The Wonder View Inn is a mid-sized hotel on Eden Street with a name that tells you what it offers: views over Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands from its hillside perch. It belongs to the Bar Harbor Collection, a family of properties along the water side of Route 3, and it has long been a go-to for travelers who want a comfortable base with a view and a pool without the price of a downtown oceanfront stay. Rooms are arranged in several buildings with balconies, patios and parking close to the door, and the grounds include lawns and seating areas for watching the sunrise. The setting is quiet compared with downtown, yet the village is only a short ride away, and the park entrance at Hulls Cove is minutes north. Expect a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere with a mix of couples, families and tour groups.
Rooms and extras
Standard rooms, ocean-view rooms and suites are available, with amenities such as coffee makers, refrigerators and wifi. Many guests choose a bay-view room with a private balcony for morning coffee. A seasonal pool and hot tub give a relaxing place to unwind after a hike, and the hotel offers on-site dining or breakfast options, depending on the season.
Ask about shared facilities with neighboring Bar Harbor Collection properties and about any resort or parking fees. Rooms facing the road may hear traffic, so request one on the water side if you are sensitive to noise.
Getting there and getting around
The Island Explorer shuttle runs along Eden Street in season, linking the hotel to the village and the park, and driving to Cadillac Mountain or the Park Loop Road takes only a few minutes. Walking to downtown is possible in about 25 to 35 minutes, but most guests prefer to ride or drive, especially in the evening. Parking is free and close to the rooms, a real bonus in a busy tourist town. If you arrive by ferry from Nova Scotia, the terminal is nearby on Route 3.
Who it suits
Families, couples and small groups who want a pleasant, well-located base with views and a pool, and drivers who value easy parking. It is a good choice for fall foliage visits, when the bay-view rooms look out over colorful hillsides. Book early for summer and October, check cancellation policies and confirm seasonal opening dates, because some Eden Street properties close in winter.
For dinner, drive or take the shuttle to downtown, where the choice of restaurants is far wider, and plan to return before dark on winding sections of Eden Street if you are not used to coastal roads at night.
Why stay here
- ✓Bay and island views
- ✓Seasonal pool
- ✓Hot tub
- ✓Balconies and patios in many rooms
- ✓Free parking by the rooms
- ✓Wifi
- ✓Island Explorer stop on Eden Street
- ✓Minutes from the park entrance
Good questions
Where is the Wonder View Inn?+
On Eden Street (Route 3), a short ride from downtown Bar Harbor and close to the Hulls Cove entrance to Acadia.
Is there parking?+
Yes, parking is on site and close to the rooms, though policies and fees can change, so check when you book.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, with a seasonal pool, space to spread out and easy access to the park, it is popular with families.