6-Day Coast of Maine Bike Tour - Explore Charming Coastal Routes

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are the Bangor Aviator Hotel at 10:30am, or West Street Hotel at 1pm.

Many plan to arrive early to fully enjoy the spectacular inn or to stretch your legs with a stroll around Bar Harbor. Join us at 1 p.m. for a bike fitting and safety meeting followed by an optional warmup ride. Dinner is at approximately 6 p.m.
Accommodation: West Street Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 10 miles (16 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

After a lovely New England breakfast, you transit 20 minutes to start your cycling in the village of Seal Cove on the “quiet side” of Acadia National Park. Our cycling winds through the towns of Bernard and Tremont before turning up through Bass Harbor with a stop at the iconic Bass Harbor Lighthouse, one of the most photographed locales in the state. You continue on through the park’s “Wonderland” primitive area, with an option to enjoy a short walk overlooking intimate Ship Harbor. Enjoy lunch at the dynamic Seawall Picnic Area before proceeding into the bustling little town of Southwest Harbor.

Spend your afternoon roaming the shops, cafes and galleries of this charming town and, afterward, you are treated to a truly unique Maine repast at the local fishing pier — an authentic boiled lobster dinner with all the trimmings. Transit back by early evening, giving you plenty of time to relax at the inn or continue to explore the many streets and shops of Mount Desert Island’s largest town.
Accommodation: West Street Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 20 miles (32 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today’s ride is a great introduction to some of the beautiful carriage roads of Acadia National Park. The construction of the 57 miles of Carriage Roads was financed and directed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. between 1913 and 1940 and they are restricted to use by bikers, hikers, horseback riders and, of course, carriages. You get to appreciate the care that was taken to leave the land as intact as possible … and the overall result of a beautiful network of roads leading you through unbelievably gorgeous scenery. Stop and admire each of the bridges you cross — they are famous for their beauty, engineering and use of natural materials.

Begin with a ride along Sargent’s Drive — surely one of the greatest oceanside cycling routes imaginable. Then spin into the village of Northeast Harbor, passing some magnificent shingled “cottages” owned by folks who have clearly made their fortunes. The harbor area of Northeast Harbor has an interesting variety of commercial fishing boats, private yachts and sightseeing excursion boats, and the village itself has interesting stores, a great number of galleries (and a good bike shop!). As you leave Northeast Harbor, you can stop and explore the paths leading through the lovely Asticou Azalea Gardens. From there, continue your exploration of the Acadia National Park Carriage Trail system with a stop at the Jordan Pond House — renowned for serving popovers at this site since 1893. A wonderful optional ride takes you to the lookout on Day Mountain, where you can see much of Mount Desert as well as experience a great view over the water to the Cranberry Isles.
Accommodation: West Street Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 22 or 31 miles (35 or 50 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today enjoy a great kayaking adventure along the shores of Mount Desert. You are instructed and led on this adventure by the expert guides of the National Park Sea Kayak Tour Company. Often this is followed by an optional scenic hike in the park. In addition, we offer you several cycling options — to take after (or in lieu of) the kayaking — which include local roads as well as sections of the Park Loop Road.

You are on your own for dinner this evening. Enjoy a stroll along the “Shore Path”, or perhaps walk the nearby sand bar to Bar Island (tides permitting!). For nightlife, take in as much as you want … as many of the shops and galleries stay open late and live music can be enjoyed in many of the outdoor restaurants.
Accommodation: West Street Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 22 or 30 miles (35 or 48 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Experience what must surely be one of the most scenic rides anywhere … the Loop Road of Acadia National Park. The mileage is modest today since we know you will want to linger and enjoy the fabulous views at Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point etc…. And then wend your way back along the carriage roads and follow the Eagle Lake carriage road system as it leads past Bubble Pond and Eagle Lake. This afternoon, there's an option to cycle to the top of Cadillac Mountain. Your final celebration dinner is with the group.
Accommodation: West Street Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 22 or 32 miles (35 or 51 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Our last day includes shorter rides to allow for guests’ travel plans. Perhaps start the day with a sunrise ride up Cadillac Mountain? Or sleep in … it’s your vacation! After-breakfast options include the Duck Brook carriage roads. Basic mileage is 10 or 16. Additional miles are available. Lunch is on your own with one complimentary shuttle to Bangor Airport leaving at 2 p.m.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 10 0r 16 miles (16 or 26 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier