winter day trips maine

18 Best Places to Visit for a Maine Winter Vacation

There’s a fantastic range of both indoor and outdoor activities to do on your next Maine winter vacation — skiing and snowshoeing , attending festivals , themed bar crawls, theater productions, and so much more!

We’ve put together a list of some of the top destinations for your winter vacation in Maine. Remember that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Vacationing in Maine during the winter can be thrilling, chilling, snowy, cozy, and frosty fun! So, don’t be afraid to explore the gorgeous Maine outdoors!

Towns Perfect for a Maine Winter Vacation

Ogunquit maine.

Spend your Maine winter vacation in Ogunquit. Bundle up for a walk around this cozy harbor town on the Marginal Way footpath. The paved walkway with benches is accessible year-round and has gorgeous views of the Gulf of Maine. It runs from Ogunquit Beach to Perkins Cove.

Skiers can enjoy Powderhouse Hill , a winter resort just 20 minutes from the coast in South Berwick. You can also take a guided snowshoe tour through the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, a National Estuarine Research Reserve.

York is famous for its iconic Nubble Lighthouse in Sohier Park. The annual lighting of the lighthouse during the last weekend of November marks the beginning of the holiday season. It’s a much-loved tradition within the community with hot cocoa, cookies, music, and visits with Santa.

Other winter things to do in York include a Winter Community Concert and the Festival of Lights, a holiday festival featuring ornament painting, a parade, breakfast with Santa, and the Polar Express .

Kennebunkport Maine

This seaside town celebrates winter with a Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude event prior to Christmas, a Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day at the beach, and a Paint the Town Red celebration in February around romantic Valentine’s Day.

With all of these events, Kennebunkport is fun and festive throughout the winter season. Seaside bed and breakfasts and inns offer lodging specials during this slower season too.

Featured Winter Destinations

Old Orchard Beach Maine

Take a frigid dip in the ocean at Old Orchard Beach’s annual Lobster Dip . The event has been held each year on New Year’s Day since 1988 in support of the Special Olympics.

Head to the nearby Harris Farm for a wide range of winter activities. Cross-country ski or snowshoe on your choice of about 25 miles of trails of varying difficulty levels. You can even try fat biking — all-terrain bikes with extra-wide tires — on groomed ski trails. Families can sled and warm up afterward in the lodge.

Call ahead to ensure conditions are right for fat biking.

Portland Maine

The state’s biggest city is one of the best destinations for a winter vacation in Maine. Enjoy Christmastime by the beach at the Portland Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights.

If you’re up for a bar crawl, don a full Santa costume and attend SantaCon . Get some holiday shopping in at the Portland Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and during Merry Madness , a shopping spree hosted late at night.

Portland also holds a fantastic theatrical production perfect for winter — Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet . Before the play, head to Victoria Mansion to enjoy Victorian-inspired holiday decorations inside the Italian villa-style home.

Freeport Maine

Head to Freeport for your next family winter vacation in Maine. The Sparkle Celebration is one of the most popular holiday festivals in the state. It includes a Celebration Parade of Lights, the lighting of the community tree by none other than Santa himself, decorating contests, giveaways, the Frosty Frolic, and more!

In February, foodies will enjoy the Flavors of Freeport event, which features a variety of sweet and savory offerings from local restaurants.

Each year, Downtown Bath holds An Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath , a charming, traditional Christmas festival. The celebration includes caroling, trolley caroling, holiday music, a community tree-lighting ceremony, window decorating contests, and more.

You can ice skate at Goddard’s Pond , which also has a warming hut and concession stand on site. Snowmobile on some great maintained trails on the way to Trinken Brewing Co. , where you can warm up with a hearty craft ale. You can also explore scenic winter trails in the Lily Pond Community Forest .

Boothbay Maine

Boothbay is a nostalgic, historic town. One of its primary destinations is the Railway Village Museum . On weekends in December, it runs the North Pole Express. Ride in the antique train through a beautiful winter landscape.

This coastal town is also quite busy during Christmastime. Visit during the Boothbay Festival of Lights , when both the town and harbor are adorned with thousands of lights.

Winter events within this festival you won’t want to miss include Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (with more than 750,000 festive lights!) and the Gingerbread Spectacular contest at The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor .

Camden Maine

During December, head to Camden for its annual Christmas By The Sea celebration. It’s also held in the neighboring communities of Rockport and Lincolnville. The festival includes the classic Maine arrival of Santa by lobster boat, a community bonfire, a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday parade, and more.

Camden is also home to the Camden Snow Bowl , where you can sled, tube, ice skate, ski, and snowboard all winter long. A not-to-miss event held there each February is the U.S. National Toboggan Championships . Watch as costumed competitors race for the champion title.

Waterville Maine

Each year, Downtown Waterville transforms into Kringleville in celebration of Christmas. The idyllic and festive town is the perfect place to bring your little one to meet Santa and take family photos.

Head to the Quarry Road Trails for winter activities like skiing and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Plus, nearby Skowhegan hosts the annual Somerset SnowFest , which includes a box sled race, dog sled rides, skating, tubing, ice fishing, and an equestrian skijoring competition.

Rangeley Maine

Rangeley is a great spot for a Maine winter vacation. In mid-January, you can attend the SnowFest and Snowdeo, which includes snowmobile and sled races, a classic snowmobile parade, food, games, and more.

Ski, Nordic ski, snowboard, sled, snowshoe, ice skate, and mountain bike at Rangeley’s Saddleback Mountain . For a variety of other trails to explore, visit the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center . You can also visit Rangeley Lake for some great ice fishing opportunities.

Bangor Maine

Similar to Portland, Bangor has a younger population thanks to community colleges and universities. And there are plenty of opportunities for winter recreation.

The DeMeritt Forest Trail System is open to the public where you can even rent cross country ski equipment at the University of Maine’s Recreation Center. If you have your own equipment, you can visit Bangor City Forest for miles of maintained trails.

Best of all, Bangor has the amenities of the city with the Bangor Mall and plenty of lodging options , restaurants, and bars open throughout the year.

Nature Destinations for a Winter Vacation in Maine

Northern heights farm.

211 Rice Rd, Waterford, ME 04088

Northern Heights Farm has idyllic views of farmland and is a beautiful spot to visit during your Maine winter vacation. During the winter time, the 80-acre farm offers seasonal, horse-drawn sleigh rides with Belgian Draft horses.

Contact the farm directly to ensure sleigh ride availability, as offerings vary per year.

Skiing & Snowboarding Areas

If you’re a winter sportsman, you’ll love Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry and Sugarloaf Ski Area in Carrabassett Valley during the wintertime. For ski buffs, Sugarloaf is the highest mountain with over 130 ski trails! Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton Maine offers awesome skiing and snowboarding too.

Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness

This gorgeous natural area is another region in Maine where you’ll have a chance to see the northern lights from December through February. Hike on the 25 miles of maintained trails, where you can see views of Mt. Caribou and Speckled Mountain, one of Maine’s tallest peaks at about 2,900 feet tall.

Acadia National Park

25 Visitor Center Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Much of this national park in Maine is located on Mount Desert Island. It’s an excellent spot for birding during the winter as species, like Harlequin ducks and snowy owls, make their debut. Schoodic Point is one of the most popular spots for birders.

Visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on the park’s about 45 miles of mostly-groomed carriage roads as well. Adventurers can forge paths on ice climbing routes, and experienced winter hikers can navigate trails along cliffs and peaks.

There are also opportunities for snowmobiling on Park Loop Road, which leads to Sand Beach. And, Thunder Hole is a fantastic spot where you can enjoy the scenic winter landscape.

While the road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain is closed, you can still hike or take your snowmobile to the top. Parts of the carriage roads are maintained for cross-country skiing, and you can rent equipment at Cadillac Mountain Sports in Bar Harbor.

In the winter, you can get great deals on lodging in Bar Harbor , as well as easy-to-score tables at a few nice restaurants .

Baxter State Park

Millinocket, ME

Baxter State Park is a great option for adventurers. See Maine’s tallest mountain — Mt. Katahdin, which is 5,269 feet tall.

Experienced climbers may be able to ascend Mt. Katahdin in winter by using the Abol Trail, but this is a feat that will most likely require more than one day. There are other ice climbs in the park if you’re looking for less difficulty.

Heavy snowfall provides lots of opportunities for snowshoeing at the park as well as snowmobiling on the ungroomed, multi-use Park Tote Road. If you’re planning to camp, you can rent the bunkhouses on a single-party basis.

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge

97 Refuge Rd, Limestone, ME 04750

This wildlife refuge in Maine is a great place to see the aurora borealis. The best chances of viewing the northern lights are from December to February. You can snowshoe, cross-country ski, bird watch, and explore this park’s 4,700 acres.

According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine is home to the largest moose population in the continental United States, so there’s a chance that you’ll see one of these magnificent animals in person.

FAQs About Maine Winter Vacation Destinations

What are the best activities for families on a winter vacation in maine.

There is so much for families to do on a Maine winter vacation. Some of the best options include attending one of the many Maine holiday festivals.

What are the best indoor activities for a Maine winter vacation?

Adults can attend a Santa-themed bar crawl or a theater production in Portland! Flavors of Freeport is another great option for delicious eats indoors.

Enjoy Your Maine Winter Vacation This Season

If you need more help planning your next Maine winter vacation, we have numerous guides to help you explore one of the nation’s most picturesque states. Some of our other winter in Maine travel guides include Maine Christmas tree farms to visit and even more winter things to do in Maine !

The VisitMaine.Net team is the small team of authors and editors that research and write our in-depth guides throughout the site and update past articles to make sure they're still super valuable to you. We have one goal: to help you fall more in love with the state of Maine!

Similar Posts

11 Quality Maine Christmas Tree Farms to Visit

Maine is a truly beautiful state for winter scenery, with plentiful snowfall and a lush abundance of trees. It’s also one of the most…

The ULTIMATE Guide to Wells Maine | 40+ Best Things to Do, See, & Experience

Tucked in between Kennebunkport and Ogunquit on Maine’s southern coast, Wells Maine is the third oldest town in Maine and is a paradise for…

9 Must-See Exhibits at The Museums of Old York Maine

Do you consider yourself a history buff? Do you like visiting historical places where history comes alive? When you visit the Museums of Old…

Maine Weather

Maine weather can be as dramatic as the changing seasons, providing ever changing splendid scenery on the coast and in the lakes and mountains regions. Visitors flock…

14 Underrated Towns in Maine to Explore in 2024

Maine’s underrated towns exude as much nonchalance as novelty, from the highlands to the islands. Those that made our list aren’t underrated as much…

Rachael Carson: Environmental Legacy

If you haven’t read “Silent Spring”, you’ve likely discussed the book in school. Many say this book instigated the environmental movement and publicized awareness of…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

VisitMaine.Net – The unofficial guide to exploring the great state of Maine. Not affiliated with any official tourism entities.

Copyright VisitMaine.Net 2023 Images Courtesy Greg and Heather Burke unless otherwise noted.

• From Maine to Miami

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Washington DC

Winter in Maine: 22 Places to Go & Things to Do for Seasonal Fun

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Winter in Maine can be a snow lover’s dream come true! It can also be the perfect cozy escape for those who prefer to stay indoors. Whatever your style, Maine in the winter is a destination you don’t want to miss.

You might also like our guide to the prettiest towns in Maine to see them in all their wintry wonderland beauty.

If you visit toward the end of winter, be sure to read our guide to mud season in Maine so you’re fully prepared.

Things to Do in Maine in the Winter

Sugarloaf mountain.

Sugarloaf Mountain  (5092 Sugarloaf Access Rd. Carrabassett Valley) is an iconic place to visit in Maine in winter. 

One of the unique things to do at Sugarloaf is cat skiing. 

Cat skiing takes you to a more remote skiing and snowboarding area in the rugged winter terrain via a heavy-duty cat mobile. 

Another cool thing at Sugarloaf is ski-biking, which is a combination of the two activities. 

Take your special bike up the mountain on the ski lift and slide down the ski slopes for a totally different snowsport experience.

Other fun winter activities at Sugarloaf include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. 

Black Mountain of Maine

Black Mountain of Maine  (39 Glover Road, Rumford) has a lot of fun winter things to do, including snow tubing, ski racing, skiing, and snowboarding. 

There are also miles of nordic trails to explore. 

You can snowshoe, ride a fat bike, or cross-country ski on those trails. 

This is also a good place to visit in Maine in winter with kids since they have lessons specifically for the little ones to safely learn these sports. 

Sunday River Resort

Another popular place to visit in Maine during winter is  Sunday River Resort  (15 S Ridge Rd, Newry).

Sunday River offers 135 trails and glades where you can ski, snowboard, Nordic ski, and snowshoe.

There’s also night skiing if you’re up for it!

There are plenty more winter activities at Sunday River, including ski bikes, ice skating, and snow tubing. 

This is also one of the great Maine winter getaways for couples since they have the Jordan Spa at the resort. 

Enjoy a couples massage after a long day out on the slopes. 

Sunday River is one of our favorite ski resorts in New England .

John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies

Visiting the John and Lile Gibbons Center for Arctic Studies  (formerly known as the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum) (255 Maine Street, Brunswick) is certainly one of the most unique things to do in Maine in December.

Located on the campus of the prestigious Bowdoin College, the museum offers educational exhibits about the Arctic and how it has changed over time. 

It was opened by Arctic explorers who had objects, photos, and exploration equipment, which you can see today. 

Perfect for staying indoors while still enjoying the seasonal spirit!

Note that the museum is closed on Mondays and holidays.

Admission is always free.

Note from Amanda: Bowdoin is a beautiful campus to stroll at any time of year, but especially after a scenic snowfall!

Pineland Farms

Pineland Farms  (15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester) is open every winter for fun outdoor activities.

You can explore 5,000 acres of land by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, sledding, and ice skating. 

Trail passes are required, so be sure to book.

Sledding and ice skating are both free admission.

Their disc golf course is also open in the winter, and they ensure the tee pads stay clear so you can play.

As this is a working farm, dogs are not allowed. 

Mill Creek Park

Mill Creek Park  (50 Hinckley Dr, South Portland) has ice skating every winter.

You can also visit during the holiday season to see the tree lighting and enjoy the decorations and lights in the park.

Festive winter fun is our favorite kind! 

Want more ideas? Check out our planning guide for winter in Portland Maine .

Harris Farm

Harris Farm  (280 Buzzell Rd, Dayton) is one of the best family-friendly Maine attractions in winter since it’s a working farm but offers fun winter-specific activities, too. 

When there is enough snow in the winter, from December through March, there are 25 miles worth of groomed trails for cross-country skiing. 

You can also take a fat bike on the trails or head over to the sledding hill. 

After spending time in the snow, you can stop in the farm store for milk, butter, meat, maple syrup, and more. 

Outdoor fun plus cozy winter comfort food…what more could you want?

Bar Harbor Winter Fun

Acadia national park in maine in winter .

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Maine during winter.

The park is open year-round, and there are still plenty of things to do even in the colder months. 

There are 45 miles worth of trails that are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; some are even groomed when possible. 

You can also go skiing on the unpaved roads or take a winter walk around Otter Point, which is only allowed in the winter months when it is closed to traffic. 

Note from Amanda: Just be cautious of ice; my best friend’s parents spend time here in the winter and recent seasons haven’t offered safe conditions for XC skiing.

Acadia National Park is also a good place for Maine snowmobile trips!

You are allowed to snowmobile on the 27-mile Park Loop Road, on the road up Cadillac Mountain, and on most of the fire roads. 

The park also has places where you can go ice fishing.

Criterion Theatre

The  Criterion Theatre  (35 Cottage Street) is a classic old theater in Bar Harbor that opened in 1932.

