Must Love Dogs: A Dog-Friendly Guide to Bar Harbor & Acadia | Geddy’s
For many of us, a vacation just isn’t a vacation unless the dog comes too. Luckily, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are wonderful places to explore with four-legged family members along for the ride.
From miles of trails and carriage roads to waterfront walks, dog-friendly lodging, outdoor dining and even a few special shopping stops for your pup, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Mount Desert Island together.
Quick Picks for a Dog-Friendly Bar Harbor Trip
Best dog walk: Little Long Pond
Best scenic walk: Ocean Path
Most unique walk: Bar Island Trail
Best dog-friendly meal: Mainely Meat
Best picnic: Geddy’s takeout + Agamont Park
Best dog shopping: Bark Harbor
Best splurge stay: Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina
Best emergency resource: Acadia Veterinary Hospital
Ready to plan your pup’s Bar Harbor getaway? Here’s where to stay, walk, eat, shop and explore together.
Where to Stay With Your Dog
Whether your idea of vacation is a waterfront splurge, a cozy cottage in the woods or sleeping under the stars, there are dog-friendly choices for a range of budgets.
Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina — Waterfront Splurge
If you and your pup prefer a little luxury, the Harborside puts you right on the waterfront and within easy walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor.
The hotel welcomes well-mannered dogs, with a maximum of two per room, in designated dog-friendly accommodations. Four-legged guests even receive a welcome gift with treats and waste bags, with dog mats and bowls available as part of the hotel’s pet program.
Best for: A luxurious downtown stay where you can leave the car parked and explore Bar Harbor on foot.
Balance Rock Inn — Boutique & Beautiful
Tucked along the water just steps from downtown, the historic Balance Rock Inn is another lovely choice for travelers who want something special.
The inn has a limited selection of pet-friendly rooms, so you’ll want to reserve ahead. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor grounds, although there are restrictions in common areas, dining areas and around the pool.
Best for: Couples and travelers looking for a quieter, boutique Bar Harbor experience.
The Bayview — Oceanfront & Just Outside Downtown
Another lovely boutique option is The Bayview, located less than a mile from downtown Bar Harbor on Eden Street. The oceanfront hotel offers designated pet-friendly rooms with easy access to the lawn, private balconies, and special dog amenities including a dog bed, bowls and welcome treats.
The Bayview currently welcomes up to two well-behaved dogs in designated rooms; pets cannot be left unattended. Because the number of pet-friendly rooms is limited, reserving early is a good idea.
Best for: Travelers who want an upscale, quieter oceanfront stay while still being close to downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia.
Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor–Acadia National Park — Resort Comfort Close to Town
For travelers who want resort amenities without being far from downtown Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park, the Holiday Inn Resort is a convenient option on Eden Street.
The property offers waterfront views, a pool, on-site dining and designated pet-friendly accommodations. One important note: its current pet policy is geared toward smaller dogs, so guests should confirm size limits and fees when booking.
Best for: Travelers with smaller dogs who want resort amenities, easy access to Bar Harbor and a short drive to Acadia.
Traveling with a larger dog? The Best Western Acadia Park Inn on Route 3 is a little farther from downtown, but it may be a better fit for larger dogs. Its current pet policy allows up to two dogs in designated rooms, with a higher weight allowance than the Holiday Inn. It’s still convenient to Acadia and can be a practical option for families who don’t mind staying a few miles outside town.
Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages — A Local Favorite for More Space
Hanscom’s Motel & Cottages is about four miles outside downtown Bar Harbor and has a very different feel from a traditional hotel. Its cottages and motel units sit among pine, maple and birch trees, with picnic tables, grills and outdoor space.
Hanscom’s explicitly welcomes well-behaved pets, and many accommodations include kitchenettes — handy when traveling with a dog.
Best for: Travelers who like cottages, extra outdoor space and a quieter home base.
Camping — For Dogs Who Really Love the Outdoors
For the adventurous dog-and-human duo, camping may be the most memorable — and budget-friendly — choice of all.
Acadia National Park currently allows pets at Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods campgrounds, provided park pet rules are followed.
Best for: Outdoorsy travelers who would rather wake up among the trees than in a hotel room.
Seven Great Walks & Hikes With Your Dog
One of the reasons Acadia is such a wonderful destination for dog owners is just how much of the park you can explore together. Dogs are currently permitted on approximately 100 miles of hiking trails and all 45 miles of carriage roads. Within Acadia, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
1. Bar Harbor Shore Path — Popular Dog Excursion
Just steps from downtown, the historic Bar Harbor Shore Path is an easy, scenic walk along Frenchman Bay. The path begins beside Agamont Park and winds along the waterfront with views of the Porcupine islands, lobster boats, rocky shoreline, and some of Bar Harbor’s beautiful historic homes.
