One of the most remarkable destinations in the United States is Bar Harbor, Maine. It is filled with breathtaking natural beauty, loads of outdoor activities, and fresh seafood to die for. It is also known as one of the most pet-friendly places for travelers. Here is a complete listing of places to go, things to do, cozy accommodations to stay in, and delicious fare to eat—all pet-friendly, of course!
About Bar Harbor, Maine
The charming town of Bar Harbor is one of several destination jewels on Mt. Desert Island, a rock-bound island off the coast of Maine, and is connected by a bridge to the mainland. Interestingly, of its many islands, Mt. Desert is the largest of all.
In addition to Bar Harbor, Maine, the towns of Northeast Harbor, Tremont, and Southwest Harbor are also on the island and have their own unique charms. The town of Ellsworth is a 20-mile drive off the island, which offers other services.
Dog-Friendly Parks
At the top of this list in Bar Harbor, Maine, is Acadia National Park. Here you’ll find 27 miles of picturesque roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads that weave throughout its 30,500 acres. Much of the park and its attractions are dog-friendly, although there are restricted areas and leash requirements.
Rules for pets include the following:
- Pets must always be on a leash.
- Pets are allowed on trails and carriage roads throughout the park
- Pet waste must be properly disposed of
- Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds are dog-friendly.
- Pets are not allowed:
- Public buildings
- Echo Lake Beach
- Sand Beach
- Ranger-led programs
- Duck Harbor Campground
- Wild Gardens of Acadia
Agamont Park
For a lovely picnic in the park overlooking Frenchman’s Bay, Agamont Park is a sure destination for a relaxing afternoon with your dog, on a leash, of course.
Barker Park
Barker Park is a new park in town, next to the post office. Take a rest and read or just sit on one of the many benches with your well-behaved, leashed dog beside you.
Bar Harbor Dog-Friendly Walking/Hiking Trails
Dog-friendly hiking and walking trails abound in Bar Harbor and surrounding areas on Mt. Desert Island. Whatever you prefer—wooded, rocky coast, or easy sidewalks—it is here.
On all area pet-friendly trails, dogs are required to be on leashes and well-behaved at all times.
The Shore Path
The Shore Path itself is a flat and easy path that is perfect for a lazy stroll beginning at the Bar Harbor Town Pier next to Agamont Park, past the Bar Harbor Inn, and along the eastern coast of the island. The Shore Path is 1.5 miles out and back and can be very busy in season.
Ocean Path Trail
This trail starts at Sand Beach and continues on to Thunder Hole and past Otter Cliffs to Otter Point. Both ways on the Ocean Path Trail total 4.4 miles with a gradual slope on surfaces that alternate between gravel and concrete.
Gorham Mountain Loop
This loop is a 3.5-mile round-trip hike over uneven, rocky surfaces that offers views of the coastline and Cadillac Mountain. The Gorham Mountain Loop trail also connects with other, more arduous trails that lead to Thunder Hole and Cadillac Mountain.
Hiking in Acadia National Park
This guide is a complete directory of all the hiking options you’ll find in Acadia National Park. Pick from any of these options:
- Summit hikes
- Coastal hikes
- Lake and Forest hikes
- Loops
- Out and back
- Historic
Bar Island Trail
The unique, 1.9-mile Bar Island Trail is a sandbar that is only available before and after low tide and offers the opportunity to explore many tide pools. Be careful not to become so entranced that you miss the small tidal window, which means you’ll have to wait another 9 hours before returning home.
Jordan Pond
A magical destination where you and your pup can walk the 3.3-mile loop around the pond. The Jordan Pond Path is beautiful but reported to be challenging with rocky parts right at the water’s edge.
Bar Harbor Dog-Friendly Beaches
Hadley Point Beach
Located off Hadley Point Road in Bar Harbor, this rocky beach northwest of Bar Harbor allows dogs as long as they are leashed at all times.
Little Long Pond
When your dog needs a full, all-out run, this is where you need to go. Located off of Route 3 near Seal Harbor on Mount Desert Island, well-behaved dogs are allowed to run free as well as swim in designated areas of the pond. There are also several trails in the Little Long Pond Natural Lands.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Breweries
- Bar Harbor Cellars—A small winery that offers outdoor seating where leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
- Jordan Pond House—You and your dog can sit on the lush lawn or the porch overlooking Jordan Pond while enjoying the tea and popovers that have long been a tradition at this historic venue.
- Stewman’s Lobster Pound—With a sign out front welcoming dogs and a menu just for dogs, this dog-friendly eatery is a must-visit culinary destination for dog owners. One owner even reported that the restaurant welcomed him with three canines.
- Paddy’s Irish Pub—This authentic Irish pub rates exceptionally well as a dog-friendly establishment. Seating for dogs and owners is outside on a patio with views of the water.
- Mainly Meat BBQ—If you’re craving a meat fix, you and your dog will find a warm welcome here. Seating is outdoors, and be sure to ask for the dog-only menu.
- Side Street Café—Dogs are welcome to dine with their owners on the outside patio, though the design of high tables and chairs makes it more difficult to keep dogs out of the way of servers and other customers.
- Great Maine Breakfast—For breakfast lovers, this restaurant is a place where your dog can join you at one of the outdoor tables.