Catch a movie or a live show for a cozy evening indoors to stay warm and support a locally-run community arts center.

Check out our guide to staying in Bar Harbor for accommodation suggestions.

Camden Maine in Winter

Camden opera house.

The  Camden Opera House  (29 Elm Street) has enjoyable shows throughout the winter. 

They also have a Christmas show that runs before the holiday season, so it’s a perfect destination in Maine in December.

Camden Snow Bowl

The  Camden Snow Bowl  (20 Barnestown Road) is one of the best winter getaways in Maine.

Head there to ski and snowboard on almost one thousand feet of vertical elevation and 20 snow runs. 

There is also an area on the mountain for snow tubing, or you can snowshoe through the trails surrounding the mountain. 

Right on the coast, the Camden Snow Bowl is an ideal combination of sea and snow for wintertime fun!

Need another reason to visit?

Try their epic toboggan chute!

Even better: visit in February for their annual Toboggan Championships and enjoy the revelry.

Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park  (280 Belfast Rd) has a lot of winter activities for those who love the snow! 

There are 20 trails in the park, and they allow a variety of activities including snowmobiling, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. 

The trials are all of different lengths and difficulties, and some of them will take you to overlooks with scenic views. 

And, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even camp in the winter at Camden Hills State Park in one of their rustic shelters. 

Rockport Maine Winter Activities

Midcoast recreation center.

The  MidCoast Recreation Center  (535 West St) is one of the best places to visit in Maine in winter for some indoor fun. 

They have an arena that is open for ice skating in the winter. 

Visit for a skating lesson or get on the ice during open hockey or public skating for some community fun. 

They also have covered tennis courts to play on in the winter if you’re looking for something a little less icy.

Oakland Park Bowling Lanes

The  Oakland Park Bowling Lanes  (732 Commercial St.) has been a staple of Rockport for over five and a half decades. 

It is a great place to take the family or join a league for some longer-term winter fun. 

Owls Head Lighthouse

From Rockport, drive the 12 miles via Rockland to see Owls Head Lighthouse in the snow.

It was built in 1825 and has that classic Maine coast.

It’s a serene scene…unless the winter waves are crashing below.

Either way, it’s a beautifully iconic Maine experience to enjoy both the snow and a lighthouse at the same time!

Boothbay Harbor Winter Options

Railway village museum.

The  Railway Village Museum  (586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay) covers 35 acres where you can learn about the history of the railroad in Maine.

In December, you can ride the North Pole Express around the property, which is beautiful when it is covered in snow!

The train takes you to meet Santa, plus kids can write a letter to him, and they get a small but magical gift along the way. 

It’s the perfect family-friendly activity in December!

Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

From mid-November through December, Gardens Aglow  (105 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay) is a fun holiday event at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. 

It is one of the great places to go in Maine in winter to enjoy the bright, sparkling lights that come with the holiday season. 

Every year they decorate the gardens with over half a million lights in a rainbow of colors.

Get your tickets in advance and bring some hot cocoa for a festive experience. 

Harbor Theater

The  Harbor Theater  (185 Townsend Ave) is a non-profit movie theater that plays a mix of classic movies and new releases. 

They also host cultural events and play documentaries and independent films, so there is always something new to see all winter long. 

The Opera House

The Opera House  (86 Townsend Ave) opened in 1894 and has great shows in all styles of music throughout the winter.

It is one of the best places to visit in Maine in December if you want to catch a holiday concert. 

And the more than 100 annual performances cover jazz, bluegrass, rock music, lectures, and special visits and events. 

Shermans Maine Coast Book Shop

Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop (5 Commercial St) is a perfect spot to spend some time getting cozy with a book.

Peruse the shelves to find some interesting local history or stories and support local authors and creators by buying locally-made gifts for sale.

The two-story building offers ample space to browse, including a large kids’ section that can keep them entertained indoors for a while!

Note from Amanda: I spent lots of time (and money) perusing the locally-made items in Sherman’s, as well as checking out the local authors’ work.

Sherman’s is a treasure trove for any fellow bookworms!

Kennebunkport in Winter

Kennebunkport’s annual christmas prelude.

Kennebunkport’s Annual Christmas Prelude  takes place every year as a way to start the holiday season. 

There is a tree lighting, carolers, craft fairs, and house tours. 

And the coolest part is when Santa arrives on a Maine Lobster Boat for a visit!

The event even caught HGTV’s attention when they called it the #2 Christmas Town in America.

February Is For Lovers

Another cool event is  February Is For Lovers , during which the town transforms into a romantic getaway. 

Some things to do during the event include dining in private shacks, spending time in one of the many resort hot tubs, or visiting the local restaurants and shops with deals. 

And there are special events like wine and cocktail parties and oyster shucking classes. 

There is also a party at an ice bar to kick off the week with a cocktail bar and a DJ. 

Enjoy the Winter Scenery

From Kennebunkport, drive just 4 miles down Route 9 and you’ll come to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (321 Port Road, Wells).

If snow is blanketing the region, head there to walk and bask in the wintertime beauty.

It’s a lovely spot for a romantic stroll after the February festivities!

Snow in Maine

Maine gets a lot of snow, between 50 and 70 inches each year. 

But that means it is the perfect place to spend time doing winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Final Words

Are you ready to plan all your fun Maine winter activities? Whether you love all things snow or you like to stay cozy and warm indoors, we hope these seasonal suggestions helped you plan your trip.

Let us know your favorite things to do in the comments below!

Our Maine Travel Guides

• Best Places to Visit in Maine
• Maine in the Fall
• Maine in the Winter
• Maine in the Spring
• Maine in Summer
• All Maine Guides

Sarah loves finding underrated cities in the US and exploring all the historical sites and towns the East Coast has to offer.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

27 Awesome Winter Activities In Maine: Embrace The Weather! [2024]

Going on vacation for winter activities in Maine is not the first thing that pops into people’s minds. First place belongs to oceans, lakes, and summer camping. However, there is an abundance of winter activities in Maine that can make a winter vacation awesome!

These activities range from ice-skating rinks to snow-tubing hills , from sleigh rides through peaceful woods to roaring downhill ski trips. Here are 27 fun things to do in Maine in the winter, whether you want to be indoors or outdoors.

Great Outdoor Winter Activities In Maine

❇️ 1. Find Some Skates And Go Ice Skating

Some ice rinks are free, while others charge a small fee. Some of the larger rinks also host special events, such as ice hockey (if you are near Waterville, you can go watch Colby hockey games for free) and skating shows.

A quick Google search will help you find ice rinks in the area you plan on visiting. Having raised two hockey players, I can tell you that there are ice rinks all over the state.

The Alfond Youth Center holds an amazing pond hockey tournament each year. Read more about it on our winter festivals page.

There are also many parks that build rinks in the winter, and most of these are free. Check the Parks & Rec site for the town you are visiting and they should have all their parks listed, as well as the activities and facilities at the site.

❇️ 2. Skiing, Of Course!

Maine is home to both downhill and cross-country skiing. You’ll find amazing skiing with whichever one you choose to go with.

➡️ Cross-Country Skiing

If you enjoy the sound of crunching snow underfoot, you’ll love cross country (nordic) skiing. You can ski on ponds, lakes, and forest trails. Some towns even have designated cross-country ski areas.

Maine is an amazing place to go cross-country skiing. Whether you visit a local spot like Quarry Road in Waterville, or head to Baxter State Park for some backwoods cross country, you’ll find a great spot.

There is nothing like the peace and beauty of heading out into the woods on a beautiful winter day. Cross-country skiing is so popular in Maine that we have an entire post about it here .

➡️ Downhill Skiing

If the speed and thrill of downhill skiing is more your thing, no worries. Maine has some great downhill ski resorts . Think Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Shawnee Peak, and Saddleback. Sugarloaf Mountain is the second tallest mountain in Maine after Mt. Katahdin.

There are also some less well-known mountains where you can ski, like Hermon Mountain and Black Mountain.

❇️ 3. Hit The Trails And Go Snowshoeing

If you’re interested in a low-impact outdoor activity, snowshoeing is a great choice. It’s an excellent way to explore quiet woods, frozen lakes, and other natural areas.

Like cross-country skiing, you can go snowshoeing almost anywhere in Maine, from incredible spots like Acadia National Park to local trails. There are so many places to go that the best way to find them is to look for snowshoeing in the town you’ll be visiting.

Or, you could plan your entire trip around snowshoeing. Why not check out the Norway Snowshoe Festival ? It’s everything showshoe, from games to races, to learn-to-snowshoe.

❇️ 4. Snow Tube At One Of Our Great Tubing Parks

What can we say about snow tubing ? Actually, a lot! Here’s an entire post about where you can go snow tubing in Maine. It’s just one more really popular winter activity in Maine.

❇️ 5. Try Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire biking is becoming increasingly popular in Maine. Why save all the biking for the other seasons? Flying down a snow-covered trail on your bike is just as fun as doing it on dirt-covered trails!

Most of the ski resorts offer fat biking now, as do the state parks.

❇️ 6. Drink Some Beer, Ummm, I Mean, Go Ice Fishing

Now, this is a passion for Mainers all over the state. They just can’t wait to get their ice shacks and augurs out. As soon as the lakes and ponds freeze you’ll see shacks all over the place.

It’s a pretty cool sight. There are songs, stories, poems, and, of course, tall tales about ice fishing.

Here’s a song about ice fishing that really sums it all up. It’s called Tip Up (for the beer), but a tip-up is also a contraption that holds your bait.

See What All The Excitement Is About With This Tour

Book your own private ice fishing experience in Bangor! You’ll have four hours to find out why ice fishing is just so popular here . Here’s a description of the experience:

Spend a half day on the ‘hardwater’. The Maine tradition of ice fishing has been passed down from generation to generation and you can be a part of it. Chase flags as the fish take the bait. Enjoy coffee in a warm shelter, play cards, listen to music, or enjoy the quiet simplicity of ice fishing.

Come find out why everyone is out on frozen lakes!

👉 Book Your Private Ice Fishing Experience Here!

❇️ 7. Go Winter Hiking

Who says you can’t hike in the winter? Of course you can! You just need to make a few adjustments to your clothing and equipment to account for the winter and you’re good to go.

Hiking is a great way to enjoy winter in the woods, and there are many trails near Maine’s cities and towns. Not sure where to go? This Hiking Maine guide will have you out on trails all year long.

You can find trails in nearby state parks, national parks, and municipal parks, as well as in privately owned preserves. Maine is chock full of places to hike, so no matter where you are you’ll find a great trail.

❇️ 8. Get Extreme– Try Ice Climbing

This sounds amazing, and I would love to try it. Sometimes you are actually climbing a frozen waterfall! Apparently, there are places all over Maine that offer ice climbing . It is a pretty hard-core sport, but with a guide even beginners can participate.

❇️ 9. Try Out Dog Sledding

This is right up there with cross-country skiing. The only difference is you’ll hear the yipping of the dogs and the calls of the musher. There are all types of dog sledding adventures in Maine, from really short rides good for kids, to multi-day backwoods excursions.

❇️ 10. Participate In Some Outdoor Winter Dining

Yes. This is a thing now. Like I said, Mainers love the outdoors and winter. If we can take an indoor thing and make it an outdoor thing–even winter activities in Maine–we’ll do it! Eat outside with a patio heater, in an ice shack, or even in an igloo (a clear plastic one!).

Why save all the outdoor dining fun for the summer? Find a restaurant or diner near where you’ll be and see if they offer outdoor dining.

❇️ 11. Get Tickets For Carnavale Me

I’ve been in Maine so long that I remember the first year of this, when it was a small event held at a local hotel.

It’s now a huge event with a fancy new name, Carnavale ME . Definitely put this on your to-do list.

❇️ 12. Find Some Local Winter Celebrations

Most towns in Maine have some type of winter celebration . A quick search will help you find the closest one to wherever you’ll be. There are too many to list because literally, every town in Maine would have to be listed.

Note: The Sparkle Celebration in Freeport is amazing. It’s one of the many things to do in Maine in December.

Here are a few towns with big celebrations so you can get an idea of what is involved: Bath , Waterville , & Camden . Each one will have its own vibe, which is a pretty cool thing!

❇️ 13. Do A Polar Bear Plunge, Or A Lobster Dip

These are so cool! Many of them are for charity, and entire events are made surrounding them. These brave people go running into the freezing cold ocean, or jump through a hole chainsawed out of a frozen lake into the freezing cold water. Brrrrrr. No thank you!

The Lobster Dip in Old Orchard Beach is a pretty famous one, as is the Alfond Youth Center’s Polar Bear Dip .

❇️ 14. Go Snowmobiling

This is another wildly popular activity in Maine. There are places that have separate rooms where snowmobilers can hang their equipment while they eat or catch a concert. Sometimes there will be more snowmobiles than cars at some hotels and other venues.

If you’re visiting Maine, you can actually rent snowmobiles so you can take part in one of Maine’s super popular winter activities.

❇️ 15. Visit Kennebunkport’s Prelude To Christmas Celebration

This is a two-week-long celebration of everything Christmas. If you want to get into the Christmas mood, this will do it for you. It wraps up with another amazing event, the Fire and Ice celebration.

❇️ 16. Participate In The Annual Ice Harvest In South Bristol

This has got to be a truly one-of-a-kind event. Way back in the day, people got ice by carving giant blocks out of frozen lakes and ponds. Well, they are trying to keep that history alive by continuing to hold an annual ice harvest. It’s one of the coolest things you’ll ever see.

❇️ 17. Attend A Pond Hockey Tournament

We love our hockey–Go Maine Black Bears!!! What’s more New England than pond hockey? Check out the Alfond Youth Center’s Pond Hockey Classic . Teams actually come from all over the U.S. as well as Canada to compete!

❇️ 18. Go Winter Camping

You can also enjoy winter camping, and many campsites offer reduced rates in the colder months. Winter camping offers the chance to see a different side of nature, especially when there’s a snowfall.

Many people find winter camping very peaceful. It can be challenging, but you can prepare for it by choosing the right location and equipment–such as a small heater for your tent! It can be pretty fun, plus you’ll have hardcore bragging rights !

Indoor Winter Activities In Maine

❇️ 19. get in some shopping.

If you need a break from outdoor activities, you can visit a couple of Maine’s more famous shopping destinations. The L.L. Bean flagship campus in Freeport is so much fun. They even have an aquarium in there.

If you visit during the holiday season, they create an entire winter wonderland of lights and trees ( The Sparkle Celebration and L.L. Bean’s Northern Lights Celebration ).

Short on time? Here’s how I spent a whirlwind 24 hours in Freeport during the Northern Lights Celebration.

Then, of course, there are the original outlets in Kittery . Now there are several outlet malls in NH, but Kittery is the original outlet shopping destination and is still worth a visit.

❇️ 20. Visit All The Museums You Never Get To In The Summer

We are covered in museums in Maine. There are museums everywhere. We even have an umbrella cover museum and a cryptozoology museum ! You’ll also find incredible museums and specialty museums all over the state. We have a comprehensive list of them on our ‘things to do indoors in Maine’ page and our general ‘ things to do in Maine ‘.

❇️ 21. Follow The Maine Beer Trail

There are so many great local beers and bars (check out our list of great bars in Waterville ), that we have a beer trail. It’s officially the Maine Beer Trail , so set yourself a goal and have a blast exploring Maine’s best beers.

❇️ 22. Indulge In Maine Restaurant Week

Taking place in March–one of those not-so-great months because it’s still winter, but not good winter, and it’s not late enough to start thinking it will be spring soon– Restaurant Week is a welcome event.

