Bar Harbor: Acadia Bus Tour with Cadillac Mountain & Jordan Pond

Summary

Bar Harbor’s wild coast, Cadillac’s summit views, and Acadia’s quiet trails

You’ll ride in comfort from Bar Harbor through Acadia’s forests and coastline, stopping for sweeping views atop Cadillac Mountain and hearing local stories from your guide. Feel ocean spray at Thunder Hole, stroll wild gardens near Sieur De Mont’s Spring, and maybe grab a bite at Jordan Pond House if parking allows—all without worrying about driving or logistics.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I signed up for the Bar Harbor Acadia bus tour mostly because I didn’t want to drive. But sitting there in that cushy seat, watching pine trees whip by the panoramic window, I realized how much more I was noticing. Our guide—her name was Linda, I think—had this way of pointing out things you’d never spot on your own. Like the way the fog rolls off Frenchman Bay in June, or how locals can tell what time it is by the light on Cadillac Mountain. She said that last part with a grin; maybe it’s true.

The first real stop was Cadillac Mountain. The air up there tasted sharp and salty—almost metallic?—and the wind kept tugging at my hat. There were a few other folks wandering around, snapping photos or just staring out at Mount Desert Island spread below us like some kind of map you could touch. I tried to take a picture but honestly, it didn’t come close to what it felt like standing there. We had extra time (Linda said that’s the perk of this longer tour), so I just leaned against a rock and listened to someone nearby laughing about their hair blowing straight up.

Thunder Hole was next—louder than I expected, with that deep boom when the waves hit just right. Linda explained why it only “thunders” at certain tides; she sounded almost proud of it. The ocean spray smelled faintly of kelp and something sweet I couldn’t place. After that we wandered Sieur De Mont’s Spring (the wild gardens are smaller than you’d think but full of strange little plants). And if you’re lucky with parking, there’s a stop at Jordan Pond House—people rave about the popovers but they were out by the time we got there. Still, sitting on the deck with bottled water and watching clouds drift over the pond felt pretty good after all that walking.

I keep thinking about those quiet moments—the hush before Thunder Hole boomed again, or catching snippets of stories from other travelers as we rode back toward Bar Harbor. You don’t really expect to feel so calm after a day packed with stops and sights, but somehow I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Premium narrated tour of Acadia Park

• Board luxury Berkshire Coach
• Stop at Thunder Hole for photos
• Extended stop at Cadillac Mountain summit
• Visit Jordan Pond House and gift shop
• Stop at Sieur De Mont's Spring area
• Extended stop along Ocean Drive
• Visit Acadia Nature Center and Wild Gardens

Top questions

How long is the Bar Harbor Acadia bus tour?

The premium narrated bus tour lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours.

Does this Acadia tour include Cadillac Mountain?

Yes, there is an extended stop at Cadillac Mountain included in the tour.

Are meals included on this Acadia National Park bus tour?

No meals are included; bottled water is provided but food is not part of the package.

Is pickup included for this Bar Harbor bus tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a designated location in Bar Harbor.

What ages are allowed on this Acadia bus tour?

This tour is for adults only; no children under 13 are permitted.

Are restrooms available during the Acadia bus tour?

Yes, restroom facilities are available at several stops including Cadillac Mountain and Ocean Drive.

Is this Acadia park tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The coach is comfortable but motorized scooters are not allowed; service animals are permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes travel in an air-conditioned luxury coach with panoramic windows and super comfy seating, all entry fees and taxes covered along with bottled water provided throughout your journey—plus plenty of time to explore key spots like Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole before returning to Bar Harbor relaxed (and maybe a little windswept).