- Jack Russell’s Steak House and Brewery—Another one for steak lovers is a highly rated, dog-friendly establishment where you can dine outside with your pet.
- Choco-Latte Café—When the sweet tooth beckons, take your pup along, sit at one of the 7 outdoor tables, and indulge!
- Café This Way—An enclosed, heated outdoor patio keeps you and your dog warm on cooler days. Human food is highly rated, and dogs are treated to goodies here!
- Testa’s Bar and Grill—Eat indoors or outdoors with your dog, enjoy the seafood this place is known for, and be sure to ask for the doggy menu.
- C-Ray Lobster—It’s all outdoor seating here, so bring on the lobster claws and sit anywhere with your pup.
- 2 Cats Bar Restaurant—Though known for its delicious breakfast food, allegedly there are just one or two “dog-friendly” tables.
- Mama Dimatteos—When the pasta bug bites, grab your dog and sit at one of the outdoor tables for an Italian feast.
- Sweet Pea’s Café—Enjoy food picked fresh from the garden while sitting outdoors with your dog.
- The Barnacle Bar—Want a nightcap? You and your dog are both welcome inside.
- Project Social Kitchen & Bar—It is touted to be a trendy place where you can bring your dog and enjoy cocktails on the lawn.
- CherrySTONES—Bring along your dog and enjoy good food on the covered patio while watching the people and pets go by on Main Street.
- Aloha—Poke Bowl Restaurant—Bring your dog and come get a poke bowl and enjoy it while eating on the lawn or picnic tables.
Dog-Friendly Transportation
If walking or hiking with your dog is not your thing, there are several options for convenient travel.
Island Explorer
This pet-friendly shuttle service links hotels, inns, and campgrounds and provides transportation to trails, carriage roads, beaches, and shops. Dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved.
Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines and Bar Harbor Ferry
When you board the schooner Margaret Todd, the resident Newfoundland dog, Maggie, will greet you and your dog. These boat rides are very popular and often crowded, which means you’ll need to keep your dog on a leash and be well-behaved. A variety of activities are available through these lines, including sightseeing tours, fishing, sailing, and ferrying to various ports throughout the area.
Acadian Boat Tours
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on Acadian Boat Tours cruises along the remarkable Maine coast.
Sea Princess Scenic Cruises
Originating in Northeast Harbor, Sea Princess cruises catch Bear Island Lighthouse, resident seals, and a 50-minute stopover on Little Cranberry Island, where you’ll see a 200-year-old lobster fishing village. Small dogs that can sit in your lap are allowed.
Carriages of Acadia—Wildwood Stables
A carriage ride on the carless roads through Acadia Park is a bucket-list adventure. Carriages in Acadia only permit dogs on private rides. Operating out of Wildwood Stables, you and your pup can enjoy one of three daily carriage excursions through the most awe-inspiring places in the area. Your dog must remain leashed throughout the 2-hour ride.
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Thunder Hole
One of nature’s most amazing sights is Thunder Hole. At just the right tidal time, a powerful boom occurs when the water enters a small cavern and expels air, accompanied by the right-sized wave. Dogs are allowed here on a leash, but be forewarned that noise-sensitive dogs may become frightened.
Cadillac Mountain
This magical mountain is where the first light of day arrives in the United States. The views from the top of this natural wonder are spectacular. Vehicle reservations are required. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Light Stations
Each of these lighthouses is filled with romantic lore of their duties along the Maine Coast. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Pet Emergency Hospitals
Just in case your dog or cat becomes ill, the following are some area veterinary hospitals and clinics.
- Acadia Veterinary Hospital—This is a full-service vet hospital located in Bar Harbor
- Small Animal Clinic—In addition to veterinary services, this facility in Ellsworth also offers pet boarding.
- Ellsworth Family Veterinary Clinic—This establishment is a full-service veterinary clinic located in Ellsworth.
Dog Daycare or Boarding Kennels
There are so many things to do and explore in Bar Harbor and Mt. Desert Island that you may not always be able to take your dog. Never fear, because here are two doggy daycare services.
Acadia Pet Services—This home-like facility offers doggy daycare and boarding services for dog-friendly dogs.
Something to Wag About—Located in Ellsworth, where your dog can be groomed during their daycare stay.
5 Unique and Dog-Friendly Places to Stay
- Devilstone Cottage—This charming, exceptional guest house with its gardens, WiFi, and ATM is a 13-minute walk to Town Beach
- Canterbury Cottage Bed & Breakfast—If it’s the relaxed and cozy atmosphere of a bed and breakfast that entices you, you and your dog will enjoy your stay in this highly rated, dog-friendly accommodation.
- Hanscom’s Motel and Cottages—Open year-round, this option offers the privacy of a cottage or the charm of a motel room. This accommodation option is especially suited for couples and their dogs, making it pet-friendly.
- The Mighty Oaks Retreat—This Bar Harbor home has undergone a full renovation and is perfect for large families and groups. The big front and back yards allow plenty of room for pets.
- Moose Lodge—A private, pet-friendly, exceptionally rated residence with a large kitchen, close to Acadia Park and Downtown Bar Harbor. The home offers views of Hamilton Pond in the Salisbury Cove area.
Pet-Friendly Campgrounds
The following campgrounds, all in Acadia National Park, are pet-friendly. Reservations are required.