There are all kinds of specials in restaurants and special events involving food. You’ll find restaurants all over the state participating.

If it doesn’t happen to be restaurant week, you can still check out the fine dining scene in Maine, or go for some comfort food at one of our famous Maine diners .

Romantic Winter Activities In Maine

Looking for somewhere to stay when you’re planning a winter getaway? Take a look at our list of romantic getaways all over the state.

❇️ 23. Take A Moonlight Hike & Ski

If you love the outdoors and moonlight, why not try one of Mt. Abram’s moonlight hikes ? You hike up the mountain by the light of the moon (well, okay, there are lights but they are dim).

At the top, you take a break to warm up in a rustic cabin, drinking hot chocolate or whatever else you brought to drink.

When you’re ready, you grab your skis (that were brought up for you) and head down the hill. It sounds like it could be pretty romantic.

❇️ 24. Go Winter Horseback Riding

I grew up with horses, so nothing about horseback riding seems romantic to me–well, maybe on a beach at sunset I guess . . .

However, other people seem to love winter horseback riding , and it’s gotten really popular over the past few years. Perhaps the need for outdoor activities during COVID helped increase its popularity.

❇️ 25. Rent a Cabin In The Woods

Maine is full of charming and romantic cabins in the woods. Add freshly fallen snow, moonlight, and a roaring fire, and you’ve got a romantic scene that could come straight out of a movie.

Wine. Candlelight. That sounds much more romantic than a winter horseback ride to me! (check out some more romantic places to stay )

❇️ 26. Take A Sleigh Ride

Just like those Hansom carriage rides in NYC are known for being romantic, so are the sleigh rides in Maine . I think they are *more* romantic than any carriage ride in NYC. You’ll have clean fresh air, sparkling white snow (yes, sometimes it sparkles), and beautiful woods as a backdrop.

❇️ 27. Head Out To Catch Some Local Music

Whether a big place in Portland or a local bar, Maine has a great local music scene. No matter where you are you’ll find all kinds of options to take in some local music.

Free Winter Activities In Maine

✅ Go ice skating. There are rinks all over Maine, big and small, in local parks. Make a thermos of hot chocolate, bundle up, and head out for some free fun in a local park.

✅ Go snowshoeing. Like with ice skating, you have to have your own snowshoes, but if you do, you are all set!

✅ Go cross country skiing . This assumes you have your own skis.

✅ Attend one of the many winter festivals . There are some links above of places you can check out, from festivals in local towns to the Ice Harvest Festival in South Bristol.

✅ Go sledding . Sledding is a fun, and free, winter activity. Most towns have sledding hills. To find them you can check with the Parks & Rec department, or even do a search of their local media for stories or pictures they may have published of local sledding hills.

✅ Visit a museum. Many museums offer special times that are open to the public for free. The museums at local colleges like Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin are always free to the public.

✅ See a hockey game. Okay, so you won’t be getting into a Black Bears game for free anytime soon (you can barely even find a ticket to purchase!), but you can catch a great game at Colby College in Waterville for free.

Is Maine Fun In The Winter?

It sure is! We have just as much to do in the winter as we do in the summer. Some activities can be done in all seasons, like hiking and camping, and you’ll get a completely different experience depending on the time of year.

➡️ Is speeding down hills on skis or snow tubes fun? Yep.

➡️ Is being a spectator at a pond hockey tournament fun? Yep.

➡️ Is (fill in the blank from the list above) fun? Yep.

You’ll have a blast participating in any of the winter activities in Maine listed here.

Finally, How Long Does Winter Last In Maine?

Pretty long! It’s definitely cold in November , and the further north you are the more likely you are to have snow on the ground. The weather is fickle, though, and I remember taking my son out trick or treating and there was snow on the ground. It didn’t last, but still.

It doesn’t start warming up until April, but in northern Maine, you could still have plenty of snow on the ground in April. If I had to give someone a rough estimate, I’d say winter jackets go on in November and don’t come off until at least April.

Conclusion: 27 Awesome Winter Activities In Maine: Embrace The Weather!

After looking at this list, it should be clear that there are so many winter activities here in Maine that you can find new things to do no matter how often you visit or how long you are here.

Indoors or outdoors , quiet and peaceful or thrilling and dangerous, you’ll find your niche.

So whether it’s shopping, hiking up a snowy mountain in the moonlight, or jumping into a frozen lake, you’ll find plenty of winter activities in Maine to keep you busy.

How about picking out a Christmas tree or surprising someone with a romantic winter getaway ? Whatever you choose, it will help you enjoy winter just a little bit more.

Meet the heart and soul behind Wandering Through Maine – a true New Englander at heart, originally from NH, who found their forever home in the beautiful state of Maine. Maine called to them like a lighthouse beacon, and they've embraced it wholeheartedly ever since. This blog isn't just a guide; it's a heartfelt invitation from someone who's walked the trails, sailed the waters, and knows Maine not just as a place on the map, but as a vibrant community and an adventurer's paradise that they call home.

16 Magical Ways to Experience Winter in Maine

Posted on Last updated: October 6, 2023

Home » Maine » 16 Magical Ways to Experience Winter in Maine

• Recent Posts

• 31 Maryland Facts: Fun Facts About Maryland You Need to Know - October 13, 2023
• 26 Massachusetts Facts: Fun Facts About Massachusetts To Know - October 9, 2023
• 26 Connecticut Facts: Fun Facts About Connecticut To Read Now - October 9, 2023

If you want to experience a magical winter in Maine, you’ll want to read this article filled with incredible things to do!

Beautiful Maine is famous for its eye-catching landscapes, sparkling shores, classic lighthouses, and decadent lobster and seafood dishes. Still, winter in Maine offers another list of reasons to love this incredible state.

Maine in wintertime brings locals and tourists alike a range of simple to elaborate activities that usher in the snowy months with ease. 

With an average annual snowfall of 50 to 70 inches along the coast and 60 to 110 inches inland, there’s plenty of snow for you to explore Maine’s snowshoeing trails, world-class ski resorts, hundreds of miles of groomed Nordic skiing, and much more. 

These seasonal activities and festivals only add to the already awe-invoking natural beauty of winter in Maine.

Table of Contents

Winter in Maine

Here are 16 charming reasons you’ll want to be sure to go on your Maine winter getaway sooner than later.

1. Hit the Gorgeous Slopes

Skiing in Maine is a no-brainer. Outdoor junkies can’t visit Maine in the winter months and not ski. That’s a big no.

Luckily, there are a number of places where you can hit the slopes in the states. Here are some of them:

Sugarloaf: Sugarloaf is Maine’s biggest winter sports resort and the only one to offer lift-serviced ski terrain above the treeline. This location is not only stunning but is also perfect for expert skiers.

Sunday River: Sunday River offers family-friendly and beginner-friendly skiing throughout its incredible snow-covered slopes. 

This location is fantastic for tourists and individuals who have always wanted to give downhill skiing a go but didn’t know where or how to begin. 

Sunday River offers lessons and fun ways to learn how to enjoy this popular sport properly. What a way to start off your fantastic winter in Maine!

Camden Snow Bowl: Camden Snow Bowl is an incredibly popular local ski hill with epic views over the Atlantic Ocean and an exhilarating toboggan chute. 

If you’re an intermediate skier looking to slide down some gorgeous hills while enjoying the sites, this spot is for you.

2. Grab a Snowboard

Pick up a snowboard, and let’s go! Here are a few ski resorts that have excellent snowboard areas:

Shawnee Peak: Shawnee Peak is kid-friendly and perfect for new snowboarders of all ages. Even though it is incredibly beginner-friendly, you can just beat the hilly views.

Lost Valley: Lost Valley is a great place to take your friends and family and enjoy a meal and a few drinks as you view the slopes from the gorgeous restaurant decks. 

This lovely location is sprinkled with incredible places to grab a bite and warm up while still being able to watch the snowboarders just beyond the deck.

3. Test Your Stamina with Cross-Country Skiing

With such vast terrain, Mainers have been cross-country skiing for centuries.

To test your stamina, you can head over to Aroostook County, where the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle offers scenic groomed trails that stretch over 20 miles with gorgeous wildlife, trees, and natural wonders, the staff is also fantastic and accommodating.

Further out, winter in Acadia and Bar Harbor is not only spectacular but also perfect for heading out to cross-country ski on the 44 miles of carriage roads.

4. Dash with the Dogs

Mahoosuc Guide Service in Grafton Notch is a fun and ethical full-service dog sledding experience.

They offer a variety of packages with different experiences that challenge even the most seasoned of winter warriors. 

Many of these experiences are physically challenging and combine skiing, mushing, and snowshoeing, but they are completely worth it to hang out with these adorable hounds and fun staff.

5. Try Out Maine’s Fat Biking Through the Snow

Fat biking is fun all the way up until April in Maine.

There are countless trains around the state, but here are places to rent and ride your fat bike– Pineland Farms is 5,000 acres and rents out fleets of bikes at a low hourly rate. It is located in New Gloucester.

Ski Rack Sports in Bangor rents out bikes by the day or week for extended stays and riding fun.

6. Go on a Snowshoeing Adventure

Discover another outdoor adventure in Maine that’s just waiting for you.

While snowshoeing is more complicated than hiking, it is an incredible sport where no prior experience is necessary. Here are some places for snowshoeing:

Neoc: New England Outdoor Center offers Mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Located on Millinocket Lake with direct views of Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest mountain.

They offer nearly 16 miles of groomed XC ski trails as well as guided snowshoe tours that include snowshoes, poles, and winter boots.

Acadia National Park: easily accessible snowshoeing spots for all levels. (and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in the northeast, USA[].)

Aroostook, Mount Blue, and Bradbury Mountain: popular state parks packed with snowshoe trails, and that offer a wide variety of trekking for all skill levels.

7. Take a Scenic Winter Hike

Looking for the best places to hike in your winter vacation? Well, Maine makes it as easy as ABC– Acadia, Baxter, Camden.

There are many hikes in Acadia National Park[] for all levels and tastes.

This national park offers many excellent hiking trails and a woodsy coastal view that you’ll never forget and is well known far and wide for its beauty and vastness.

As for Baxter State Park, this place offers a gorgeous view of the mountain and is arguably more alluring when powdered in the sparkling Maine snow.

Finally, Camden Hills Park offers classic views of Maine’s incredible Camden Harbor.

What better way to finish a hike than on a bench enjoying a view of the frosted shore with a hot cup of cocoa?

Oh, be sure to wear extra layers, shoes with spikes, and bring good trekking poles, too.

8. Snowmobile Around Maine

Let’s take a trip over to Moosehead. This place offers a snowmobiling winter getaway that you’ll be talking about for years to come! 

Besides the cozy and festive cabins, adorable shops, and breathtaking views, Moosehead is well known for its incredible snowmobiling through the wildlands of Moosehead’s Lake Region and mountains.

Snowmobile rental is available in the towns around the lake.

9. Speed Away On a Snowy Day

Bangor! This city is a sledder’s dream! Whether you’re taking the kids out for a wintery adventure or flying down the hills solo style, Bangor has an exuberant list of hilly delights to test your speed. 

Widowmaker Hill is an excellent option for those who love a fun challenge, and Hayford Park is perfect for those who are sledding with younger children or would like to start off a bit tamer.

10. Test Your Speed with Tobogganing

Have you ever heard of “Tobogganing”? Like sledding, tobogganing is a fun winter activity where you slide down snow-covered hills in joyful glee.

Still, instead of a sled or sleigh, you ride down on a toboggan that is completely flat on its underbelly. 

Unlike sledding, toboggans are allowed almost everywhere– think parks, sledding hills, resorts, and more.

So when you check out Widowmaker Hill and Hayford Park, keep that little secret in mind. 

And if you’re looking for an area that specializes in toboggans, check out The Camden Snow Bowl. It’s a gorgeous ski resort with everything you’ll need to test your speed.

11. Wander Around Sparkling Winter Shops

Wanting to spend time playing Santa in the shops instead of in the snow this winter? Say no more! 

The cute shops in Maine adorned with bright colors, and snow-powdered, pointed roofs are enough to turn anyone jolly as old Saint Nick himself.

Check out Kittery’s Outlets and Freeport’s shopping center. These two locations are not only visually pleasing but also offer everything you’ll need to brave the cold and even adorn your Christmas tree.

12. Cuddle Up in a Warm and Cozy Cabin

If you want to get cozy by the fire while your friends or family are out in the snow, many cabins in Maine offer a unique and comfortable stay.

From small cozy cabins to large and welcoming cabins and cottages, staying in one of these places during winter is an unforgettable experience.

To sit by the window with your family while drinking hot cocoa and relaxing is truly priceless!

13. Enjoy Winter Wildlife Watching

Maine Audubon in southern Maine offers magical ecotours that engage nature lovers in the art of bird and wildlife watching. 

Each of Maine Audubon’s eight wildlife sanctuaries across Maine offers unique opportunities to explore different ecosystems and habitats and to see a wide variety of wildlife.

All ages are welcome to join and learn about the large and beautiful collection of Maine Wildlife.

14. Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing

There’s no reason to put away your bait and tackle just because it’s cold outside.

If you’re into fishing, you’ll love to experience winter in Maine. Spending time on a frozen lake with friends and family is one of the best ways to have fun and (hopefully) catch dinner in the winter. 

Tasty land-locked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, cusk, smelt, and whitefish are popular catches.

Starting on January 1st and going through March 31st, the ice fishing season is a great period to have fun with your family and friends.

While you need a license, know that these are easy to get all over the state, including sporting goods stores and convenience stores.

So bring your fishing gear and head to one of the best fishing spots in the state, including Moosehead Lake and Wilson Pond.

15. Explore Maine’s Dazzling Winter Festivals

Drumroll, please? It’s time to talk about Winter Festivals!

Every year, Maine offers up the most incredible and memorable winter events. Here are a couple you definitely don’t want to miss:

The North Pole Express is on its way to Boothbay Railway Village ! All December long, enjoy the nostalgia of your youth by catching a special train to the North Pole. 

The passenger car is equipped with snacks, Christmas stories, and a view that will live in your heart rent-free for years to come. 

This cozy excursion is fun for the entire family and even offers old-fashioned ornament decorating, so you’ll have a sweet keepsake to remember this adventure by. All aboard!

January New Year’s Polar Plunge in Portland, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach: You’ve probably heard about the famous Polar Plunges of New England. This annual event is equal parts hilarious, entertaining, and wholesome. 

Every year, brave swimmers take a bone-chilling plunge into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean for fun and charity to benefit causes like the Special Olympics and Camp Sunshine. 

This memorable event is not only fun to view from the shore, and you cheer on the divers, but if you’re looking to check this off of your bucket list, it is also a fantastic way to give to others and share the spirit of Christmas.

16. Spread Christmas Cheer For All To Hear

To tie everything up with a big red bow, here is a short list of activities that will be the cherry on top of your Maine Winter Getaway:

Last Minute Arts & Craft Fair in Augusta: This elaborate event features the unique and one-of-a-kind art of artists & crafters from all over the New England area, all in one place. 

You can view and purchase the creations of these lovely people with little to no entry fee at all! And you won’t just see beautiful ornaments and holiday decor, but also jams, quilts, woodwork, and so much more!

Harbor Lights Festival in Boothbay Harbor: The Harbor Lights Festival is enough to bring a tear to your eye! 

There is so much to see, from the ceremonial lighting of the tree and viewing the lights sparkle on the water to the Children’s Parade, where you will be surrounded by music and smiling faces.

You won’t help but feel like you’re walking on air the entire time you’re here.

Freeport Sparkle Weekend in Freeport: Lights, lights, and dare we say, MORE lights! 

