I'm meeting my folks in Maine the first weekend in August, and we're trying to scout lodging for a few days in Bar Harbor. I've been there several times, but it's been at least 10 years since I've visited and I always stayed on friends' couches. That said, we're looking for something affordable but convenient to town and Acadia. And we realize it's high season and we don't have reservations yet. Any tips or suggestions of places to check out? Also, we're hoping to take the ferry to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Is there much to do in Yarmouth? Can we trek on foot or would it be best to take the car? Our plans are to go over one morning and take the ferry back that evening. Thanks so much for any help!

Affordable, August and Bar Harbor don't really fit......


www.parkentrance.com
www.barharborqualityinn.com
www.barharbor.com/bayview

No there is not much to do in Yarmouth. Check out the CAT ferry http://www.catferry.com/
for prices, tours, etc. It is not cheap to take your car on the ferry. We took the CAT and had signed up for one of their tours of Yarmouth which we found very interesting, and IMO is the only way to do it if you have only one day to spend in Nova Scotia.

There are lots of motels along RT 3 towards MDI, and there is likely to be SOMETHING available, but I'm not sure how to find out about them.

I recommend against NS as a day-trip. Yarmouth really isn't very interesting. We loved NS, but the best part is Cape Breton, a days drive from Yarmouth. I imagine a whale-boat trip is cheaper- I would suggest that, instead.

Yes, I realize affordable/high season/Bar Harbor doesn't quite compute. The folks decided to splurge on the lodging, so that's taken care of. Didn't really relish the thought of staying in Ellsworth or something like that. Thanks for the tips on Yarmouth!!

Polyester

Where did your folks find lodging?

We just returned from Maine and stayed in Trenton, what I consider a great location on Western Bay. We rented a three bedroom/2 bath home that was just across the bridge to Mount Desert Island. From that point we could drive to either Acadia, Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor or to Ellsworth for groceries, Walmart, cinemas. I think the rental is for a week so that might be too long for you, but this specific home would be perfect for separating you and your folks (bedrooms on either side of kitchen/family room). If you are intersted, let me know and I can point you to more information.

BTW, I compared rentals to hotels/motels/b&bs and we basically stayed there for half of what the others wanted. I think this home in high season goes for $1600/week. That is much cheaper than renting two rooms at a hotel.

Polyester: Thanks, but yes, a week is too long. Basically I'm just looking for a place to spend the night before taking the ferry across to Nova Scotia and then again on the way back for one night after returning on the ferry.

Just getting back to this thread --

To answer the question about where they found space, it's the Sea Breeze Motel and Campground. Looks like it'll be far from luxurious but much cheaper than other places, space was available during our trip and right on Frenchman's Bay. I'll post an update once I see what it looks like.