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    Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School

    4.9 (39 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Going down!
    Michael G.

    We took care of a bucket list item yesterday by hiring a guide from Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School for a half-day climbing experience! It was so much fun and well prepared by our guide, Andrew. We had to start off by asking for a partial refund as two of our six climbers decided they were not going to climb. The staff made some checks and said that the credit card would be deducted $60. No problems here! The next step was to head upstairs and sign waivers and get climbing gear including shoes, harness, and helmet. Again, smooth sailing. Since we had room in our car for Andrew, we took him along and headed into Acadia National Park. Andrew chose for us to try a section called The Bubbles, and more specifically, South Bubble. According to the sign-in book at the start of the trail to get there, about 700 people a year climb this section of Acadia. It took about a 1/4 mile up some very rocky (bouldery?) terrain and we almost felt like we would be slammed by the end but we all survived including my 74-year-old dad which I think is the oldest Andrew ever brought in a climbing group. Once we got to the Bubble, we learned how to tie a proper knot, and Andrew went ahead to set up the ropes. We also got a quick lesson on belaying but Andrew was more than helpful with answering our questions and being patient with us. He set up two lines each about 30' up what seemed like near vertical rock. He said it would rate about a 5.5 on the scales they use for difficulty. My kids did very well and every time they felt that that had to rest or try and figure out the best way to get up, Andrew and my family were quick to offer positive reinforcement so that they succeeded in getting to the top. Once they did, then they got to rappel down. I was able to get about 90% of one route and 100% of the other even though they were right next to each other by only about six feet. The four of us were able to get two attempts each; one left and one right side. Then, because of time (and you do get very tired), we were allowed to attempt one more climb in a different section, or just to rappel down. I chose to rappel and my kid chose climbing so he got to rappel, too. My stepmother chose to rappel. After some set-up by Andrew, we got to accomplish all of this. Unfortunately, this meant our half-day was over and we all had to hike back over the boulders and drive back to base out of Acadia. We returned the equipment and gave Andrew a tip. Andrew who was finishing up college and did this for a summer job was very professional, patient, and extremely knowledgeable about climbing. I'd recommend asking for him if he's available. I'd also recommend a couple of things such as wearing lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants but not jeans. The sun is hot out there! Bring water and maybe some appropriate snacks. Sunglasses are helpful. You have to be somewhat in shape but even for someone like me with not that great upper body strength was competent in getting to where I needed to go. As Andrew told us, "Trust your feet." The footwear grips very well. And my dad got over the boulders with a camera bag to boot. The cost for us was about $300 + tip. We booked months in advance. I don't think rock climbing is again in my future but I'm very happy that my family and I participated in this very exciting day. I'd like to go rappelling, though. I highly recommend Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School for an awesome day. Andrew, again, helped make the day great. No one got hurt, and he was very encouraging to us all.

    Rock climbing

    We had an amazing time rock climbing with Celeste! We did an almost full day of rockclimbing. We basically got rained out but Celeste was a great guide. She was so funny and helpful, which made me feel more comfortable. I felt safe the entire time and she helped to adjust the level of skill required to what we could do. We had initially booked a full day but due to the rainy weather had to cut it short. They were willing to adjust the cost to accommodate the change, which was really nice of them. I highly recommend this company for rock climbing in Acadia. We are complete newbies but it was a wonderful experience even in such rainy weather.

    The beehive in Acadia.
    Bob P.

    Pat was a good guide and took the time to focus on my children learning. They are 7 and 9 and we went to the canyon in Acadia. He showed me how to tie off as well. It rained during our entire climb and we probably should not have attempted it but we did it. The kids were cold and grumpy but got in some climbs. Unfortunately, my wife and I only got in one climb, which was a real bummer. Our climb was also cut short by 90 minutes after we had a 30 minute delay because of the heavy rain. I asked for a discount when we returned and it was not going to be easy. First they offered 10% then 20% and we agreed on a 40% discount, which was fair. This review would have been much different without that discount because I told them before leaving that we should not go and they urged us to do it and the rain just kept coming. I wish we could have experienced this in better weather but we all made the best of it and the discount made it a worthwhile experience.

    South wall area, south of Precipice trail head
    Jeff S.

    Our family of four had a great climbing adventure yesterday with Devin, our guide. Devin was super friendly, knowledgeable, and talented climber. He quickly established multiple routes and then took time to explain all safety protocols. Our climbing day was so far the highlight of our BH vacation. We climbed an area called south wall, just south of precipice trail. Loved it so much, we're gonna climb one more time this week, hopefully on the otter cliffs.