The Freeport Sparkle Weekend tops the cake with dazzling, sparling, glorious light shows, gift certificate giveaways, shopping, and food! 

This is a one-stop-shop for everything on your holiday bucket list. Between the snow, the lights, and the sweet aromas flooding the streets, there’s no way you can be a Scrooge in this town.

Christmas by the Sea in Ogunquit: And last, but most certainly not least, is the majestic Christmas by the Sea. 

What better way to celebrate the holidays in Maine than to indulge in the sights of the classic Maine lighthouses and shores while enjoying some of the most popular and well-toured places in the entire state? 

Known as one of the Best Christmas Towns in America by Readers Digest, Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea offers everything from S’mores to a visit from Mr. Grinch himself! 

There is an “Ugly Sweater” contest, caroling, Holiday Tarot readings, and even caroling. This location is sure to make your winter Maine getaway a snow-speckled dream.

Final Thoughts on Winter in Maine

Once the summer tourists and leaf peepers are headed home, winter reveals a magical and adventurous side of Maine that you won’t want to miss.

So whether you’re seeking a quiet weekend in a cozy cabin or thrilling adventures in the snow, head over to the Pine Tree State and discover everything winter in Maine has to offer.

Did you enjoy reading about these experiences and winter in Maine? Then share it with your friends!

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Maine Chevron

Where to Spend an Off-Season, Crowd-Free Weekend in Maine

By Todd Plummer

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It’s amazing how quickly the New England landscape changes once you drive over the Maine winter border. Heading north on Route 95 through New Hampshire , the suburban sprawl and wide, sandy beaches dissipate into remote hamlets, enormous swathes of forest, and rugged Atlantic shoreline. In the peak summer (and even shoulder fall) months, this stretch of highway essentially turns into a parking lot of beachgoers and leaf-peeping weekenders clamoring their way north for a city break. But in the cold winter months? You can sail along from Boston to the Maine border in 60 minutes flat.

While summer and fall are still very much peak tourism season for coastal Maine, insiders have long maintained that a visit to the Pine Tree State is rewarding at any time of year. One could argue that the colder months are when the state really feels most like itself—with hygge -tastic fireside vibes, amazingly fresh seafood plucked straight from those chilly Gulf of Maine waters, and plenty of outdoor (and indoor) activities. Even in the winter months, you’ll find that this state is simply teeming with small businesses to explore—funky boutique hotels, fabulous restaurants, and unique shops, all run by extremely passionate people with interesting stories to tell.

In fact, the state of Maine is so vast that you could come back again and again to have a different experience each time: Skiers know and love the inland mountains like Sugarloaf and Sunday River , and the state also has thriving cross-country skiing and snowmobiling scenes. But if you’re looking for a no-fuss, short-notice, cozy weekend road trip, you’ll find that coastal Maine, in the winter without the Disneyland-like throngs, really is, as the state’s slogan implies, “the way life should be.” Here’s how to see Maine in winter if you want to pack some of the state's best things to do in a colorful getaway, from the state's top to bottom.

Camden, with its castelike Norumbega Inn, no longer shuts down in winter months in the way that it used to.

Peak Maine: Mid-coast's quiet luxury

The beautiful thing about Maine is that even Mainers disagree on where certain things are. “Mid-Coast,” for example, is basically everything along the shoreline between Portland and Mount Desert Island, but some would say it’s technically between Freeport and Ellsworth—or Bath and Ellsworth. Or Bath and Mount Desert. (You get the idea.) But what Mainers will absolutely agree on is that this area that once upon a time truly shut down for the winter months simply doesn't any more.

A great example of this lies in Camden , where the historic and castlelike Norumbega Inn completed a grand renovation last year to reopen as an elegantly stylish year-round hotel under new ownership. This part of the state is a beautiful tableau of rugged beauty this time of year, with dramatic, rocky shorelines, charming towns straight out of a Hallmark movie, and all with surprisingly excellent Thai ( Long Grain ) and Costa Rican/Caribbean ( Costa Media ) food along the way—both of which taste extra satisfying in the colder months. If you’re a foodie, take a detour slightly inland to the Alna Store , a 2024 national James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant—chef Devin Dearden switches up the menu drastically every two weeks, pivoting from Korean influences to Mexican to Basque.

In nearby Wiscasset, wine shop In A Silent Way curates a mix of intriguing and hard-to-find wines, and invites guests to linger for a while at the wine bar over a menu of seasonal small plates. They serve their wines using high-quality hand-blown crystal glasses—a surprisingly refined touch in an otherwise rugged locale, and one that completely embodies the vibe of what Mid-Coast Maine is becoming.

This area is replete with outdoor activities. Non-skiers, rejoice: the Camden Snow Bowl offers rip-roaring tobogganing for just $10 an hour. And for an unexpected yet quintessentially Maine experience, consider booking a rowing class with DoryWoman Rowing, which takes guests onto Belfast Bay in traditional wooden dories all year-round (pending the weather, of course).

Before turning back to head home, budget some time to pass through Freeport. It’s home to the L.L.Bean flagship (the brand’s only store open 24 hours), as well as the Freeport Conservation Trust Trails , a swathe of 1,500 acres open to the public for hiking and snowshoeing. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and breathe in that crisp coastal air before the drive back.

2023 James Beard Award Semifinalist Sur Lie serves up international-infused American tapas in Portland.

A bustling hospitality scene as hot as ever: Portland

The big scuttlebutt in Portland these days? The impending April opening of The Longfellow Hotel —the first independent, full-service boutique hotel to open there in nearly twenty years. Its new spa, in particular, will be a welcome addition to the city’s hotel scene. If you can’t wait until spring, both The Francis and Blind Tiger offer the renovated Victorian vibes that Portland’s West Side neighborhoods are known for (Blind Tiger is technically two locations close by each other, and both are equally fantastic). But don’t just count on boutique hotels for the fun—the new Canopy Hilton Waterfront is a fantastic way to redeem some Hilton Honors points, and has a stellar restaurant and an enclosed rooftop bar with excellent views of downtown and the water.

Jessica Puckett

Ramsey Qubein

Regan Stephens

Julia Buckley

Yes, Maine is all about the rural retreats and rugged landscapes—but spending a night or two in the center of the action in downtown Portland is still very much worth it this time of year to stay within a stone’s throw of all the city’s latest and greatest food and drink. It’s hard to go wrong in this town, but for a venerable shortlist: 2023 James Beard Award Seminfinalist Sur Lie for international-infused American tapas; TWELVE from executive chef Colin Wyatt, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, for the secret (read: off-menu) off-season-only burger; popular food truck-turned-restaurant Quanta Basa's sourdough Neapolitan pizza; natural wines and snacks at Lambs ; indulgent low-dose chef-created edibles from female-owned Pot + Pan.

From March through May, White Barn Inn will offer Farmsteader Dinners—within the property's titular barn—honoring Maine's agrarian families and utilizing local ingredients.

The property has also partnered with tony outerwear company Barbour for an in-house borrowing closet perfect for braving Maine winters.

Best for off-peak deals at luxury hotels: Maine's South Coast

While there are still a number of hotels (especially along the coast) that close seasonally in Maine, a number stay open year-round, and offer plenty of promotions and events to entice visitors to make the journey north. In Kennebunkport , the tony White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection following in the footsteps of Cape Cod’s Wequassett Resort & Golf Club has partnered with outerwear company Barbour for an in-house borrowing closet; simply call ahead with your sizing for a warm new coat to borrow (or perhaps buy) on those bracing winter walks, which will be waiting in your room. March through May, the Inn will also be offering Farmsteader Dinners in its titular 150-year-old barn, honoring the tradition of Maine’s agrarian families coming together after a long day of working the land. The dinners will highlight local farms, purveyors, beermakers, and other culinary delights. And in May, on the cusp of peak season, White Barn Inn will welcome iconic Montreal restaurant Joe Beef for an “immersive culinary weekend” pop up.

Also in Kennebunkport, over on the oceanfront overlooking Walker’s Point (also known as the Bush family compound), the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort offers a “Timberland Winter Wardrobe” stay package: $969 plus taxes and fees gets a two-night stay, access to a custom Timberland closet to raid some hiking boots and outerwear to bring home, a guided outdoor hike or snowshoe with a Registered Maine Guide, a round of cocktails upon your return, and a three-course dinner for two at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ocean.

A few towns southward, the iconic Cliff House Maine, which has welcomed guests since 1872, has truly mastered the art of staying busy even in the off season. This winter, the resort offers a “Snow Globe” outdoor dining experience, as well as resident artist–taught painting classes, performances by visiting Broadway talent, and more. Wherever you stay, you can bet on the nightlies being significantly discounted from steep peak-summer rates.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

15 Best Things to Do in Maine in Winter

Written by Lura R. Seavey Updated Feb 15, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lura R. Seavey travels to Maine regularly throughout the year .

Maine is a top vacation destination , and winter is no exception. Visitors who aren't afraid of bundling up have a wide range of things to do in winter, like ice-skating, snowshoeing, and dogsledding.

Although sometimes shadowed by the big ski resorts in neighboring Vermont and New Hampshire, Maine's ski resorts are worth visiting. Tourists who aren't crazy about cool weather, or just want to take a break from it, will find plenty of things to do indoors as well, including museums, shopping, and dining.

No matter what you're looking for, discover the top places to visit when the temperature dips with our list of the best things to do in Maine in winter.

1. Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

2. visit portland's museums, 3. go dogsledding, 4. ski & board with an ocean view, 5. sleigh rides, 6. skijoring, 7. ice-skating, 8. tobogganing and tubing, 9. shop at the outlets, 10. storm watching, 11. discover the great outdoors in freeport with l.l. bean, 12. head out on the trail with a fat bike, 13. ice climbing in acadia and camden, 14. ice fishing, 15. go winter camping at maine forest yurts.

Unlike downhill ski resorts, which are limited to the mountains, dozens of cross-country skiing trails can be found throughout the state. Carter's X-C Ski Center in Bethel operates a network of groomed trails totaling 55 kilometers that is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Visitors can rent their ski and snowshoe equipment on-site, as well as alternative equipment including fat-tire bikes. They also offer pull sled and chariot rentals, so that parents can pull the little ones along behind, and dogs are allowed on the trails as well.

Harris Farm in Dayton offers 35 kilometers of classic and skate-skiing trails, as well as a sledding hill. Pineland Farms in New Gloucester offers 30 kilometers of trails for both types of skiing as well as an equipment rental shop, and Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook has over 25 kilometers of trails.

Several of Maine's cross-country ski areas offer reciprocal discounts at other ski areas for season pass holders, including Carter's, Pineland Farms, Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, and Mahoosuc Pathways at Bethel Village.

The city of Portland has a surprising number of museums and enough variety to ensure there is something for everyone, from art to science.

Art lovers will want to spend a day at the Portland Museum of Art , which has a collection of over 18,000 pieces of artwork, including paintings, sculpture, and other media. The museum also has a collection of over 600 paintings, watercolors, and etchings by celebrated Maine artist Winslow Homer.

Also operated by the art museum, the nearby Winslow Homer Studio can be toured.

History lovers will also want to stop by the Wadsworth Longfellow House, built in 1786 by the famous writer's grandfather, which was the author's childhood home.

Museums for Kids: Tourists with younger children will want to plan a day at Portland's Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine , where learning through play and creativity is encouraged. This large museum is full of hands-on exhibits, including a kid-sized town where they can run the shops and try out professions, Discovery Woods where they learn about wildlife and nature, and even a huge mural that all visitors are encouraged to contribute to.

The Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine also has science-based exploration, including a space shuttle cockpit, an exhibit about light and lenses, a mini-planetarium, and a touch tank with ocean life. Kids can also watch performances in the theater, or play dress-up and make their own productions. Families will also enjoy the small but informative Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co and Museum , which is home to historic coaches and exhibits about the two-foot gauge railway.

Science Museums: For a more in-depth science experience, head over to the Southworth Planetarium located at the University of Southern Maine Portland. This 360-degree dome is the setting for a variety of shows exploring topics from astronomy and our solar system to dinosaurs and mythology.

If pseudo-science piques your curiosity, make time for a visit to the International Cryptozoology Museum . This is the only museum in the world dedicated to the study of hidden or unknown animals , and among its exhibits are samples of hair and other evidence left by creatures many believe are just legend. Exhibits also include documents, testimonials, and artistic renditions of various yet-unproved species like bigfoot, the Jersey Devil, and lake monsters, among others.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Exploring the trails of Maine's backcountry by dogsled is an experience like no other, and tourists have several excellent options to choose from.

In Bethel, New England Dogsledding has a team of Alaskan Huskies that bring guests on a tour of local trails at the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, as well as operating tours at Sunday River Ski Area in Newry and in the nearby White Mountains of New Hampshire at the Balsams and North Conway.

Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience , which is headquartered in Oxford, also runs tours out of Bethel, as well as Hebron and Casco.

Mahoosuc Guide Service offers full-day dogsledding trips in the Mahoosuc Mountains and along the shores of Unbagog Lake, which include a campfire-cooked lunch and extra warm boots and outerwear. Those who are extra adventurous can book one of their two- or three-day trips that fully explore the area by dogsled, as well as snowshoe and cross-country ski.

Multi-day trips include all sports equipment, food, and winter camping equipment along with the knowledgeable guides. Women's-only excursions are available for an adventurous girls' weekend.

Camden Snow Bowl is the only ski area on the East Coast that offers slopes with a view of the ocean , providing a truly unique experience. Located only about five miles from Penobscot Bay , the resort offers over 20 trails for all skill levels. This smaller, locally run ski area is a great option for families.

Maine offers several other ski resorts , and although they may not have views of the Atlantic they have plenty to offer. Many of these boast over 200 inches of snowfall annually, ensuring a long ski season and plenty of fresh flakes to keep the slopes covered in powder.

Among these is Sugarloaf Mountain , the East Coast's second-largest ski area, with 161 trails and six terrain parks. The longest trail is 3.5 miles, and this mountain boasts the only slopes that start well above the tree line. The resort offers plenty of other activities as well, including cross-country skiing, skate-skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating.

Sunday River Resort in Newry is the second-largest ski area in Maine, offering 135 trails served by 18 ski lifts. Another ski area located in the mega-snow zone is Saddelback Mountain in Rangeley, which gets an average of 225 inches of snow annually. This ski area is a favorite among expert skiers, with fewer beginner and intermediate slopes.

There is no better way to take in the beauty of the snow-covered north than from the comfort of a horse-pulled sleigh.

Goranson Farm in Dresden offers romantic one-horse sleigh rides that fit up to four passengers, and team-pulled rides that seat up to a dozen adults. Fifty-minute rides include warm blankets, jingling bells, and songs led by the driver.

Winterberry Farm in Belgrade offers a two-hour "ultimate comfort" sleigh ride sightseeing tour of their farm pulled by their working horses, and includes hot cocoa, tea, and soup; there is also ice-skating on-site.

High View Farm in Harrison offers 40-minute private rides with hot chocolate and marshmallows, with an optional campfire stop, and Carousel Horse Farm in Casco offers both sleigh rides and winter horseback riding.

Outdoor enthusiasts can often have a hard time finding winter activities that include their four-footed friends, but in Maine, there's a way to keep everyone happy. The unique sport of skijoring has added a great option for medium-sized and large dogs who love to get exercise and team up with their humans by combining dog harnesses with cross-country skiing.

Thanks to its emerging popularity, many ski outfitters sell and rent skijoring equipment, and Skijor Skowhegan specializes in equipment and information for both dog and horse-pulled skiing.

