will be in bar harbor/acadia np for 2 days end of July. Trying to decide where to stay. Have heard the traffic is so bad getting around that its better to stay in town and walk. Is this true? Is there a lot of parking in town? How is driving around the park? Should we consider a bus tour ? Any suggestions of places to stay? Would like water view. Moderately priced.

I hope to take my husband to Maine this year. I heard that the Ullikana and the Sunset on West B&Bs are wonderful, but I don't know the prices.

We spent a day in Acadia en route to Nova Scotia 3 summers ago. Had also heard horror stories about traffic within National Park, but it was fine - certainly not isolated wilderness along car route, but parking was available at all sites and turn-offs without problem, and any walking or hiking trails more private. I had read that there was some discussion about banning private autos along some parts of park and instituting trams, but don't know if this was ever done.

We spent a week in Bar Harbor last July and had heard the same traffic horror stories. Yes, traffic was heavy but in no way did it impede on a wonderful vacation. We did stay in town at the Hearthside Inn B & B where we were able to walk everywhere in town. Very nice B & B with gracious hosts.
Parking is limited in town and fills up quickly. There is a great bus service that runs in the town and out to the park which is free and convenient although we never had a problem driving the park loop. Enjoy your visit to a beautiful area.

Agree with the last post...traffic wasn't great but nowhere as bad as mentioned. I would definely stay in Bar Harbor because those roads could get backed up but it wasn't as bad as expectyed and we were there 4th of Jul week. It is simply gorgeous...we loved it

We were in Bar Harbor for 3 days last July. We stayed in town at the Bar Harbor Inn. It is right on the water but the water view rooms may be too expensive for your budget. In any case, I recommend you stay in town and walk since parking is not great. You will have no problem driving in Acadia Nat'l Park. The Cadillac Mountain road can be pretty busy--try and go early. Don't bother with the bus tour. I think the drive into Bar Harbor on Route 3 was more frustrating than driving either in town or in the park.

We were in Bar Harbor last August. Stayed at the Bar Harbor Motel, very clean and nice for the price. There is a bus service from the Motel to town, which is very convenient. Otherwise, to get into town we drove down Route 3, I believe, made a right turn where there is a kayak/bike rental place and always found parking on that street. There is a very nice market there too. The traffic was not an issue at all.

I also did not notice a traffic problem. the only thing resembling one was the congested stretch of road from Bangor to Bar Harbor.

Avoid the bus tour unless you are a blue hair. If you try to do the park loop on your own, you may notice too many of the buses stopping and dumping hordes of people off at the big tourist sites. The best way to do Acadia/Bar Harbor is to stay in town. The Ulikana (thanks for reminding me the name Shawn) was very nice. From there you can walk to all of BH. bring your bike (or rent) drive to the park (with bike) and explore the miles of carriage trails. Do the kayaking and Whale watch if you like that sort of thing also.