Bar Island
Bar Island is a forested island in Frenchman Bay just offshore from downtown Bar Harbor. At low tide, visitors can walk across the exposed Bar Island Land Bridge and explore a scenic trail leading to elevated views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the surrounding mountains.
About Bar Island
Bar Island is a forested island located just offshore from downtown Bar Harbor and is part of Acadia National Park. What makes the island especially unique is the natural gravel land bridge that appears at low tide, allowing visitors to walk from Bridge Street in Bar Harbor across the exposed seafloor to the island. Once there, visitors can explore wooded trails and enjoy elevated views overlooking Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and Mount Desert Island.
✨ What to Know
The Bar Island Land Bridge is only accessible for a limited period around low tide. Visitors can typically cross for approximately 1.5 hours before and 1.5 hours after low tide, making it essential to check the local tide schedule before setting out.
Once across the land bridge, visitors can continue along the Bar Island Trail through the forest toward an overlook. The walk provides a quieter Acadia experience within easy reach of downtown Bar Harbor. Be sure to leave enough time to return before the tide rises and covers the land bridge.
📍 How to Get There
The Bar Island Land Bridge begins at the end of Bridge Street in downtown Bar Harbor. From Main Street, follow West Street toward Bridge Street and walk downhill toward the waterfront. At low tide, the wide gravel bar becomes exposed and provides a direct walking route across to Bar Island.
There is no dedicated parking area at the land bridge, so visitors should use street parking or municipal parking elsewhere in downtown Bar Harbor and walk to Bridge Street. Always check the tide schedule before crossing and plan to return well before the land bridge becomes submerged.
📖 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bar Island is determined primarily by the tides. Plan your visit around low tide, when the land bridge is safely exposed and there is enough time to walk to the island, explore, and return to Bar Harbor.
Late spring through fall offers comfortable conditions for walking and hiking. Summer provides lush forest scenery, while autumn brings colourful foliage and cooler temperatures. Clear days provide especially beautiful views of Bar Harbor and the mountains of Acadia National Park.
✨ Features and Highlights
- Natural land bridge exposed during low tide.
- Unique opportunity to walk across the seafloor from Bar Harbor.
- Part of Acadia National Park.
- Forested hiking trail on Bar Island.
- Elevated views overlooking downtown Bar Harbor.
- Beautiful scenery across Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island.
- Easy walking access from downtown Bar Harbor.
- Unique landscape that changes dramatically with the tides.
See every tour that stops here on the Bar Harbor tours page.
More Attractions in Bar Harbor
See Sight Tours has been providing travel services across North America since 2006. Operating in 22 cities across Canada and the USA, the company specializes in small group tours that offer personalized, high-quality experiences for travelers.
Quick Links
Book your Tour
Get in Touch
- Toll Free1-888-961-6584
- Local1-289-271-9767
© 2026 See Sight Tours. All rights reserved.