Newbies can give it a try at New England Dogsledding in Bethel where they provide both equipment and trained dogs, but those who already have some experience have plenty of options for trails, as well as rental equipment. All the trails at Carter's X-C Ski Center welcome skijoring, and the Harris Farm X-C Ski Center located in Dayton has 25 miles of skijoring trails.

There are six miles of dog-friendly trails at Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley, and additional skijoring trails at Five Fields Farm in Bridgton and at Waterville's Quarry Road Recreation Area.

Winter in New England is never complete without at least one visit to the skating rink, and there is nothing quite like skating in the fresh open air. Portland's best spot is the Rink at Thompson's Point , where skaters will find rentals and plenty of hot cocoa to sip while taking a break in the warming huts.

Mill Creek Park in South Portland offers the full pond-skating experience, and Riverside Golf Course also has an outdoor rink. Goddard's Pond in Bath is another excellent pond skating spot, maintained by the town and free to the public with concessions and a warming hut.

Kennebunk is home to Waterhouse Pavilion , conveniently located downtown. This open-air rink has a covered top and is regularly groomed with a Zamboni to ensure smooth skating. There is no charge to use this rink, and it is open all day every day until 9pm in the winter.

Another great skating spot for those who want well-groomed ice is the Sugarloaf Outdoor Rink at Sugarloaf Ski Resort. Visitors can rent skates here, and concessions are available at the ski lodge.

The nostalgic appeal of tobogganing is undeniable, but finding a good place to actually try it can be daunting at best. Thanks to the folks at Camden Snow Bowl , visitors have the chance to chute down a 400-foot slope built just for that purpose. Each February, the ski area hosts the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, which include a full winter carnival for the whole family.

Tourists can also find plenty of tubing hills throughout the state. In Auburn, Lost Valley Ski Area offers 600-foot tubing lanes serviced by a tow lift, and Windham's Seacoast Adventure has a dozen lanes open day and night.

In Rumford, Black Mountain of Maine has tubing during school vacations and on weekends, and Sunday River Resort in Newry also offers tubing on a dedicated slope.

On the southern coastal border of Maine sits its oldest town, Kittery. For decades, shoppers have flocked here to visit the outlet stores at Kittery Outlets and Kittery Premium Outlets , home to all the high-end labels, like Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, and Eddie Bauer.

No visit is complete, however, without a stop at Kittery Trading Post , a family-owned business and local institution that began as a sporting goods store and has grown to offer a huge range of practical and gift items.

Another Maine town known for its outlets is Freeport , home to L.L. Bean's flagship store, which started it all. Freeport is full of big-name outlet stores, as well as a good number of smaller specialty shops and galleries that will occupy even the most discerning shopper. Both towns also offer a good range of local eateries, but tourists will find that Freeport can be more friendly to those roaming on foot.

In Bar Harbor, The Saltair Inn overlooks the water, giving guests the perfect place to curl up with a hot "cuppa" and watch the snow fall on the Atlantic. Ocean-facing guest suites feature sitting rooms with giant windows, as well as gas fireplaces and all the comforts of home. Even the biggest storm won't bother guests, with plenty to do right at the inn and excellent food and beverages on-site, including a coffee shop and activity-filled common areas.

Unlike many other vacation destinations in the northeast, Mount Desert Island's Bar Harbor does not shut down after the summer tourists have left, with most of the shops and restaurants still open.

Acadia National Park remains open as well, offering 32 groomed miles plus 13 ungroomed miles of carriage roads for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobilers can utilize the 27-mile Park Loop Road, as well as the fire roads via Hulls Cove Visitor Center. Ice-skating and ice fishing are also popular activities on the nearby lakes.

Freeport offers far more than shopping thanks to LL Bean's Outdoor Discovery Programs . Visitors new to winter outdoor sports can take beginner lessons in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and those with more experience can enjoy longer guided treks around Fogg Farm .

The most ambitious tourists can book the guided three-day Northern Maine Winter Adventure Trip that includes all equipment, food, and guides. For a unique experience under the stars, try the moonlight or starlight tours.

The Discovery School also offers winter day camps for kids , a great option for families who want a little grown-up time for shopping or their own lessons. Full-day camps are offered during February vacation, and half-day winter adventure camps are offered the rest of the winter. Kids will burn off all their extra energy learning to snowshoe and cross-country ski, plus many other outdoor activities including sledding, geocaching, and outdoor skills.

Address: 95 Main Street, Freeport, Maine

Who says mountain biking is just for warm weather? Grab a ride with fat tires, and get out on those snowy trails!

If you don't own your own, head to Carter's Cross Country Ski Center in Bethel, which offers fat bike rentals among its other winter sports equipment available. Be sure to contact them ahead of time for a reservation—they go quick—but you can also rent them nearby at Bethel Bicycle and then use the trails at Carter's or at Bethel Village Trails.

You can also find fat bike rentals at several cycling shops throughout the state, including Cycle Mania (Portland), Gorham Bike & Ski (Bunswick, Portland, and Saco), Green Machine Bike Shop (Norway), and Sidecountry Sports (Rockland).

If you do have your own fat-tire bike, there are plenty of places to visit for a ride. Pineland Farms in New Gloucester has over 18 miles of trails on their expansive farm, and there is a wide range of terrain available at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley.

Camden Show Bowl is a great mid-coast option, along with Camden Hills State Park , and if you're up near Stephen King's hometown, Bangor, Maine , in the winter, check out the trails in and around the Bangor City Forest .

While most people might shy away from the challenge, hard-core alpinists who are up for a real challenge will find plenty of opportunities to scale the icy "cliffs" created by frozen waterfalls and sea spray that grace the crags of coastal Maine.

Acadia National Park is already well known for its rock climbing, but the extra challenge posed by an ice face brings many winter sports enthusiasts to visit this expansive park in the coldest months of the year.

Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is an excellent resource for those who want to learn more, and they offer half- and full-day guided tours and lessons .

If you don't want to go quite as far north, climbers will find more opportunities in Camden . If you are new to the sport or just want some extra assistance on new terrain, Equinox Guiding Service is located right in town. The professional guides at this small employee-owned company are happy to start beginners at square one and help experienced climbers up their game.

During the months of January, February, and March, ice fishing season in Maine is open to anyone with an auger, a line, and some patience. Actually, you don't even need to bring your own equipment, so if you're curious about ice fishing, you can try it out first with a fishing trip guided by the New England Outdoor Center , which is based out of Millinocket.

If you don't have an ice fishing license, it's super easy to get one—they can be purchased at sporting goods shops and even at convenience stores, especially ones near popular lakes like Moosehead Lake and the Belgrade Lakes near the capital city of Augusta .

Experienced winter anglers will want to check out Maine's lineup of fishing derbies, whether it's to enter or just to see the hauls of other pros. The bulk of these happen during February, but there are several areas that hold derbies in late January and very early March.

Maine is a top destination for camping in the summer, but few realize that vacationers can go camping year-round at Maine Forest Yurts in Durham. This unique glamping site provides visitors with comfortable, fully-furnished yurts that are warm and cozy even on the chilliest nights. Each yurt is equipped with a wood stove for heat, as well as a gas stove for cooking in the well-equipped kitchen area.

Glampers will also find each yurt equipped with bunk beds and a futon, leaving plenty of space for families. The campground is also dog-friendly , and guests can explore the 100-acre property in the winter via snowshoes or cross-country skis .

Guests can also go ice-skating right on-site on Runaround Pond. The campground is conveniently located 15 minutes from Freeport's shopping and dining, and only a half hour drive from Portland .

More on Maine

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing to navigate through this site or by clicking Approve, you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy notice .

• Visitmaine Logo
• Accessible Travel
• Agricultural Attractions
• Arts & Culture
• Family Attractions
• Food & Drink
• Guide Services
• Hiking & Climbing
• Lighthouses & Sightseeing
• Motor Sports
• Boating and Water Activities
• Parks & Natural Attractions
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Sports & Recreation
• Summer Camps
• Wedding Planning
• Wildlife Watching
• Winter Activities
• Iconic Parks Maine
• Iconic Moose Maine
• Iconic Lobster Maine
• Iconic Lighthouses Maine
• Campgrounds
• Cottage Resorts
• Inns / Bed & Breakfasts
• Hostels & Boarding Houses
• Hotels & Motels
• Outdoor Adventure Resorts
• Romantic Getaways
• Sporting Camps & Wilderness Lodges
• Vacation Rentals
• Aroostook County
• DownEast & Acadia
• Greater Portland & Casco Bay
• The Kennebec Valley
• Maine's Lakes & Mountains
• Maine's MidCoast & Islands
• The Maine Beaches
• The Maine Highlands
• Spring in Maine
• Summer in Maine
• Fall in Maine
• Winter in Maine
• Statewide Tourism Organizations
• Chambers of Commerce
• Travel Alerts & Advisories
• Relocating to Maine
• Virtual Brochure Rack
• Getting Here
• Free Travel Guidebook
• Sign-Up For Email
• My Bookmarks

Winter Activities in Maine

• Things To Do

It’s winter . We know the sofa beckons. Resist the pull of its gravity and head out into the frosty air for a Maine winter adventure. The sofa will still be there when you get back. We promise.

Enjoy Winter Sports in Maine

Cross-country skiing.

Cross-country skiing allows you to head out across Maine’s backcountry, whether you’re at an established ski area, with groomed trails, or at a more rustic spot like a land trust or park.

• Dog Sledding

You love dogs; you love sleds. Why not combine them and cross dog sledding off your Maine bucket list, too?

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding / Night Skiing

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter sports in Maine. The snow is deep, and the ski areas run the gamut from tiny, beginner hills to region-topping monsters. Sugarloaf , Sunday River and the newly revamped and reopened Saddleback Mountain are the state’s largest, and most varied, resorts. But the state has plenty of fun mid-sized and smaller ski and snowboard areas as well.

Night skiing and snowboarding is a tradition here. Some skiers and riders like to expand their days on the hill by adding turns at night. Others can ski only after work. Still others show their competitive side through nighttime racing leagues. Night skiing and riding are available at Black Mountain in Rumford, Camden Snow Bowl in Camden, Lost Valley in Auburn, New Hermon Mountain in Hermon, Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, Spruce Mountain in Jay, Sunday River in Newry, and Titcomb Mountain in Farmington.

Expand your biking season by renting one of these huge-tired beasts and hitting a snow-covered trail. Places to try it include Bethel Village Trails in Bethel Pineland Farms in New Gloucester The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley and Carter’s Cross Country Ski Centers in Bethel.

• Ice Fishing

Just because the lakes are frozen over doesn’t mean we stop fishing . Spend the day outside (or in a cozy shanty) with family and friends, or participate in one of the many ice fishing derbies around the state.

• Snowmobiling

Maine has over 14,000 miles of spectacular snowmobile trails for sledding enthusiasts, including the well-groomed and well-marked Interconnected Trail System.

• Snowshoeing

Winter can provide hours of quiet reflection and the chance for serenity. And a snowshoe adventure on winter trails can bring you your moment of Zen. Snowshoes can take you through established ski and snowshoe areas or through less-groomed parks, forests and land trusts.

Tobogganing

The U.S. National Toboggan Championships — complete with a scary course and silly costumes — are held each winter at Camden Snow Bowl .

Cabin Rentals and Winter Resorts

After a day of skiing or snowboarding, relax in cabin, condo or lodge . These can be a ski-in, ski-out, place at one of Maine’s resorts, or a more out-of-the-way location.

Cabins on the Lake

A cozy cabin on a beautiful Maine lake is even cozier in winter and, some attest, even more beautiful. What will you do inside your perfect snowscape? Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing come to mind. And, that toasty, crackling fire to welcome you home.

Condo on the Beach

A winter getaway with all the comforts of home, an endless white sand or white-snowed beach. With convenient access to historic sites, galleries and shopping. And all the winter recreational activities you love, just waiting for you to say: Go. A winter condo on the beach in Maine has it all.

There’s only one thing that can match the recreation, relaxation, natural beauty and outdoor adventure of a Maine summer resort. Our equally wonderful winter version. Ski, snowmobile and snowboard like there’s no tomorrow. Which, of course, there is — a perfect day to enjoy the serenity of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking. Great accommodations, with Maine-style hospitality, always come with the territory.

Featured Winter Activities in Maine Articles

36 hours in rockport & camden, 36 hours in norway, winter in portland, 36 hours in rangeley, mountain destinations, 36 hours in the sebago lakes region, businesses & organizations, cape newagen alpaca farm.

Our own farm raised alpacas' yarn. We are a family friendly alpaca farm in mid-coast Maine. Book your VISIT online.

Phone: 207-633-0416

Website: www.capenewagenfarm.com

Address: 1020 Hendricks Hill Road , Southport

EustisME.com

Welcome to Eustis/Stratton!

Phone: 207-555-5555

Website: eustisme.com

Address: N/A , Eustis

Northwoods Outfitters Snowmobile Rentals & Tours

Offering quality snowmobile rentals and vacation packages in The snowmobiling capital of Maine

Phone: 207-695-3288, 866-223-1380

Website: www.maineoutfitter.com

Address: 5 Lily bay rd. Box 160 , Greenville

Five Fields Farm Apple Orchard & X-C Ski Center

A working apple orchard and X-C Ski Center in South Bridgton, Maine.

Phone: 207-647-2425

Website: www.fivefieldsski.com

Address: 720 South Bridgton Road , Bridgton

SledHead Ventures LLC

SledHead Ventures' Complete Snowmobile Vacation Adventure Packages include snowmobiles, clothing, lodging, guide, gas, meals, and photos for exciting on-trail & backcountry personalized snowmobile touring.

Phone: 281-923-4969

Website: www.sledheadventures.com

Address: 11 Nutmeg Way , Jackman

Saddleback Ski Mountain Maine

With lift access above 4,000’, a vertical drop of 2,000’, 68 runs, and 225” of annual snowfall, Saddleback is one of Maine's most affordable big mountain ski resorts. Adult day tickets start at just $59.

Phone: 207-864-5671

Website: www.saddlebackmaine.com

Address: 976 Saddleback Mountain Road , Rangeley

No results found.

Businesses and locations related to: Winter Activities in Maine

• Arts and Culture
• Dining and Nightlife
• Hiking and Climbing
• Lighthouses and Sightseeing
• On the Water
• Parks and Natural Attractions
• Spas, Health and Wellness
• Sports and Recreation
• Traveler Resources
• Hostels and Boarding Houses
• Hotels and Motels
• Inns/Bed and Breakfasts
• Sporting Camps and Wilderness Lodges

• Cross Country Skiing
• Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
• Sledding and Tubing
• DownEast and Acadia
• Greater Portland and Casco Bay
• Maine's Lakes and Mountains
• MidCoast and Islands

Searching for " " Almost there...

Travelers from all U.S. states are able to travel to Maine without providing a negative COVID-19 test result or quarantining, unless otherwise determined by the Maine CDC. International travelers from approved countries will be subject to any federal requirements for travel.

Learn how our safe travel protocols are helping ensure everyone's visit is a safe one.

©1996-2024 Northwoods Outfitters Inc. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy All photographs may not be used without written consent.

New England Wanderlust

Maine  ·  August 3, 2022

15 Awesome Day Trips From Portland, Maine (2024)

Portland is a wonderful city in its own right, but it’s also centrally-located to some other amazing places. If you live in Portland or are new to the city, and are looking to get out and explore more of the region, or if you’re planning a longer stay and are wondering what your options are for day trips from Portland, Maine, this post is all about the absolute best options to give you plenty of ideas.

Even with just a day trip from Portland, you’ll be able to see some incredible coastal landscapes and lighthouses, go on some awesome tours, eat some delicious food and feel like you had a true vacation while only being gone a day. Having travelled all over Maine for over 10 years , I’ve seen so much of what the Pine Tree State has to offer, and I’ve scouted out the places that are worth your time!

