Acadia National Park is our region's crown jewel. Our business community employs a strategy of responsible tourism that will protect Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island’s natural beauty and resources for future generations.
Local nonprofit A Climate to Thrive (ACTT), formed in 2016, focuses on the goal of energy independence for Mount Desert Island by 2030. In 2019, ACTT helped Mount Desert Island High School install a rooftop solar array to provide 100% of the electrical demand for the high school. Organizers continue to drive change in food systems, solid waste, building efficiency, transportation, and especially in the shaping of public policy. Click here to visit their website for access to resources and ways you can help keep Bar Harbor beautiful during your stay.
Suggestions for sustainable practices to reduce waste and energy during your visit
Use your refillable water bottle at these water fountains and refill stations
Acadia National Park: Sand Beach parking area, Jordan Pond House, Sieur de Monts Spring, Cadillac Mountain Summit, and Echo Lake. Most picnic areas have water fountains.
Bar Harbor: Ballfield by the public restrooms - Park Street
Northeast Harbor: Marina Visitor Center, Clifton Dock, Seal Harbor (fountain by the beach)
Southwest Harbor: Mt. Desert Spring Water, Saint Dreux’s coffee and ice cream shop outside seating area (10 stage filter. Available 24 hours free of charge.)
Bring Your Own Bags
All four towns on Mount Desert Island have passed ordinances to ban single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene (styrofoam) cups and containers through the efforts of local middle school students and community volunteers. Many stores offer for sale reusable bags if you find yourself out without a bag.
Use Public Transportation
From mid-June to mid-October, Acadia National Park is proud to provide the FREE Island Explorer Buses to reduce your carbon footprint, pollution, and traffic and parking hassles.
Drive Your Electric Vehicle (EV)
There are plenty of charging options to support the use of electric vehicles during your trip to Mount Desert Island and Bar Harbor. Additional chargers are often being added. The map below shows charging station locations according to PlugShare.com as of July 1, 2024.
Don't have an electric vehicle of your own? Rent a low-speed EV from Acadia GEM and make your tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park emissions-free!
Thank you for helping us preserve the natural beauty of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Mount Desert Island!