    Geoffrey B.

    Nick did a great job finding a spot that was not only beautiful but had enough options to keep our diverse group of 4 engaged. Very safe and professional and he was great with our kids that have never climbed outside. We will be back. If you haven't done it, than this is the best way to see Acadia. Thank you!

    Otter Cliff

    Great tour. A top highlight of our trip to MDI. Me, wife, and two 10 year old daughters, total and complete novices, climbed otter cliff. Our guide,Forest, was amazingly patient and helpful to our kids who conquered their fears and the cliffs several times. Highly recommend this outfit and Forest.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great experience, highly recommend. My daughter and I went to Otter cliffs, one of the best parts of our vacation.

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Had a fantastic half day family climb session, with Alec as our guide. Highly recommend!

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Great small group beginners climb. Guide was patient and a good judge of skill. Loved it.

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    Ask the Community - Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School

    Review Highlights - Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School

    My girlfriend and I paid $260 in total to go for 4 hours to climb at Otter Cliffs in Acadia.

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    Cadillac Mountain Sports - The most overpriced overrated and absolutely worst service imaginable

    Cadillac Mountain Sports

    4.0(25 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    I was in excruciating pain and stopped in to look for compression socks. The cashier didn't bother…read moreto even give proper instructions and said just go to the socks section. There were 4 tall sections of socks and with that many overwhelming options there was no way someone trying to catch the ship back was going to be able to sift through each item. And at socks averaging $26, I'd have expected personalized service. Nope... When I went back I asked if there was another staff member that actually cared about customers to personally show if there were socks that could help. She gave me a blank look and after a while called for "Nate". Nate then said sorry we just have regular socks and can't really help unless you want shoes. 1 star is too good for this overpriced store.

    Bottom Line: Retailer selling hiking, backpacking, and climbing gear and clothes…read more Cadillac Mountain Sports is located in downtown Bar Harbor and sells high quality clothing and gear for adventures. When I visited the store in early June it was packed to the gills with merchandise. I wasn't in need of anything but I was certainly impressed with their merchandise and the many great brands they carry like Toad & Co., Prana, Smartwool and Darn Tough. The shoe and sock section was particularly impressive. I came to Bar Harbor fully prepared for my planned outdoor adventures but I think next time I might come a bit less prepared so I have a reason to do some shopping at Cadillac Mountain Sports.

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    Cadillac Mountain Sports
    Cadillac Mountain Sports - Cadillac Mountain Sports located on 26 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.

    Cadillac Mountain Sports located on 26 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.

    Cadillac Mountain Sports - Camping Chair

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    Camping Chair

    Alpenglow Adventure Sports

    Alpenglow Adventure Sports

    4.1(17 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    Confessions of a gear junkie. I buy way too much gear. Period. I'm often suckered in by a good deal…read more(which Alpenglow often has!) but I'm always brought back by great service. I'll skip shoddy service and pay a couple dollars more for good service. There's a reason I have made half a dozen orders from Alpenglow and I'll give you a hint: it's because their customer service rhymes with "awesome." Also rhymes with "excellent." If you don't believe me, log on to their web page, search the specials, save a boatload of money, and check your porch three days later. I promise you won't be disappointed. I haven't been, six times in a row (that's what she said). Thanks Alpenglow, for giving me an excuse to write this review and throw in a mediocre TWSS joke. Now I have gear to go sort, if you'll excuse me.

    If I said Alpenglow was the all-time best of all time, your hyperbole-meter might start going off…read more However, your meter would be DEAD WRONG. Throw it in the trash. Wait for a sale at Amazon for a new one, maybe get last years model to save a little bit extra. You don't need the new pink-striped accents on the 2014 model. You might like them, but you don't need them. Anyway, back to Alpenglow. They rock! Countless times, I've searched for a random specific piece of gear online, and who not only has it in stock, but on sale?! Alpenglow. Not only are their sales timely and fantastic, but the customer service has been stellar, and the shippin' is quick and cheap/free. Trying to remember all the things I've bought here, maybe two sets of ice tools, cams, ice screws, pants, backpack, etc etc etc. All time best! EDIT: Incidentally, KennyB below sounds like an idiot. I give him 1 star.