With that, let’s jump into my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine (2022)

Below is a list of my favorite day trips from Portland, Maine, and the destinations are organized by shortest to furthest distance from Portland. Most day trips from Portland, Maine on this list are less than 2 hours away, with the longest being 2 hours and 30 minutes away. And be sure to keep reading below for bonus seasonal suggestions, as to find out if a day trip from Portland to Acadia is worth it!

1. Kennebunkport, ME

Distance From Portland: 40 minutes

The easiest, and also one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine is Kennebunkport. I love Kennebunkport because there’s so much to do, but it’s also a small town that’s easily manageable for a day trip. It’s packed with tons of charm, has some great beaches, awesome shops and restaurants and feels like a true escape from city life in Portland.

Some of the best things to do on a Kennebunkport day trip from Portland:

• Explore the shops & restaurants along Dock Square.
• Go for a swim or walk on the shoreline of Gooch’s, Mothers or Colony Beach.
• Take a drive on Ocean Avenue.
• Get a lobster roll at The Clam Shack.
• Walk along the coast of Cape Arundel on the Parson’s Way Trail.

A really great tour option in Kennebunkport if you’re a foodie is a culinary walking tour . Each tour is different based on the season, but it lasts for 2.5 hours, and you’ll get the inside scoop from a local on all the best foods to eat in town. They’ll take you to some off-the-beaten path places, and you’ll meet with food artisans to sample locally-caught lobster, chowder, Maine whoopie pies, the absolute best ice cream in town, and so much more. For everything you get with this tour, I think the cost is very reasonable!

Click here to book your Culinary Walking Tour in Kennebunkport!

2. Ogunquit, ME

Distance From Portland: 1 hour

Ogunquit is another one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine. It’s very close to Kennebunkport, and you can definitely do both in one day if you’re feeling up for it (although, there’s so much to do in each town that you can easily fill up a full day in each place).

Ogunquit is best known for having one of the longest stretches of sandy shoreline in all of Maine, so if you’re looking for a beach day without having to go far, this is one of the best places for that in Maine. Ogunquit’s town is also very quaint and easily walkable, and packed with adorable shops and great restaurants.

Some of the best things to do in Ogunquit on a day trip from Portland:

• Walk from Ogunquit’s town to Perkins Cove along Marginal Way for one of the most scenic walks in Southern Maine! Perkins Cove has its own town little town, so be sure to budget time to explore it.
• Visit the shops and restaurants downtown.
• Walk along the shoreline of Ogunquit Beach.

Bonus Suggestion : From Ogunquit, it’s also very easy to see Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick, which is only about 20 minutes away, and is worth the excursion. Also close to York, which is home to some more beautiful scenery and the Stonewall Kitchen flagship store, this lighthouse lives on its own little island, and there’s a park that offers a fantastic view of the lighthouse for a gorgeous photo opportunity!

Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Ogunquit if you need more ideas!

3. Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth is a lovely little coastal town in New Hampshire that’s just over the Maine border, and only a short drive from Portland. Portsmouth’s downtown is so charming, and has a lot of really great shops, restaurants, cafes and breweries, as well as waterfront walkways, and even a small little lighthouse just outside of town. For all these reasons, it’s one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine.

Some of the best things to do in Portsmouth, NH on a day trip from Portland:

• Taste the local beer at these awesome breweries: Portsmouth Brewery , Loaded Question Brewing and Great Rhythm Brewing .
• Visit the cute shops in Market Square. Two of my favorites are Jane Gee for natural skin and body care products, and Sault New England for East-coast inspired clothing.
• Get some sweet treats at Elephantine Bakery .
• Stroll through Prescott Park.

If you’re looking to see as much of Portsmouth as you can, as well as take in some of the best water views, I recommend checking out this bike tour through town and the local islands . This is a guided tour that last about two hours, and is a casual cruise around town, as well as the surrounding islands. Led by a local expert, you’ll hear stories about the town’s history, as well as be able to stop for some awesome photo opportunities.

Click here to check out this bike tour in Portsmouth!

4. Boothbay Harbor, ME

Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 10 minutes.

One of my favorite small waterfront towns in all of Maine is Boothbay Harbor, and this makes for one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. Even though it’s such a short drive away, you’ll definitely feel like you’re in a different world. Between the charming downtown, beautiful waterfront restaurants and amazing opportunities to tour the waters and see wildlife, you’re sure to have a great day in Boothbay Harbor.

Some of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor on a day trip from Portland:

• Walk the streets of downtown to visit the shops and eateries.
• Cross the footbridge for views of town and the water.
• Head out onto the water for a wildlife and lighthouse tour (see my suggestions below!).
• Have an awesome waterfront lunch or dinner at Boathouse Bistro .
• Get an ice cream from Downeast Ice Cream Factory .

If you come to Boothbay Harbor for your day trip, I highly suggest you consider a boat tour. There are so many options in Boothbay, and the views are incredible. My favorite boat tours in Boothbay are the wildlife and lighthouse tours.

A great tour option for your day trip from Portland, Maine is the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour . For the price, I think this tour offers a lot a fun and spectacular views. During this tour, you’ll pass by two lighthouses, spot seals lounging on the rocks, and also learn all about the local lobstering community, as well as what it takes to haul lobster traps. And with packing all that into only 1.5 hours, it allows you spend the rest of your day trip exploring the town.

Click here to check out the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals tour in Boothbay Harbor!

Another great option if you love lighthouses is this cruise along Kennebec River , where you’ll get to see 7 lighthouses, and also learn about the local maritimes and ship-building history. Tour guides will also help you spot shore birds and other wildlife during the cruise.

Click here to check out the Kennebec River Cruise!

Lastly, definitely consider this Puffin Tour during your day trip to Boothbay Harbor. This tour is about 2.5 hours, and takes you out to Eastern Egg Rock to see a puffin colony. During the tour, you’ll pass by lighthouses and gorgeous scenery, and the you’ll be guided by a member of the National Audubon Society to learn all about the puffins and other shore birds.

Click here to check out the Puffin Tour in Boothbay Harbor!

Psst! I have en entire post on fun things to do in Boothbay Harbor , which includes more tips for your puffin tour, so be sure to check out if you need more information.

5. Newburyport, MA

Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Newburyport in Massachusetts is another one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine. I love visiting this little town because it’s both a gorgeous place packed with beautiful, colonial-style homes and quaint side streets, but also has a charming downtown, a waterfront park and even the stunning Plum Island to explore. You’ll definitely be able to fill up a full day here.

Some of the best things to do in Newburyport on a day trip from Portland:

• Stroll through the shops downtown.
• Walk along the paths in the waterfront park.
• Get lost in the charming residential side streets.
• Head out onto the water (see my suggestion below!).
• Explore Plum Island and the scenic trails at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge .

A great option for a boat tour in Newburyport is this cruise through the harbor on a Yankee Clipper . There are a few different tour options available, including a narrated history tour, a Parker River National Wildlife Refuge tour, as well as a sunset cocktail cruise if you want to end your day out on the water.

Click here to check out this boat tour in Newburyport!

Psst! I have an entire post on things to do in Newburyport and Plum Island , if you’re looking for more ideas for your day trip!

6. Sebago Lake, ME

Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Sebago Lake is one of the best options for day trips from Portland, Maine if you’re looking for a peaceful day. While it’s a popular destination, it doesn’t often feel super crowded, and definitely has a very chill atmosphere. There are also a good amount of of kid’s activities here, including mini golf places, and lots of opportunity to get out onto the lake.

Since Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine, it covers a pretty big area, and there are a few different towns that surround the lake, which each offer really fun things to do.

Some of the best things to do in on a day trip to Sebago Lake from Portland:

• Walk around the lake on the Outer Loop Trail inside Sebago Lake State Park.
• Rent Jet Skis and head out onto the water.
• Hike the trails at Hacker’s Hill Preserve.
• Grab some snacks, Maine whoopie pies and other delicious baked goods at Gemmes General Store.
• Eat fresh lobster at Stoney Brook Lobster Pound.
• Taste the local beer at Sebago Brewing Company

One of the best ways to get out onto the lake for a peaceful afternoon is by renting kayaks and spending a few hours enjoying the views from the peaceful water. Along with your kayak rental, you’ll get a life jacket, as well as a map of the lake so you know the best areas to explore.

Click here tochecko it this Kayak Tour on Sebago Lake!

7. Conway, NH

Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes

A great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine is Conway, NH, which is located in the White Mountains region. While this is a great destination year-round, I think it’s especially enjoyable in the fall season to really take advantage of the fall foliage views. There’s actually so much to do in Conway that you probably can’t experience it all in a day, but it definitely makes for a great day trip to get some fresh mountain air.

This is also a great destination if you’re traveling with children, as there are lots of kid-friendly activities such as the Conway Scenic Railroad, roller coaster rides at Cranmore Mountain Resort and the Kahuna Laguna Water Park.

Some of the best things to do in Conway on a day trip from Portland:

• Explore the cute downtown and visit the shops.
• Visit all the waterfalls at Diana’s Baths.
• Drive or hike up to Cathedral Ledge View Point.
• Tour the local covered bridges.
• Get some sweet treats to bring home (or eat on the drive!) at one of the town’s many bakeries.
• Have a memorable meal at Chef’s Bistro.

8. Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Another great destination in New Hampshire that also makes for an awesome day trip from Portland, Maine is Lake Winnipesaukee, which is also the state’s largest lake. Mostly known as a summer destination, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a very scenic fall day trip because the amazing foliage colors.

Lake Winnipesaukee is actually comprised of eight different towns, each with something unique and fun to offer.

Some of the best things to do on a Lake Winnipesaukee day trip from Portland:

• Rent a jet ski or boat to spend the day on the water.
• Go ziplining at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
• Do a little shopping for unique finds at the Old Country Store in Moultonborough.
• Enjoy a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
• Visit the mountain top mansion Castle In The Clouds for awesome mountain views.
• Feel like a kid again at Weirs Beach, and ride the roller coasters, play arcade games and go kart.
• Go beer tasting at the local breweries (there’s quite a few here!).

One of the most fun tours to take in Lake Winnipesaukee is a ride in an antique boat ! During your day trip, you’ll want to consider booking a tour on the Millie B, where you’ll get to take in the spectacular views of the region, and maybe even spot a loon or two. With each tour on Millie B, guests get free admission to the Boat Museum as well.

Click here to check availability for your vintage boat ride tour on Lake Winnipesaukee!

9. Camden, ME

A great option to consider when looking at day trips from Portland, Maine is Camden. Camden is a beautiful town along the New England coast that has a really great Main Street with shops and restaurants, a really lovely waterfront park, lots of opportunities for sailing, an amazing state park with an incredible view point, and lots of coastal charm at every turn.

Some of the best things to do in Camden on a day trip from Portland:

• Drive or hike up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for an awesome view of Camden Harbor from above.
• Visit the shops and eateries downtown and along Main Street.
• Walk along the waterfront to admire the gorgeous sailboats.
• Get a lunch picnic from Camden Deli and bring it to a picnic table at the water front park.
• Stop in Owl’s Head on your way there or back to visit the lighthouse (it’s worth the extra stop!).

One of the best things to do in Camden, though, is to head out on a sailing tour . Camden has some gorgeous vessels you can climb aboard, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the landscapes from a unique perspective out on the water. This Windjammer tour is an awesome option, and they have two types of tours: one is a day sail, and the other is a sunset sail if you want to end your day out on the water. You’ll also be able to see Mount Battie and Curtis Island Lighthouse during either sail.

Click here to check out the Windjammer Daytime Sailing Tour in Camden!

Click here to check out the Windjammer Sunset Sailing Tour in Camden!

10. Boston, MA

Distance From Portland: 2 hours

Even though you’re coming from a city, Boston is always a good idea (at least, that’s just my opinion!). Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities because of its deeply-rooted history, gorgeous architecture, amazing restaurants and charming streets. While Portland also has a lot of that, I still think Boston is one of the best day trips you can take because the two destinations are different enough to make it worth your while.

Boston can easily be done in a day, and while you won’t see it all, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground, depending on what you’re looking to do. And definitely don’t forget to make a reservation for dinner if you’re hoping for a special meal out!

Best things to do in Boston on a day trip from Portland:

• Stroll through the Public Gardens.
• If you like to shop, be sure to hit up Newbury Street and Copely Place.
• Explore the most charming streets in the Beacon Hill neighborhood (my favorite thing to do!).
• Grab a famous cannoli from Mike’s Pastry.
• Walk around one of the many waterfront parks.
• Get off-the-beaten-path at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Best Boston Day Trip Tours

I highly recommend checking out a tour while in Boston, especially if it’s your first visit, or you’re looking to explore something new. Boston has so many amazing tour options led my local experts that share tons of tips and knowledge.

One great tour to consider on your day trip from Portland, Maine is a Freedom Trail Walking Tour . The Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston for history buffs (and anyone who wants to appreciate the country’s earliest years). You can definitely walk the trail yourself, and do the whole thing or just parts of it. But if you love history, consider this tour by a local historian to get even more out of your experience.

Click here to check out Freedom Trail History Walking Tour in Boston

For day-trippers, a Hop-on, Hop-off trolley tour is a great choice to cover more ground, and also learn something along the way. Once you get to Boston, I always recommend you park your car for the day and explore on foot, but a trolley tour will allow you to see more sites without having to worry about getting around a historic city in your own car.

Click here to check out the Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley tickets in Boston

For foodies, definitely check out this North End Foodie Tour , which is led by a local culinary expert that knows all the very best spots. You’ll get recommendations for places to eat during the rest of your visit, and get to sample some amazing treats along the way like meats, cheeses, baked goods, drinks and pizzas. This is a walking tour, so you’ll also get to see some charming streets in the North End for a well-rounded day trip to Boston.

Click here to check out the North End Foodie Tour in Boston

How To Get From Portland, ME To Boston Without A Car

If you don’t have access to a car in Portland, you can take the Amtrak Downeastern train from Portland to Boston for your day trip. The best option is to drive because the train will take you three hours one-way, but if you don’t have access to a car, this is a great option!

11. Rockport, MA

Rockport is one of the best destinations for day trips in Maine if you’re looking to see one of the most charming and unique towns along the Massachusetts coast. It’s definitely my most favorite town in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and probably one of my all-time favorite destinations in all of New England.

Rockport is small, but feels very special and memorable. The downtown area is packed with awesome and unique shops and eateries, there’s a big local artist scene here, and everywhere you go, you kind of feel like you’re in a postcard. It’s no wonder that Rockport has been used in a lot of movies!

Best things to do in Rockport on a day trip from Portland:

• Admire the most painted building in the U.S. – Motif 1.
• Stroll through Bearskin Neck and visit all the shops.
• Grab a lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster Company.
• Walk on the Rockland Breakwater.
• Visit all the art galleries.
• Hit the trails at Halibut Point State Park.
• Kayak out to Thacher Island to see the lighthouse.
• Take a boat tour of the harbor.
• Get an ice cream at the cutest little ice cream shack on the East Coast!

Psst! I have an entire post on all the amazing things to do in Rockport to help you plan your visit!

12. Marblehead, MA

Marblehead is another amazing day trip from Portland, Maine. It often gets over-shadowed by the neighboring Salem (more on Salem later in the post, though!), but it’s definitely worth a full-day visit, or even a whole weekend. Marblehead has an awesome historic district with beautiful houses to admire, cute little shops and cafes, plenty of waterfront to explore and is even home to some Hocus Pocus filming locations!

