops with pet areas along I-95 at mile markers 80, 109, and 170. The drive is straightforward but can slow significantly in summer traffic through coastal towns like Brunswick and Belfast. Leave early morning (before 7 AM) to avoid congestion.
From New York City: 500 miles, 8 to 9 hours via I-95 North. Plan an overnight stop, Portland (175 miles from Bar Harbor) or Brunswick (200 miles from Bar Harbor) make good midpoints with pet-friendly hotels including Hampton Inn Portland ($35 pet fee) and Comfort Inn Brunswick ($25 pet fee). This is a long haul for dogs in one day.
From Montreal: 425 miles, 7 hours via Route 201 South and I-95 South. The route passes through rural Maine with limited services, so plan gas and bathroom stops carefully. Rest areas with pet relief at mile markers 133 and 157 on I-95.
Getting Around Bar Harbor
The free Island Explorer shuttle welcomes leashed dogs and operates late June through Columbus Day. Routes connect downtown Bar Harbor with Acadia trailheads including Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Cadillac Summit. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. Service runs approximately every 30 minutes on popular routes, every hour on less-traveled routes. The shuttle eliminates parking hassles at popular trailheads.
Parking in downtown Bar Harbor is challenging in summer. Use the free municipal lots on Park Street (50 spaces) or Lower Main Street (40 spaces) and walk, most downtown destinations are within a half-mile. Acadia parking lots fill by 8 AM at popular trailheads (Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, Cadillac Summit). Arrive early or use the Island Explorer.
Insider Tip: If flying, book direct flights when possible to minimize stress on your dog. The Bangor to Bar Harbor drive is easy and scenic along Route 1A. If driving from Boston, stop at L.L.Bean in Freeport (about 2 hours into the drive) at 95 Main Street. The flagship store welcomes dogs inside and has a small outdoor area behind the store for bathroom breaks.
Local Resources for Dog Owners
Bark Harbor at 150 Main Street is Bar Harbor’s dedicated pet store with treats, toys, supplies, and local knowledge. The staff can recommend current trail conditions on carriage roads and dog-friendly spots locals use. Dogs are welcome inside, and the store stocks tick prevention, waste bags, and Maine-made dog treats. Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM in summer, reduced hours in winter.
Coastal Pet Supply at 854 Route 3 provides another option for last-minute travel essentials, food, or gear replacements. Stock up on waste bags (you’ll go through them faster than expected on carriage roads), tick prevention, and any forgotten items like collapsible water bowls. Open daily in summer.
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 1201 Bar Harbor Road maintains updated lists of pet-friendly businesses and can answer specific questions about current policies. Stop by their visitor center for the latest restaurant patio openings and hotel availability. Open daily 8 AM to 5 PM in summer, reduced hours off-season.
Acadia National Park Visitor Center at Hulls Cove (Route 3 north of Bar Harbor) provides detailed carriage road maps, current trail conditions, and ranger advice on dog-friendly routes. Pick up the official park newspaper which includes pet regulations and a map marking trails where dogs are prohibited. Open daily 8 AM to 4:30 PM May through October.
Join the Acadia BARK Ranger program, a fun initiative where dogs can become official “BARK Rangers” by following park pet rules (leash at all times, stay on trails, pick up waste). Pick up a pledge card at visitor centers, and your dog receives a certificate and tag. It’s free and makes a good souvenir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Acadia National Park?
Dogs are prohibited on ladder trails including Precipice, Beehive, Ladder to Dorr, Beech Cliffs, Perpendicular, and Jordan Cliffs. However, leashed dogs are welcome on all 45 miles of carriage roads and more than 100 miles of other hiking trails including Ocean Path, Gorham Mountain, and Jordan Pond Shore Trail. Sand Beach allows leashed dogs off-season (September 15 to May 15 only).
What are the pet fees at Bar Harbor hotels?
Pet fees typically range from $25 to $75 per night, with luxury hotels like West Street Hotel and Balance Rock Inn charging $100 per night. Acadia Inn charges no pet fee. Most hotels require advance notice when booking with a dog, and many have size restrictions (commonly 30 to 50 pound limits). Always confirm current pet policies when booking.
Can dogs go off-leash anywhere in Bar Harbor?
No. Bar Harbor requires leashes at all times in public areas under municipal code 14-1, with fines starting at $50. The nearest off-leash area is Hamilton Pond in Gouldsboro (30 minutes away). Little Long Pond in Seal Harbor allows off-leash access before 10 AM outside peak season (September 16 to May 14).
When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor with a dog?
May through October offers the best weather and open restaurant patios. Late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) provide milder temperatures (50°F to 70°F) and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August require early morning outings (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds at popular spots like Jordan Pond and Sand Beach. Most outdoor patios close November through April when temperatures drop below freezing.
Are there dog-friendly boat tours from Bar Harbor?
Yes. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company at (207) 288-2386 and Lulu Lobster Boat at 55 West Street welcome leashed dogs on tours. Downeast Windjammer Cruises at (207) 288-4585 also accepts dogs on sailing tours. Space is limited to 2 to 3 dogs per trip, so advance reservations are required, especially in summer. Call ahead to confirm current pet policies.
What should I know about tides for dog beach access?
Sand Beach access varies significantly with tides. Low tide provides 200 to 300 feet of beach space for dogs to explore, while high tide can completely cover the sand, leaving only rocks. Check NOAA tide predictions for Bar Harbor before visiting. Remember dogs are only allowed September 15 to May 15 (prohibited during peak summer May 15 to September 15).