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a perfect morning or evening stroll with your pup.
Best for: An easy, scenic walk right in downtown Bar Harbor.
2. Little Long Pond — Our Pick for Dog Heaven
Just outside Acadia in Seal Harbor, Little Long Pond Natural Lands is one of our favorite places to bring a dog.
You’ll find pond views, woods, meadows and a network of beautiful trails and carriage roads. It’s a wonderful place for anything from a leisurely stroll to a longer morning adventure.
One important note: the Preserve has its own dog rules. From May 1 through September 30, dogs at Little Long Pond must be leashed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; dogs may be off leash at permitted times if they are under voice control. Swimming is limited to designated dog-water-access areas.
Best for: Dogs who like having room to explore — and humans who want beautiful scenery without tackling a mountain.
3. Bar Island Trail — The Most Uniquely Bar Harbor Walk
How often do you get to tell your dog, “Today we’re walking across the ocean floor?”
At low tide, a gravel land bridge appears between downtown Bar Harbor and Bar Island. Cross the bar, then continue into the woods for views back toward Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.
Dogs are permitted on leash. But check the tide chart before you start. The crossing is available for roughly 90 minutes before through 90 minutes after low tide. Miss your return window and it can be about nine hours before the bar is exposed again.
Best for: A memorable Bar Harbor experience you can’t do just anywhere.
4. Ocean Path — Best for Classic Acadia Views
For dramatic rocky coastline without a strenuous mountain climb, it’s hard to beat Ocean Path.
This is one of those walks where you’ll want to stop frequently — not because the dog is tired, but because you’ll keep reaching for your camera. The route takes you past some of Acadia’s most recognizable coastal scenery.
Keep in mind that nearby Sand Beach is off-limits to pets from June 15 through September 8.
Best for: Ocean views, photographs and an easier Acadia outing.
5. Eagle Lake Carriage Roads — Best Choose-Your-Own-Adventure
Acadia’s historic carriage roads are one of the park’s treasures — and they’re especially nice for dogs who prefer a broad gravel road to rocky trails.
Head toward Eagle Lake and walk for twenty minutes or make a morning of it. With 45 miles of pet-friendly carriage roads throughout Acadia, it’s easy to tailor the outing to your dog’s age and energy level.
Best for: Older dogs, energetic dogs and everyone in between.
6. Gorham Mountain — For the Adventurous Pup
If you have a fit, trail-savvy dog and want something that feels more like a true Acadia hike, consider Gorham Mountain.
This is the choice for visitors who want elevation and sweeping scenery rather than a leisurely walk. Use good judgment based on your dog’s fitness, paws and comfort on rocky terrain.
Best for: Active dogs and experienced hiking companions.
7. Stone Barn Farm — A Peaceful Local Walk
Looking for something quieter than Acadia’s most popular trails? Stone Barn Farm offers a lovely change of pace, with open fields, wooded trails and views toward Northeast Creek.
Dogs are welcome on the preserve but must remain leashed, making it a nice option for an easy walk away from the busiest part trails.
Best for: A peaceful, scenic dog walk with plenty of fresh air and room to explore.
Bonus: Head to the Quiet Side
If crowds aren’t your dog’s thing, consider spending part of a day on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island. Trails such as Wonderland and Ship Harbor offer coastal scenery with a wonderfully different feel from the busiest parts of Acadia.
Where to Eat When Your Dog Is Along
Traveling with a dog changes the restaurant question from “Where should we eat?” to “Where can everybody be happy?”
Here are a few ideas.
Geddy’s Takeout + Agamont Park — Our Favorite Downtown Picnic
Of course, we’re a little partial to this one.
Order your favorite Geddy’s meal to go — maybe a Maine lobster roll, fresh seafood, pizza or a burger (grilled chicken for the pup) — then head across the street toward Agamont Park for an outdoor picnic with your pup and a view of Frenchman Bay.
Geddy’s currently offers takeout ordering from its downtown Bar Harbor restaurant.
Sometimes the best table in Bar Harbor isn’t really a table at all. It’s a shady patch of grass, a harbor view and your dog lying beside you hoping you’ll drop a French fry.
Mainely Meat BBQ — Your Dog Can Order Too
On Route 3, Mainely Meat BBQ Dreamwood Hill offers barbecue favorites and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Even better: they offer a special menu for dogs.
Best for: The dog who doesn’t understand why humans should get all the good vacation food.