Best things to do in Marblehead on your day trip from Portland:

• Explore Chandler Hovey Park and Marblehead Lighthouse.
• Visit Devereux Beach.
• Pick up some sandwiches and see what else you can find at Shubie’s Marketplace .
• Walk around Old Burial Hill Cemetery (a Hocus Pocus filming location). Be sure to find the gazebo at the top to admire the views.
• Grab a lobster roll at Little Harbor Lobster Company.
• Take in the views at Castle Rock.

Psst! I have an entire post on the best things to do in Marblehead, MA if you need even more ideas.

13. Gloucester, MA

Gloucester is a great day trip from Portland, Maine to consider, and is also only about 15 minutes from Rockport, so you can easily combine the two into one trip if you wanted. Both are excellent destinations to dedicate a full day to, however, so it’s entirely up to you!

Gloucester is packed with maritimes history, and also has lots of waterfront to explore. On top of that, though, you’ll find amazing restaurants, a quaint little downtown, a beautiful lighthouse and lots of tour options that get you out onto the water.

Best things to do on a day trip to Gloucester from Portland:

• Explore the Gloucester HarborWalk.
• Visit Hammond Castle to feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.
• Walk along the shore at Good Harbor or Wingaersheek Beach.
• Head over to Eastern Point Lighthouse and walk almost a half mile out on the breakwater.
• Have a lovely lunch at Sugar Magnolia’s.

One of the best places to go whale watching in the entire world (yes, world!) is actually right here in Gloucester, so this is definitely something you’ll want to consider for your day trip. Whale Watch tours from Gloucester head out to Stellwagen Bank, a national marine preserve that’s only 12 miles offshore. This particular tour is great for day-trippers because the vessel is a high-speed catamaran, so you’ll be able to cover more ground in the same amount of time, allowing you to really maximize your time.

Click here to check out this Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

To get around Gloucester faster and easier, a great option for your day trip is to rent e-bikes ! E-bikes are so much fun to ride, and allow you to pack more into your schedule than just walking. And with e-bikes, you’ll be able to ride some of the bikes through all of Cape Ann since you’ll have them for 8 hours, allowing you to see even more of this gorgeous region.

Click here to check out renting e-bikes in Gloucester

14. Rangeley Lake, ME

Distance From Portland: 2 hours and 30 minutes

The furthest day trip from Portland, Maine is still definitely worth your time! Rangeley Lake in Maine is located in the Northwestern corner of the state, and is a beautiful destination to consider. And actually this region is home to several lakes, and covers a lot of ground, so you’ll have lots of options when it comes to towns to visit, activities on the water and places to eat. Rangelely Lake is also a quiet and peaceful destination, which makes for a wonderful escape from the city.

Best things to do on a day trip to Rangely Lake from Portland:

• Take a scenic drive along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
• Cool down at the swimming holes at Small Falls.
• Enjoy the views at the Height of Land Overlook.
• Drive to the top of Quill Hill for more amazing bird’s eye lake views.
• Explore the charming shops in downtown Rangeley.
• Rent a kayak and head out onto the water.
• Have a lakefront dinner at the Loon Lodge Inn.

For something really fun and special (and a bit of a splurge that’s totally worth it), consider booking a seaplane tour over the region. This tour often spots moose from above on the lake shorelines, so if seeing a moose in Maine is on your list, this will be a great option. You’ll pass over two lakes and get to spot other wildlife as well. Even though it’s a splurge, the price is very fair for a private tour, especially in such a gorgeous area.

Click here to book your Seaplane Tour in Rangeley Lake!

Day Trips From Portland, Maine In the Fall

15. salem, ma.

Distance From Portland: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Pretty much any destination in New England is wonderful to visit in the fall, but one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine in the fall is Salem, MA , especially during the month of October. I think Salem is a great town to explore year-round, but of course, there’s something extra fun and special about it in the fall season. From haunted tours, to fun street fairs, to a picture-perfect New England streets covered in leaves, this is one of the best day trips from Portland, Maine you can take during the autumn season.

One of the best tours in Salem is this Hauntings & History walking tour , and you can select either a day option, or a night option if you want to increase the spooky factor. The tour is led by a local historian and shares stories of the town’s incredible history, which dates back to the 1600s.

Click here to book your Hauntings & History Walking Tour in Salem!

If you’re a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus (and honestly, who isn’t?), then you may enjoy this walking tour of the movie’s filming locations in Salem. You’ll see five movie locations, learn some fun trivia about the movie, and also hear about the town’s fascinating history to get the best of both worlds.

Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Filming Locations Tour in Salem!

If you’re looking for a super spooky tour and lots of goosebumps, then you’ll love the Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour . Done at night, this tour is led by a local history expert and takes you to some of the most haunted locations in town. You’ll also listen to authentic stories from the Salem Witch Trials and hear about ghost sightings around Salem.

Click here to book your Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Spooky Walking Tour in Salem!

Psst! I have an entire post on taking a day trip to Salem, MA , if you’re looking for more information!

Day Trips From Portland, Maine Without A Car

In all honestly, getting outside of Portland to explore the local areas without a car is very difficult, and sometimes not even possible. New England in particular really requires a car to get around, and public transportation between towns isn’t great, unless you’re going from one city to another.

But if you’re willing to stay in Portland, and head out for fun tours that will feel like day trips, this is an excellent option if you don’t have a car! Below I’ve also listed two options for companies that will drive you around Maine in a private tour if it works in your budget, and well as one tour in Portland that will feel like an escape.

Best Day Tours From Portland, Maine

A great option for day trips from Portland, Maine without a car is this full-day Maine in the fall tour . This tour will start at Portland Head Light, and take you out to Camden, Bangor and some of the best sites in Acadia National Park, including to the top of Cadillac Mountain and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. You’ll even have time to explore downtown Bar Harbor for a bit. This is a private tour for your group, and considering how much ground you’ll cover, the price for the whole group is very fair! Keep in mind that this is a fall-specific tour, and it’s not available year-round.

Click here to check out this full-day private fall tour from Portland!

If you’re willing to stay in Portland and explore the coastline, this awesome bike tour is 5-hours long, and will make you feel like you’re away from the city. You’ll head out to Cape Elizabeth, and explore the local lighthouses and dramatic coastline views, and also stop for an amazing lobster roll from a food truck that’s included in the tour cost.

Click here to check out this bike tour (with a lobster roll!) around Portland’s coast!

This company offers customized and private luxury tours throughout Maine, and if you’re looking to get around the state from Portland and don’t have access to a car, it’s worth reaching out to them to plan your perfect day trip.

Click here for more information on customized and luxury private day tours from Portland!

Can You Do A Day Trip From Portland, Maine To Acadia?

Yes, you can, but just keep in mind that it will be a long day and you’ll have to carefully plan what sights you really want to see and be strategic. Especially in the summer because of traffic and crowds. The drive is 3-hours one-way, but if your only opportunity to get to Acadia National Park is by taking a day trip, it’s definitely worth it!

There’s so much to do in Acadia that I usually recommend at least 2-3 nights, but you can also see a lot on a day trip. With a day, I would recommend doing Ocean Path (walking from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs), one hike (Great Head or Gorham are both great choices), and then heading into downtown Bar Harbor for dinner before driving home. If your schedule allows, see if you can also do lunch at Jordan Pond House inside the park overlooking the mountains.

Here’s my guide on the perfect Acadia National Park itinerary if you need some day trip ideas, or are planning to spend a few nights there!

Hiking Day Trips From Portland, Maine

The destinations from this list that offer amazing hiking opportunities as a day trip from Portland would be Acadia National Park, Camden (Camden Hills State Park), Conway, Sebago Lake and Rangely Lake.

Day Trips From Portland, Maine In The Winter

Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are excellent options for days trips from Portland, Maine in the winter because of their holiday celebrations. The Kennunkport Christmas Prelude is one of the best Christmas festivals in New England, and Ogunquit’s Christmas by the Sea event will fill you with all kinds of holiday cheer. And since these two towns are so close to one another, you could easily combine them into one festive day trip.

Once the holiday season is over, a great option for a day trip from Portland, Maine in the winter is to head just a few minutes north to Freeport and explore the charming town covered in snow, explore the trails at Wolfe’s Neck Center & Farm and then head back into town for a very cozy meal at Tuscan Brick Oven Pizza.

Conway, NH from this list is also an awesome day trip in the winter. Known as an incredible ski destination, you’ll be able to hit the slopes, or just enjoy the quaint town and its attractions covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.

More Of My Maine Travel Guides:

• Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
• Maine In The Spring: Where To Go & What To Do
• Maine In October: Best Fall Foliage Spots & Things To Do
• Maine In The Winter
• Portland, Maine In The Winter
• Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
• Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
• Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
• The Best Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
• Blueberry Picking In Maine
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
• Maine In The Summer

You may also enjoy:

• Best Christmas Towns In New England
• Best Day Trips In New England
• The Most Incredible New England Lighthouses To See

That’s A Wrap On The Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine

Now that you know all about the best day trips from Portland, Maine, you’re armed and ready to plan your own perfect day. Whether you’re excited to head to Boston and relive history and enjoy the amazing culinary scene, or you’re looking forward to a quiet day at one of the best lakes in the region, the opportunities for seeing amazing landscapes and taking some awesome tours are endless. Happy planning!

You might also enjoy

Subscribe To My Newsletter

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Disclosure Policy

14 Unique Day Trips In Maine That Are An Absolute Must-Do

Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: [email protected].

More by this Author

A daily routine is overrated when you live in a place like Maine. Sure, it’s easy to wake up on a Saturday, eat breakfast, and then go about your business, but why not shake things up for the next few weeks and add these fun day trips in Maine to your weekend? They don’t require a huge budget, you won’t need to book a hotel and you’ll be back in time for a meal cooked in your own kitchen. For anyone searching online for the perfect Maine day trip, we have you covered. Enjoy Maine like the tourists do – with a few more authentic touches!

Related Stories

13 Out Of This World Day Trips To Take In Maine

6 Incredible Maine Day Trips You Can Take By Train

The Train Ride Through The Maine Countryside That Shows Off Fall Foliage

Have you taken any of these day trips in Maine? Make sure to let us know in the comments section! Also, if you have a few more day trips we’ve overlooked, we’d love to hear about those so we can check them out. I’m always looking for new spontaneous day trips near me!

If you’re already touring around Maine, might as well check out one of the most incredible scenic byways in Maine .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Maine in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Maine!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

More to Explore

Day trips in maine.

Where can I go on one tank of gas in Maine?

There are plenty of places you can go on one tank of gas in Maine. In fact, some of the best day trips in Maine involve only one tank of gas and a lot of gusto. The total trip takes about 200 miles to complete and about five hours of driving time. But, it leads to 10 amazing spots that you’ll only find in Maine.

What are the best road trips through Maine?

The best road trips through Maine lead to some of the best spots in the state. Here are a few that people love:

• The Ultimate Whoopie Pie Road Trip : If you have a sweet tooth, you won't want to miss this route leading to the best spots to find Maine's official state treat.
• The Lighthouse Road Trip : Leading up and down the Maine coast, this is a must-do for those who love incredible views.
• The Scenic Waterfall Loop : Leading to eight beautiful falls throughout the state, this is a lovely trip to take if you love nature.
• The Natural Wonders Road Trip : This trip takes travelers to some of the most interesting wonders found throughout the state.

And, there are plenty more! In fact, road trips are some of the best day trips in Maine and each one is worth checking out when you have the time. 

What places in Maine should I see before I die?

There's a long list of places in Maine you should see before you die! Although, it doesn’t matter where you are in your life, having a bucket list is always a good idea. These 15 places in Maine to see before you die should absolutely be added to your list, starting with The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.

Related Articles

• Experience A New Side Of Maine On This One-Of-A-Kind Adventure
• The Blueberry Capital Of Maine Is One Of The Most Charming Small Towns You'll Ever Visit
• The Friendly Small Town In Maine That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip
• Go Fishing In Moose River Then Dine At A Small-Town Pub On This Delightful Adventure In Maine
• Play Tourist For A Day In The Charming Town Of Rockland, Maine, The Birthplace Of Edna St. Vincent Millay
• 6 Maine Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
• The Little-Known Story Of Atlantic Puffins In Maine And How They Made A Big Comeback
• The Country's Most Impressive Rest Stop Is Hiding Right Here In Maine

Explore Maine

How to Spend One Winter Day in Freeport Maine

Why Should You Visit Freeport, ME in Winter?

Great question! Firstly, it helps you avoid the crazy crowds of summer in Maine. 

Freeport can get pretty busy during the summer. Located on Route 1, many tourists drive through Freeport if they are seeking the scenic route from Portland to Camden or Bar Harbor . So, naturally the downtown can get a bit congested. 

In addition, wintertime in Freeport offers a more relaxing feel to the small town. The ambience of fresh snow and holiday lights make it even more appealing to visitors. 

And finally, wintertime in Freeport offers a unique way to view the surrounding natural beauty. While most visitors will enjoy the rocky coastline via hiking and kayaking, you’ll get the chance to experience nature via snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. And did I mention no crowds? Seriously, you’ll have the area virtually to yourself. 

Read More: 4 Reasons Maine Should Be Your Next Vacation Spot

Freeport is a Perfect Day Trip from Portland, Maine

If you are visiting from Portland, you’ll be surprised how close Freeport is to Portland, yet it feels like you’re hours away from the “city”. You may not consider Portland a city, but we do in Maine!

To visit from Portland, you’ll most likely want to rent a car.

Read More: 6 Fantastic Day Trips from Portland You’ll Love

Start your day of fun in Freeport, ME!

A note, this itinerary may require snowshoes and proper winter boots, depending on snow levels when you’re visiting. If you are in need of rentals, you may want to head over to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester , only 20 minutes from Freeport.  Pineland farms offers snowshoe and cross-country skiing rentals as well as an extensive trail system, perfect for beginners or those who don’t have their own! They also have a wonderful market where you can enjoy lunch after burning all those calories!

These are the winter boots I swear by! I wear these boots all four seasons! They are perfect for winter adventures, rainy days, muddy walks, and cold days. Seriously, the best winter purchase I’ve ever made.

Sunrise at Winslow Memorial Park

Winslow Park is a wonderful hidden gem in this area. In the warmer months, the park features a beach, playground, and multiple picnic area rentals, along with a large campground. 

The campground is open from late May to October. There are over 100 campsites offering both tent and RV sites, but there aren’t any RV hook-ups. 

Dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beach or playground. 

If you’re just visiting for the day, there is a charge during the summer months, $3 per person.

Winslow Park in the winter is a totally different place! It’s serene and quiet, offering the most relaxing way to start your morning. 

Snowshoes aren’t totally necessary to enjoy the sunrise, it just depends how much snow Freeport has gotten recently. The road into the park is paved so you could easily enjoy the sunrise from the road as well. 

Breakfast at Sunrise Cafe

There are a few options for breakfast in Freeport. 

We love Sunrise Cafe the most because of the great tasting food and local small town feel. You have to try their homemade corned beef hash, a Maine favorite!

You can also try Freeport Cafe, Isabella’s Cafe, or Coffee by Design located in LL Bean. 

Exploring Downtown Freeport, Maine

If you like shopping, you’ll really enjoy downtown Freeport and the Freeport Village Station. 

You’ll find LL Bean, Patagonia, Ann Taylor Loft, J Crew , and more. 

*LL Bean has multiple stores spread over downtown Freeport. Below you’ll see the Bike, Boat, and Ski store is just one of their buildings.

And don’t forget to check out the LL Bean outlet store in the Freeport Village Station

There are also numerous local shops which I try to support as much as I can!

Check out Haberdashery, Rustic Arrow, Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, Wicked Whoopies, Leapin Lizards , and more. 

