Seeing advice on NE coastline of Maine

Question

We are traveling late summer to New Brunswick. Will fly to Boston and drive up. We are familiar with the coastline from Bar Harbor south. We have no experience on the coastline from Bar Harbor north. Would appreciate any advice on best places to stop for a night or two before entering Canada. Also wondering about the drive time from Bar Harbor to the Canadian border on Highway #1 vs the interior I-95. We enjoy site-seeing, visiting a lobster pound or two, enjoying a nice dinner and doing a bit of shopping. We enjoy smaller villages with fewer tourists and no tourist buses. We are rural folks and enjoy the relative calmness of smaller communities. That said, any suggestions on where to stop, what to see and which road to take. We have about four days planned for the northern part of the state before crossing the border.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a wonderful road trip along the northeastern coastline of Maine! There are some great spots to explore north of Bar Harbor, with charming villages, beautiful scenery, and plenty of places to enjoy fresh lobster. Here's some advice on where to stop, things to see, and the best routes to take on your journey to New Brunswick.

Where to Stop:

For a leisurely drive and to enjoy Maine’s quieter, more rural coastal areas, I’d recommend stopping at these smaller towns along the way:

Lubec: This is a picturesque, small town near the easternmost point of the U.S. and a great place to explore if you enjoy quiet, scenic areas. It’s perfect for a relaxing stop before heading to the border. Lubec is home to the stunning West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and has some local seafood restaurants, including the famous Lubec Brewing Company and Frank's Dockside Restaurant where you can enjoy fresh lobster.
Cutler: A small village that is very peaceful and far from the more tourist-heavy areas. The drive out to Cutler is beautiful, with plenty of quiet spots to stop and enjoy the landscape. The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land is perfect for a peaceful hike and offers stunning views of the coastline.
Jonesport: A small fishing village where you can get a real taste of Maine’s coastal charm. The area is very calm, with fewer tourists, and it offers fantastic lobster pounds. A stop here will give you a more authentic experience of Maine’s lobster industry.
Machias: This is a small town with a rich history and great opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. You can explore the Washington County Historical and Genealogical Society and visit local shops offering Maine-made goods. There are also some lovely restaurants and lobster shacks to try along the way.
Eastport: Just before you hit the Canadian border, Eastport is a quiet, historic town worth a stop. It has a lovely waterfront and some unique shops, and it’s a great place to enjoy some local seafood. The Eastport Breakwater is a great place to walk along the water and take in the views of the Bay of Fundy.

What to See:

In addition to the towns themselves, here are some notable sights and activities along the way:

Quoddy Head State Park: This is a beautiful, often overlooked park in Lubec with rugged coastal views, hiking trails, and the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. It’s the easternmost point of the U.S., so it’s definitely worth a stop for the views and the lighthouse.
Bold Coast Scenic Byway: If you're in the area around Cutler, the Bold Coast Byway offers a beautiful drive along Maine's rugged coastline, with stops at scenic outlooks, lighthouses, and peaceful beaches.
Roque Bluffs State Park: Located just outside of Machias, this park has a secluded beach perfect for a quiet picnic or a dip in the ocean. The area is perfect for nature lovers, with a mix of forests, cliffs, and beach views.
The Schoodic Peninsula: If you want to explore a less-visited part of Acadia National Park, the Schoodic Peninsula offers incredible views of the ocean, along with great hiking trails. It’s just north of Bar Harbor and is a quieter, more rural alternative to the main part of Acadia.

Which Road to Take:

In terms of drive time, the two options you’re considering—Highway #1 and I-95—offer different experiences:

Highway #1 (Coastal Route): This is the slower but more scenic route, taking you along the coast with several opportunities to stop in small villages, enjoy the coastline, and see wildlife. The drive along Route 1 will take you through places like Lubec, Machias, and Eastport, giving you a taste of rural coastal Maine. This route may take around 5 to 6 hours from Bar Harbor to the Canadian border, depending on stops.
I-95 (Interior Route): I-95 is the quicker option, taking you through more inland areas of Maine. It will get you to the Canadian border in about 4 to 5 hours, but it’s less scenic than Highway 1. If you’re looking to make good time and get to the border faster, I-95 might be the way to go. However, it doesn’t offer the coastal charm or scenic views that Highway 1 does.

General Advice:

Since you’re looking for fewer tourists and a calm, rural experience, I’d recommend sticking to the coastal route (Highway 1). It’s perfect for those who want to experience Maine’s charming, small coastal towns without the crowds, and it’ll give you a chance to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the area. You’ll also get a better sense of Maine’s traditional lobster industry and small-town atmosphere, which you might not experience on the highway.

Additionally, make sure to check the weather and border requirements for Canada, as they can vary depending on the season and any regulations in place. Also, it’s always a good idea to check ahead for any seasonal closures or road conditions, especially if you plan on taking the coastal route.

Have a wonderful trip to Maine and New Brunswick! It sounds like it will be a relaxing and picturesque journey through some of the most scenic parts of the state.