With breathtaking views of Maine’s stunning coastline, Under Canvas Acadia is the perfect base camp for an ideal New England getaway. Just 35-minutes to the acclaimed Cadillac Mountain Trail and more broadly, Acadia National Park, there’s a ton of ground to cover! From hiking and exploring around Acadia National Park to downtown Bar Harbor, lobstering, stargazing, and enjoying a locally-sourced meal at our on-site restaurant—we’ve got you covered with the perfect three-day itinerary so that you can make the most of your stay at Under Canvas Acadia!
Day One: Acadia National Park: Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond, and a Sunset Cruise.
Morning:
Wake up in your safari-style tent and soak up the serene New England surroundings from the comfort of your private deck or grab a fresh espresso beverage of your choosing from our contemporary coffee cart onsite. Once you’ve got your caffeine fix, you’ll be ready to kick off your day of exploring around Acadia National Park, known as the “Crown Jewel” of the North Atlantic Coast.
Just 35-minutes from your upscale accommodations, you’ll arrive at the entrance to Acadia National Park. Don’t forget that you’ll need an entrance pass! From here you’ll set off on Park Loop Road, a 27-mile route that goes around Mount Desert Island. With loads of spots to pull-off and explore plus beautiful lookout points along the way, you can stop as much as you’d like to capture the beauty of this national park. During the drive you’ll come across must-see spots like Thunder Hole, a natural rock formation known for its thundering boom and splash zone, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliffs—all found along the family-friendly Ocean Path.
Insider tip. The best time to check out Thunder Hole is a couple of hours before high tide…This is the most ideal time to see (and hear!) the splashes and booms in all their glory, so be sure to plan ahead!
Afternoon:
Jordan Pond is a spot many people think of when they hear Acadia National Park. This beautiful pond is widely photographed and recognized for its hills which are known as “The Bubbles”. Hike them or spend a bit more time walking Jordan Pond Loop Trail, an easy 3.5 miles roundtrip that will take you around the entire body of water. Relatively flat, this hike is a great option for explorers of all ages, even your pup can tag along! Like Under Canvas Acadia, Acadia National Park’s trails are also dog-friendly—as long as they are leashed at all times!
Once you’ve seen the sights and worked up an appetite, grab a bite from Jordan Pond House. Famous for its popovers (traditionally served warm with butter and strawberry jam), this restaurant dates back to the late 1800’s and it’s definitely worth a visit! If you’re planning to come during the summer it can get busy so don’t forget to make a reservation. When you’re done, you can continue along Park Loop Road to check out more of the park’s tidal pools and cliffside lookouts or select a hike from the 150 miles of trails found throughout the national park. Some of our favorite hikes include Beehive Trail, The Precipice, and South Bubble to Bubble Rock.
Evening:
After a long day of exploring, it’s time to relax! Grab an ice cream cone from the local Pugnuts Ice Cream shop in Surry (a quick five minute drive from camp) or head out on an even sweeter sunset cruise to experience a chilled out evening on the water while learning about local history and folklore. Bookable through our Adventure Concierge, you can cruise through the water surrounding the stunning Acadia area while taking in its beautiful and unique sights before heading back to Under Canvas Acadia. Enjoy a locally-sourced bite from our open-air dining menu and check in with our Guest Experience Coordinators in the main lobby tent for any evening activities happening as part of our complimentary camp programming.
Day Two: Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain and Lobstering.
Morning:
Did you know that Cadillac Mountain is one of the very first spots to see the sun come up in the United States?! A hotspot for travelers heading to Acadia National Park, hundreds of visitors wake up before the sun to hit this point before dawn. Rise extra early from your cozy tent this morning and head out to catch daybreak from this mountain top spot. The worthwhile spectacle is one you won’t want to miss!
Overlooking the Gulf of Maine, Frenchman Bay, and Bar Harbor, sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is nothing short of incredible. At 1,530 feet, it’s also the highest point along the North Atlantic seacoast, so be sure to pack wisely and bundle up for your trip to the summit! If you’re visiting May 26 through October 19, vehicle reservations are required and sold online at Recreation.gov for advance purchase. Arrive an hour or so before sunrise to enjoy this early-morning event in its entirety before hiking Cadillac Mountain Loop. This short, paved trail will give you full views of the sea below.
Afternoon:
Now that you’ve seen the water from a birds-eye view, it’s time to experience it. Spend the afternoon out on the water with Captain Linda Greenlaw and her crew for an exciting tour all about lobster fishing. The Lobster 101 tour covers everything you need to know about this local activity, from biology of lobster, fishing regulations, bait, gear, and more. Bring along your own drinks and snacks, and get ready to get your feet wet on this local expedition. You can book your private lobstering experience as an add-on to your stay at Under Canvas Acadia or part of a custom Adventure Package for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Evening:
After a full day of sightseeing, head back to Under Canvas Acadia to indulge in your very own lobster bake, and sip on a local craft beer paired with complimentary s’mores around the campfire before retreating to your safari-inspired tent for the evening. Sit out on your tent’s private deck to enjoy the calming nightscape sounds of Maine’s coastline or, if you’ve selected a Stargazer tent for your stay, revel in the crystal clear night-sky from the comfort of your bed through your stargazing viewing window!
Day Three: Explore Bar Harbor and Bass Harbor Lighthouse.
Morning:
Wake up well-rested after a peaceful night’s sleep in your plush king size bed and grab a locally-sourced breakfast from our onsite restaurant. Enjoy the last of your time at Under Canvas Acadia by taking a leisurely walk along our camp’s 1,200 feet of coastline or stretching out during one of our free yoga classes, available just steps from your tent.
Afternoon:
Iconically “Maine”, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a spot that you just cannot leave the area without seeing! Nestled on the southwest side of Mount Desert Island, this 19th century light station sits 56 feet above the water, atop a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. Surrounded by tall pines, it’s a photogenic area that many visitors come to see during their time near Acadia. When you arrive, follow the footpath on the right side to reach the lighthouse viewing area which offers a perfect panoramic view of the harbor and islands along the horizon.
Evening:
On your drive back from Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, you’ll hit colorful Bar Harbor—a charming coastal community on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. Filled with adorable restaurants and locally-owned stores, it’s the perfect spot to end your trip. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, locally roasted coffee, or want to pick up a handcrafted item made in one of the surrounding villages to commemorate your trip, you can do it all here.
Endless adventures await in and around Acadia National Park and our Guest Experience Coordinators are always available to provide tips, tricks, and activities to make your stay at Under Canvas Acadia one to remember!