90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor

A 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor offers an engaging way to experience the town after dark. Priced at $32.99 per person, this tour takes you through Bar Harbor’s haunted landmarks with a local paranormal expert leading the way. With an average booking window of 15 days in advance, it’s clear this tour is popular among those eager to combine history and ghost stories in one evening. The tour typically starts at Agamont Park and involves an outdoor walking experience along the town’s scenic streets and coastline, making it suitable for most visitors.

While most stops are exteriors only, the stories and historical insights make this a worthwhile activity for history buffs and fans of the supernatural alike. The tour maintains a friendly, family-friendly tone, but it also offers enough spooky tales to satisfy those looking for a thrill. Keep in mind, the group size is limited to 30 people, and weather can influence the experience, so dressing appropriately is advised.

Key Points

• Duration: The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Price: Costs $32.99 per person, with tickets available for booking 15 days in advance.
• Stops: Includes Agamont Park, Bar Harbor Inn, Shore Path, Balance Rock Inn, Main Street, St. Saviour’s Cemetery, Ledgelawn Inn, Central House, Criterion Theater, and Bar Harbor Club.
• Focus: Combines haunted landmarks, local lore, and historical stories told by a knowledgeable guide.
• Experience: Mostly exterior visits; inside access is not included.
• Reviews: Holds a 4.4/5 rating from 72 reviews, praised for entertaining storytelling and a fun, spooky atmosphere.

Haunted Agamont Park and Indigenous Tales

The tour kicks off at Agamont Park, where the guide shares stories rooted in Wabanaki Confederacy oral traditions. These include ancient monster sightings that intriguingly match stories of unknown animals encountered more recently. The 10-minute stop provides an atmospheric beginning, setting the tone with local legends and native history. This stop is free of charge and offers a glimpse into the earliest stories of the area.

Exploring the Haunted Bar Harbor Inn and The Reading Room

Next, the group visits the Bar Harbor Inn, once the site of The Reading Room, a private club for wealthy men. The guide recounts ghost reports linked to this historic building, which is also associated with early parapsychological research. This 10-minute stop combines ghost lore with local history, providing context for the building’s eerie reputation. It’s a highlight for those interested in both ghost stories and the town’s social history.

Shore Path and Seafaring Ghost Stories

One of the most scenic stops is Shore Path, where the group spends 20 minutes walking along this coastal walkway. Alongside spectacular views of Egg Rock Lighthouse and Balance Rock, the guide shares tales of haunted lighthouses, sea serpents, and sea stories that have persisted over generations. The scenic setting enhances the spooky stories, making it a favorite among visitors who appreciate nature combined with supernatural tales.

The Mystery of Balance Rock Inn

The Balance Rock Inn serves as a haunted stop with a story steeped in scandal and intrigue. Once a summer estate for the wealthy, it is now an inn where two little girls are said to be haunted by a ghost. The 5-minute visit offers a glimpse into the mansion’s ghostly legends and the legendary curse that surrounds some of Bar Harbor’s historic homes. It’s a quick but engaging stop that adds a layer of mystery to the tour.

Main Street Hauntings and UFO Sightings

Walking along Main Street, the tour spotlights everyday locations with reports of unexplained phenomena, from shopfront hauntings to UFO sightings in the sky. This 15-minute segment emphasizes local stories that involve ordinary people experiencing the unknown. It’s an accessible part of the tour, perfect for those interested in paranormal encounters in familiar settings.

The Historic Graveyard at St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church

The 10-minute stop at St. Saviour’s Cemetery introduces visitors to 19th-century tombstones that, while not necessarily haunted, are the backdrop for extraordinary stories. Established in 1790, the cemetery’s historic gravestones add a somber, atmospheric component to the tour, with tales of mystical events linked to its ancient graves.

The Ledgelawn Inn and the Woman in White

The Ledgelawn Inn, once a summer estate, now houses seasonal employees. The guide recounts the story of a woman in white who haunts the property, with a reason for her ghostly attire. The 5-minute visit emphasizes the personalized ghost story tied to the inn’s history, offering an authentic ghost tale rooted in local lore.

The Curse of the Central House and the Hope Diamond

A brief 5-minute stop at the Central House reveals the connection to the Hope Diamond, a notorious cursed gem linked to death and destruction. Stories about tragedies associated with the diamond highlight the darker side of Bar Harbor’s historic artifacts and their supernatural reputations.

The Criterion Theater’s Spectral Screen

The Criterion Theater is renowned for its ghostly tales, especially the glowing green ghost that wanders backstage. During the 5-minute visit, the guide shares scandalous secrets and paranormal reports associated with this vintage cinema, making it a must-see stop for fans of performance venues and film history.

The Bar Harbor Club and Gilded Age Folklore

The tour concludes at the Bar Harbor Club, once Pemetic Lodge, a luxurious retreat for elites including J.P. Morgan. Now an exclusive venue, it is shrouded in local folklore about ghosts and supernatural stories related to its Gilded Age past. The 5-minute stop offers a glimpse into the wealthy history and mysterious legends of the area.

Tour Logistics and Experience Details

The guided walking tour primarily involves exterior visits of the landmarks, with no inside access. The meeting point is at Agamont Park, and the activity ends back at the same spot. The tour is family-friendly, with service animals allowed and most travelers able to participate. Weather conditions can influence the experience, so dressing appropriately is recommended. With most tours booked 15 days ahead, it’s clear that early planning is advantageous.

The Guide and Overall Atmosphere

The tour’s success hinges on a knowledgeable guide who is able to mix history and ghost stories smoothly. Reviews highlight guide personalities such as Doug and Tom Sawyer, who are praised for their engagement, storytelling skills, and sense of humor. Visitors appreciate that the stories are well-paced and informative, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts on the Bar Harbor Ghost Walk

This 90-minute ghost tour offers a balanced mix of history, local legends, and spooky tales, making it attractive for visitors who enjoy lighthearted ghost stories paired with cultural insights. While it primarily involves exterior stops and storytelling, the atmospheric setting and expert guides make it a fun, memorable experience. It’s especially suitable for families, history enthusiasts, and those curious about paranormal lore.

The tour’s price, combined with its engaging content and praise for the guides’ storytelling, makes it a solid option for an evening activity in Bar Harbor. Just remember that inside access is not included, and weather can influence the outdoor portion. For an entertaining and spooky exploration of Bar Harbor’s haunted history, this tour delivers enjoyable stories with a friendly vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ghost tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Agamont Park in Bar Harbor.

Is inside access available at the landmarks?
No, the tour mainly involves exterior visits of buildings and landmarks.

What is the price of the tour?
Tickets are $32.99 per person.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 15 days in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but check the story content if seeking more spooky or chilling tales.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for outdoor walking, especially in inclement weather.

Are pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted on the tour.

What are the reviews like?
The tour holds a 4.4/5 rating based on 72 reviews, praised for entertaining storytelling and the guides’ knowledge.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.