Bass Harbor, Maine: A Quiet Fishing Village Near Acadia National Park

Q: Where can I gas up around Bass Harbor?

Irving Oil in Bass Harbor stays open until 9 PM daily; it’s the reliable last gas stop before heading into Acadia.

Q: How far is it to Acadia National Park?

About a 13-minute drive from Bass Harbor to the park entrances; plan for park traffic in peak season.

Q: Is there a shuttle to the park?

An island shuttle may stop at Bass Harbor Campground, offering a way to reach other parts of Mount Desert Island without driving.

Q: Can I find gear and groceries easily in Bass Harbor?

Grocery options are limited in Bass Harbor itself; larger selections exist in Southwest Harbor and Bar Harbor.

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Overview

About This Town

Bass Harbor sits on the southern edge of Mount Desert Island as a working lobster town with a calm, sea-salted vibe. The harbor is busy with fishing boats and lobster traps, and it’s a short ride to Acadia’s trails and park entrances.

The Vibe

Working-harbor, no-frills vibe with salt air and a straightforward pace; car is your ticket to mobility across the island

Stock Up Here

This is your last chance for fair prices before you head into Acadia; Irving closes at 9 PM, so fill up here. Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor have more groceries and gear shops if you need supplies later in the day.

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens close by 8–9 PM; Seafood Ketch opens late (11 AM) but late-night options are scarce—Bar Harbor has more after-hours choices

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Local Haunt

Population

500

Distance to Park

≈13-minute drive

Highlights

Known For

Harbor views, lobster fishing, Seafood Ketch waterfront dining

Main Attractions

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, working harbor, Seafood Ketch waterfront dining

What Makes It Special

Harbor-centered life with a straightforward, small-town feel and easy access to Acadia’s heart without the Bar Harbor crowds.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

July–August

Shoulder Season

May–June and September–October

Winter

Off-season reduces hours; some restaurants close mid-Oct to mid-May; harbor remains accessible

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) for fewer crowds; peak season in July–August brings more people and traffic.

Tips & Advice

Gas up at Irving Oil in Bass Harbor before you head into the island; it stays open until 9 PM.
Parking near the harbor can be tight; use the lot by the harbor if available.
Most kitchens close by 8–9 PM; plan dinner accordingly; Seafood Ketch is a dependable waterfront option 11 AM–8 PM.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 4

B&Bs 3

Bass Harbor has a small cluster of inns and standalone cabins within the village. Nearby Southwest Harbor and Bar Harbor have a wider mix of lodging, including larger inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Peak-season demand fills quickly, so booking in advance is wise if you’re planning to stay in Bass Harbor or the surrounding area.

Dining

Restaurants 3

Price Range Mid-to-upper range; seafood meals roughly $25–$40 per person depending on dish

Casual seafood, waterfront dining

Essential Services

Grocery: Grocery options in Bass Harbor are limited; nearby Southwest Harbor has a Shell with a C-store
Gas: Irving Oil in Bass Harbor open until 9 PM daily
Gear/Outdoor Shops: Nearby Bar Harbor has outdoor gear shops; Bass Harbor itself lacks dedicated gear stores
Medical: Nearest urgent care or hospital in Bar Harbor or Ellsworth

Insider Tips

• Gas up before heading deeper into the island; Irving closes at 9 PM. • Parking near the harbor can fill up; use the harbor lot when possible. • Seafood Ketch is the dependable waterfront option (11 AM–8 PM). • The island shuttle stops at Bass Harbor Campground—great for hopping to Bar Harbor.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Harbor watching, lobster boat activity, easy access to Acadia trails

Winter Activities

Quieter scene with reduced services; some restaurants close mid-Oct to mid-May; coastlines become more appealing in the off-season

Shopping

Very limited retail in Bass Harbor; Bar Harbor is the go-to for shops

Breweries & Nightlife

Very limited options in Bass Harbor; Bar Harbor has several bars and breweries

Events & Festivals

No Bass Harbor-specific events; general Acadia/Northeast tourism drives seasonal crowds

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Bangor International Airport (BGR) — about 1 hour

Shuttle to Park

An island shuttle may stop at Bass Harbor Campground, enabling travel to other parts of the island

Cell/WiFi

AT&T strongest; Verizon good; T-Mobile slower

Visitor Center

Nearest park info is via Acadia National Park (Hulls Cove/Bar Harbor area)

Best Area to Stay

Bass Harbor for quiet; Bar Harbor for amenities; Southwest Harbor for a middle ground

Book Ahead

Lodging tends to book up well in advance during peak season; plan months ahead

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Car required; limited sidewalks and walkable areas; most services spread out

Family-Friendly

Quiet streets and a safe harbor vibe; drive cautiously on narrow roads; easy access to Acadia for day trips

Nearby Facilities

Gas at Irving Oil; grocery access in Southwest Harbor (Shell C-store); Bar Harbor/Ellsworth for urgent care and more groceries; Enterprise in nearby Southwest Harbor