Cafe This Way — Breakfast on the Patio
Tucked just off Mount Desert Street, Cafe This Way is a longtime Bar Harbor breakfast favorite with indoor and outdoor seating and a leafy patio atmosphere.
Dog policies on restaurant patios can change, so it’s always smart to check when you arrive.
Best for: Breakfast before a day of hiking.
Paddy’s Irish Pub — A Waterfront Patio Option
Paddy’s gives visitors another outdoor dining possibility when traveling with a dog, particularly if you’re looking for a sit-down meal near the waterfront.
As with all seasonal outdoor dining in Bar Harbor, confirm the current dog policy when making your plans.
Quietside Snacks — A Tasty Stop on the Quiet Side
Exploring the western side of Mount Desert Islan? Quietside Snacks makes a fun casual stop for a bite before heading back out with your pup.
Best for: A relaxed meal while exploring the quieter side of MDI.
Bar Harbor Pier Ice Cream Shack — Because Dogs Deserve a Treat, Too
Finish your walk through downtown Bar Harbor with an ice cream stop at this cute shack on the pier — and a special soft-serve pup cup topped with a dog bone for your four-legged companion.
Best for: A fun do-friendly treat on the waterfront after exploring downtown Bar Harbor.
Shopping for Your Pup — and Yourself
You remembered the hiking shoes, rain jacket and camera.
The dog leash? Dog toy?
Maybe not.
Fortunately, there are some good places nearby for both necessities and vacation treats.
Bark Harbor
With a name like Bark Harbor, this one practically has to be on the list.
The downtown pet shop carries treats, toys, collars, leashes, clothing, care items and fun Maine-themed goodies for four-legged visitors.
Geddy’s By the Sea or Geddy’s Down-Under
Don’t forget a souvenir for the dog!
At Geddy’s Down-Under or Geddy’s By the Sea, you can browse Bar Harbor and Maine gifts for the humans — and dog toys for your four-legged traveling companion.
Hannaford
Sometimes vacation shopping is less about souvenirs and more about “We forgot the dog treats.”
Bar Harbor’s Hannaford is a handy stop for groceries and basic pet and travel necessities.
Crystal Clear Family Pets — Ellsworth
If you need a larger pet-supply stop, Crystal Clear Family Pets in Ellsworth is worth knowing about, particularly on your way onto or off Mount Desert Island.
Just in Case: Veterinary Care
Nobody wants to think about a sick or injured pet while on vacation, but it’s one piece of information worth having before you need it.
Acadia Veterinary Hospital is right in Bar Harbor at 21 Federal Street, (207) 288-5733. They handle certain urgent cases during regular business hours. Their current emergency guidance specifically directs after-hours urgent cases to Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic, 820 Main Road in Holden, (207) 989-6267.
Keep both numbers saved on your phone, along with a copy of your dog’s vaccination and medication information. Because veterinary hours and emergency arrangements can change, it’s always a good idea to call ahead.
Know Before You Go: Acadia With a Dog
Acadia is remarkably dog-friendly, but a little preparation makes the day much easier.
Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl, waste bags, tick protection and a towel for muddy paws. After hiking, check both yourself and your dog carefully for ticks.
Inside Acadia National Park, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Do not leave pets unattended in cars or at campsites, and avoid Acadia’s ladder-and-rung trails with dogs. The National Park Service also recommends bringing plenty of water when hiking with pets.
Also remember that not every dog-friendly trail means every dog should hike it. Age, heat, paw condition, rocky terrain and your dog’s fitness all matter.
And don’t forget: some lakes within Acadia are public drinking-water supplies, so swimming by pets and people is prohibited. Seasonal pet restrictions also apply at Sand Beach and Echo Lake.
A Dog’s Perfect Day in Bar Harbor?
If we were planning one, it might look something like this:
- Start early with a walk at Little Long Pond.
- Head back to Bar Harbor and wander downtown — perhaps picking up a new toy at Bark Harbor or Geddy’s By the Sea.
- Grab Geddy’s takeout for lunch and find a shady spot at Agamont Park overlooking the harbor.
- Later, check the tide and — if the timing is right — walk across the land bridge to Bar Island.
- Then head back to wherever you’re staying, where one very happy, very tired dog can dream about doing it all over again tomorrow.
Because around here, vacation doesn’t have to mean leaving your best friend at home.
Bar Harbor is even better when your best friend comes along.
Pet policies, fees, seasonal restrictions and business hours can change. Always confirm current policies directly with lodging properties, restaurants and attractions before your visit.
Happy Trails,
Heather, Sailor, and Sunset