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    Alpenglow Adventure Sports
    Alpenglow Adventure Sports - 228 Main St  Bar Harbor, ME

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    228 Main St Bar Harbor, ME

    Acadia Outfitters - So many areas to explore

    Acadia Outfitters

    3.6(30 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    We had an amazing experience with Acadia Outfitters! My friend and I had a booking mix-up (our…read morefault), but Emily and the team went above and beyond to make sure we could still get out on the e-bikes. We rode the carriage roads to Jordan Pond House for lunch, walked the Jordan Pond Trail, and biked back--it was one of our favorite days in Bar Harbor. Friendly, helpful staff and great bikes--highly recommend!

    While looking for an E-bike rental we noticed lots of places book out a couple of days. We had…read moregreat luck with Acadia outfitters and was able to snag a reservation. Just over $100 pp for a whole day of fun isn't bad. *note* just because this is in town doesn't mean you can't ride into the park! I thought it would be a long ride into the park but it was only about 1.5mi from the shop to the carriage road. Even as an avid hiker this was a GREAT way to explore Acadia NP on the carriage roads. We did the loop they suggested and ended up doing it in a figure 8 stopping halfway for lunch at the Jordan Pond House. Started around 9:30am and came back in around 1:30pm which was plenty of time after riding 25miles. We still had 3bars left on our bikes. I did this with my husband and his parents who are in their 60's. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable answering any questions we had. I would recommend this place for E-bike rentals!

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    Acadia Outfitters - Such a great experience with this company

    Such a great experience with this company

    Acadia Outfitters
    Acadia Outfitters - E-bike rental on the carriage roads

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    E-bike rental on the carriage roads

    Acadia Shop

    Acadia Shop

    4.0(21 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    There's really nothing too special about this shop, but every time I visit I find myself here at…read moreleast a few times. It's definitely nostalgia-fueled. I can remember coming to this shop ever since I was little. The smell of pine, the touristy yet awesome items. Sure, they've got the same stuff that 90% of the other shops have, but something about this store for me is different. They've got every blueberry, Maine, Acadia, and Bar Harbor item you could need - clothes, books, souvenirs, home decor, and more spread out over two floors. I think this store probably has the most stuff out of any store in the downtown Bar Harbor area, but because of the size of the space it's not packed in like at some other shops. Prices are high, the items are touristy, but what do you expect? It's all about the nostalgia for me.

    This shop is HUGE. It's two stories and loaded with tons of things. There are all sorts of…read moretrinkets, kitchen and food items, clothing, keychains, magnets, art, etc. It took me a good 45 minutes to roam around and look at everything and I probably still didn't see it all. I found a few items for myself, my mom, and my daughter inside and the staff were very friendly. We stopped in here a few times and I saw a few different people working behind the counter and all greeted us immediately and were friendly. Make sure to stop in here while in town - it's got more than most of the other shops when you take it all in.

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    Acadia Shop
    Acadia Shop
    Acadia Shop

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    The Natural History Center - South Polar Skua, observed on the annual September pelagic trip.

    The Natural History Center

    5.0(8 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Very nice narrative of the area, history and some "fun facts". It was neat to see Acadia from the…read morewater after visiting from land the day before.

    Rich took our family on a full day tour of Bar Harbor/Acadia. The kids are ages 7 and 9 and he…read moreadjusted the content of the tour based on the likes and dislikes of my kids that I described to him over the phone prior to arriving. We started the morning on 1+ hour hike through a spruce forest to arrive at the edge of a cove. Seals were in the water and birds in the distance. We literally didn't see a single other person on the hike which is incredible given that it was high season (August). It was a testament to Rich's knowledge of the island. We did visit Sieur de Monts Spring and did a flat loop walk on the long boardwalk trail which was also fairly deserted given its proximity to the tour buses pouring tourists out in front of the nature museum there. Lastly, we made a visit to a tidal pool where we spent a solid 2 hours in the water looking under every rock for starfish, crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins and snails galore. Rich knew each species and explained the good and the bad (green crabs -- invasive, not good; Jonah crabs - native, good) Rich did all of the driving and it made for a relaxing exposure to Bar Harbor/Acadia that we would've never been able to do as quickly on our own. Well worth the money.

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    The Natural History Center - Atlantic Puffins.

    Atlantic Puffins.

    The Natural History Center - Atlantic Puffins seen on a recent tour.

    Atlantic Puffins seen on a recent tour.

    The Natural History Center - Laughing Gull

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    Laughing Gull

    Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School - outdoorgear - Updated May 2026

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