There’s a ton of parking in downtown Freeport, but the earlier you can get there the better as it does fill up fast in the summer months.

Lunch at Antonias Pizzeria Bar and Grill

This local pizzeria has been in Freeport since 2007 and serves the best pizza in town. We love their Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli pizza! 

They also have a great patio for the summer months. 

Afternoon Walk or Snowshoe at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park

I’ve been to Wolfe’s Neck State Park numerous times, and I always love coming back. It’s got plenty of parking and is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Freeport. 

Read More: The Best State Parks in Maine: A Local’s Opinion

During the winter tha gate park will be closed so park alongside the road, making sure not to block the gate. 

There is a series of trails perfect for a light hike or snowshoeing in the winter. Again, if you’re in need of rentals you may want to skip Wolfe’s Neck State Park and instead head over to Pineland Farms in New Gloucester where you can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis. 

The state park also features tent and RV camping in the summer as well as a Nature Center.

Dinner at Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro

This is my favorite restaurant in Freeport. I love their relaxing and laid back atmosphere and I always have a great time while I’m there. 

You have to try their charcuterie board! They also have a great selection of wine. 

You’ll definitely want to make a reservation if you’re visiting for dinner. 

Dessert From Wicked Whoopie

While you’re exploring downtown Freeport, stop by Wicked Whoopie. Pick up a few treats for after dinner! Trust us, you’ll want to try these classic Maine desserts. You might have trouble choosing a flavor from red velvet to chocolate chip and gingerbread to the classic chocolate. 

Wicked Whoopies started in Gardiner, ME and now ships their delicious treats all over the US. So, you can enjoy more whoopie pies when you’re back home!

Other Ways to Enjoy Freeport, Maine

If you’re still looking for ways to get active you can check out Audubon Mast Landing Sanctuary, Hedgehog Mountain, and Bliss Woods Preserve.

If you’re planning a trip in December, LL Bean goes all out with decorations and holiday light displays. They even have a skating rink with rentals available, and a free hot chocolate area. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, just one day in Freeport isn’t enough but this itinerary is a great start to a visit. 

I hope you enjoy your time visiting Freeport, no matter the time of year!

Best Outdoor Activities in Cape Elizabeth, Maine You’ll Love

51 Things To Do in Maine in April

How to Spend One Winter Day in Kennebunkport, Maine

Best Campgrounds for You in Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Maine

How to Spend One Winter Day in Scarborough Maine

Our Favorite Places in Maine You Need to Know About

• Weekend Getaways
• Romantic Trips
• Last Minute

25 Best Day Trips in Maine

Last Updated By VacationIdea Staff on March 12, 2024

Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, Maine, Phone: 207-288-3338

Bar Harbor is also the ultimate place for outdoor recreation, including cycling, hiking, water sports, and rock climbing, and features many summer homes and heavy foot traffic from June through August.

There are two top-notch golf courses in Bethel as well as a casino, and many events that happen through the year. Bethel Map

Boothbay Harbor

Besides boating, there are also tidal pools, coves, hiking, and botanical gardens that can be explored for outdoor fun. The Boothbay Railway Village is another popular attraction where visitors can board an authentic steam engine. Map

The Blue Hill Fair over Labor Day Weekend features vendors, exhibits, and great entertainment. The event draws visitors from around the east coast. website , Map

The Fort Knox Historic Site is also nearby in Prospect.

Carrabassett Valley

More ideas: Romantic Getaways in Maine

Visitors can also take boat or kayak chartered tours to the Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge. The only stores are in the nearby Cutler Naval Base. Map

Damariscotta

The area is known for its festivals including the annual ice harvest, Harbor Fest, Oyster Festival, Pumpkin Fest, and Festival of Lights, to name a few. Map

Deer Isle and Stonington

The village of Deer Isle has many excellent locally-owned restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood, wine bars, and coffee houses.

Visitors who love the outdoors can explore Bradbury Mountain State Park, Desert of Maine, Leon Gorman Park, Maine Audubon Mast Landing Sanctuary, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, or take a trip with one of the seacoast touring companies by boat. L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs are also available and offered all year around. Freeport is a must-visit stop on your New England road trip .

Height of the Land

There are also conservation lands just adjacent to the viewing point where visitors can take a short hike or walk.

Kennebunkport

The area is great to visit year-round with the New England foliage offering beautiful displays of Autumn color, and the Christmas Prelude holiday celebration event that draws visitors from across the state.

Lewiston and Auburn

Auburn is known for the Auburn River Walk, a 1.2-mile path that allows visitors to traverse the banks of the river and under bridges on the way to the Lewiston Railroad Park where the Great Falls Balloon Festival kicks off annually.

Maine Audubon

Maine Audubon Headquarters Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, Maine, 04105, Phone: 207-781-2330 , Map

Maine Maritime Museum

Included with admission to the Maine Maritime Museum is admission to the Percy & Small Shipyard Tour, Donnell House, and the 1906 Schooner Mary E. Map

Peaks Island

The Fifth Marine Museum provides visitors with a glimpse at the island’s past and the Fifth Maine Regiment that battled in the Civil War. Map

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

The home that the lighthouse keeper would typically live in is now the Fishermen’s Museum, and both are open during summer months. Map

Popham Beach State Park

Maine Route 209, Phippsburg, Maine, just south of Bath, Phone: 207-389-9125 , Map

There are also many opportunities for shopping, indoor and outdoor recreation, performing arts, music, and cruises. Beaches Near Portland, Maine

Quoddy Head State Park

The Carrying Place Cove Bog is another bog found at the park and is a National Natural Landmark

Sebago Lake

More ideas: Drive-in Theaters in Maine

White Mountains

The White Mountains can also be explored via The White Mountains Trail, a designated National Scenic Byway that traverses one hundred miles of the mountains and White Mountains National Forest. More Maine resorts

• 1. Acadia National Park
• 2. Bar Harbor
• 4. Boothbay Harbor
• 5. Blue Hill
• 7. Carrabassett Valley
• 9. Damariscotta
• 10. Deer Isle and Stonington
• 11. Freeport
• 12. Height of the Land
• 13. Kennebunkport
• 14. Lewiston and Auburn
• 15. Maine Audubon
• 16. Maine Maritime Museum
• 17. Peaks Island
• 18. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
• 19. Popham Beach State Park
• 20. Portland
• 21. Quoddy Head State Park
• 22. Sebago Lake
• 23. White Mountains

More Features

25 Fun & Affordable Things to Do in Maine with Kids

16 Best Things to Do in Rangeley, Maine

Hamilton House in Maine

• About Us/Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

• Local & State

The winter that wasn’t: Climate change is transforming Maine’s coldest season

Unusually warm and mostly snow-free, the past few months have continued a long-term trend consistent with a warming planet.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Maine is closing the books on one of the warmest and least snowy winters on record.

But it’s increasingly feeling like the new normal.

“Weather varies from one year to the next, but the long-term trend is clear: The winters are much warmer than they used to be,” said state climatologist Sean Birkel of University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute. “Our winters look and feel different: more rain, less snow, more bare ground, earlier ice outs.”

Mild winter takes a toll on Maine’s outdoor sports, seasonal economy

This winter’s weather, and the long-term warming trend, spells trouble for the snowmobile industry , the ice fishing derbies and dog sledding races, and drives up operational costs for Maine’s ski resorts. But it’s not all bad: Plowing and sanding expenses are down, as well as home heating demand.

The winter of 2023-24 had some notable extremes, even though it didn’t quite break any statewide records, Birkel said.

The average 2023-24 winter temperature in Maine, which climatologists define as running from December through February, was 24.3 degrees Fahrenheit, according to UMaine climate data – making it the second-warmest on record, falling just below 2016’s 24.4-degree average. Advertisement

It’s now been nine years since the average winter temperature dipped below the 20th-century baseline.

Lack of snow takes pressure off Maine’s plowing budgets, workforce

It was so warm that precipitation almost always came in the form of rain, not snow, and what snow did fall did not linger for long, records show. The average snow depth, which climatologists measure in its melted form, was just 0.87 of an inch of water, making the snowpack the fifth-smallest on record. On average, an inch of meltwater equals 10 inches of light, fluffy snow.

Maine’s smallest snowpack was recorded in 1983, with 0.71 inches of meltwater, records show.

While climatological winter ends in February, Maine can feel wintry well into April, especially in the north and western mountain regions, Birkel said.

But this March has been very warm, too, with average daily temperatures through March 26 in Bangor, Caribou and Portland ranking seventh-, sixth- and ninth-warmest.

As Maine continues to warm, winter seasons are becoming shorter and summer is becoming longer, according to the Maine Climate Office. Warming faster than any other season, Maine’s winters are now two weeks shorter than they were in the early 1900s, data show.

These changes will only be amplified in the future. Climate models project Maine may be 2 to 4 degrees hotter by 2050 and up to 10 degrees hotter by 2100, depending on the effectiveness of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Related Headlines

Lack of snow takes pressure off Maine’s plowing budgets, workforce

Mild winter takes a toll on Maine’s outdoor sports, seasonal economy

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Bowdoin College student’s death ruled a suicide

Bowdoin college community shaken by student’s death, julia gagnon of cumberland secures top 24 spot on ‘american idol’, maine has 4 james beard award finalists, april nor’easter could bring 12 or more inches of snow to parts of maine, daily headlines.

• Email address
• Hidden Untitled
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

Snow now breaking out in Maine, as Nor'easter moves in

It may be April, but a winter storm is set to batter the state of Maine and blanket Vacationland in snow.

The storm is poised to begin Wednesday evening, and persist through Friday while maintaining its grip on Maine. Thursday will be a Total Weather Alert day due to the expected onslaught of wet, heavy snow, gusty winds, and the looming threat of power outages.

>> Current travel impacts

The storm's arrival on Wednesday evening will bring a mix of rain and snow along the coast, while inland mountain communities are bracing for substantial snowfall. Transitioning to all snow by Wednesday evening along the coast, a robust nor'easter is forecasted to blanket interior Maine by Thursday morning.

Heightened winds are also a significant concern, intensifying by Thursday morning. This will result in blowing and drifting snow, leading to whiteout conditions and reduced visibility for drivers from late Wednesday evening through Thursday.

High tide is at 7:27 a.m. Thursday. Minor coastal flooding is possible due to storm surge. Large breaking waves and beach erosion are likely.

As the storm begins to weaken on Friday, additional snow and rain showers are anticipated, accompanied by persistent strong winds. Stay updated with Maine's Total Weather for the latest developments on this dynamic early spring storm.

TOP STORIES FROM WMTW:

Special edition Stanley tumblers are selling out, but these are still in stock

READ THE FULL STORY: Snow now breaking out in Maine, as Nor'easter moves in

CHECK OUT WMTW: Stay informed with the latest Portland news and weather from the team at WMTW. Browse the newest Portland, Maine, news stories and stay in the know.

Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

• Local & State

Mild winter takes a toll on Maine’s outdoor sports, seasonal economy

The 2023-24 winter was devastating for the snowmobile industry and the communities that rely on visitors coming to enjoy Maine's trails.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Dan Bilodeau of the Perkins Ridge Sno-Travelers snowmobile club walks along a snowmobile trail in Auburn on March 21. The trail was never open to traffic this winter because of the lack of snow. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Maine’s increasingly warm and snowless winters have been challenging for winter-reliant businesses and communities.

And the 2023-24 season was especially tough for many.

Thin ice frustrated pond hockey leagues and ice-fishing derbies, winter rainstorms damaged ski resort infrastructure, and the lack of snow led to the cancellation of Can-Am Crown, New England’s marquee dog sledding race.

But it probably hit Maine’s snowmobile industry hardest, according to state officials and industry leaders.

The winter that wasn’t: Climate change is transforming Maine’s coldest season

“It was devastating,” said Al Swett, the president of the 14,000-member Maine Snowmobile Association.

The Waterville man said he took his sled out only three times and logged just 250 miles. During a normal winter, he logs about 2,000 miles. Last weekend’s storm came too late for many snowmobile areas, Swett said. A lot of clubs had already pulled up their stakes and signs for the season. Advertisement

The long-term trend of warming winters is taking its toll on the industry, with the number of snowmobile registrations in Maine falling to 60,000 this year from more than 90,000 just a few years ago. Swett said too many people thought it was not worth the bother to register their sled.

“It’s heartbreaking because we bring in big money” from sledders living across the Northeast, Swett said.

Before the pandemic, when registration numbers were at their peak, the industry directly contributed $459 million a year to Maine’s economy and supported almost 2,300 jobs, according to a 2020 study by the University of Maine. With food, lodging, and fuel included, that total topped $600 million.

The 2023-24 snowmobile season – which started late, ended early and in some places never happened at all – was not enough to sustain the rural communities that rely on snowmobilers’ indirect spending to survive the winter, community leaders said.

Lack of snow takes pressure off Maine’s plowing budgets, workforce

Dawn Bernier, the owner of Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage, wrote in a letter to Gov. Janet Mills in February that her 16 hotel rooms, two cabins and restaurant have been empty for much of the season. She can usually count on three good months of snowmobile business, but this year she managed only five decent weeks.

The Maine Tourism Association doesn’t have comprehensive data from winter businesses, but Director Tony Cameron said that some seasonal operators have told him this year’s business was down by as much as 50%. Advertisement

“It’s a serious topic and there are discussions going on about how to build more resilient infrastructure, but better business plans as well,” Cameron said. “We’re an outdoor mecca. People come here to recreate, no matter the season.”

Cameron said even though the weather didn’t cooperate this winter, the state’s visitor centers still saw a lot of traffic from people looking for things to do and explore. Businesses might have to diversify and start offering activities that aren’t so dependent on cold, snowy weather, he said.

Snow guns blow snow over skiers as they make their way down Hayburner Trail at Sugarloaf on the ski area’s opening day in 2022. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer, file

Jenny Kordick, executive director of Maine Outdoor Brands, a 150-member organization that works closely with Maine’s Office of Outdoor Recreation to market and promote the state’s outdoor economy, said members have been using the word “resilience” a lot this winter.

“We’re a $3.3 billion industry that is reliant on people being able to be outside, so we’re at the mercy of the weather, good or bad,” she said. “We’re certainly learning that we need to be more flexible and willing to adapt.”

The ski industry, for instance, has invested heavily in snowmaking capabilities and can produce better manmade snow now with less energy than ever before.

“The bottom line for ski areas in Maine is that we don’t actually need any natural snow at all,” said Dirk Gouwens, director of Ski Maine Association. “We have enough snowmaking capability to cover most of our slopes with man-made snow, and the quality of this snow is getting better all the time.” Advertisement

Natural snow helps cut down on the cost of snowmaking, which can drive up operation expenses, and gives skiers the look and feel of winter, which can persuade them to start skiing earlier in the year, stay longer when they visit, and return more often during the season, Gouwens said.

It was the deadly December rainstorm – the kind of storm that climate scientists say will happen in Maine more often – that caused flooding and major ski resort infrastructure damage right before Christmas break, reallying hurt Maine’s ski season, Gouwens said.

While Maine won’t see a record ski season this year, state ski resorts expect skier numbers to be close to the 10-year average, or between 1.2 million and 1.3 million daily ski visits for the season, Gouwens said. Last year, Maine’s second-best ski season, saw 1.33 million.

The resorts don’t share revenue data with Ski Maine – and half of Maine’s ski operations are nonprofits – but Gouwens said they must be doing well enough to fund major infrastructure investments, including two high-tech chairlifts at Sunday River and one at Sugarloaf, while preparing for the future.

“Ski areas are well-aware of the change to our global climate,” Gouwens said. “We are absolutely dependent upon the weather for the products and services we provide to the public. It is something that we identified over 20 years ago and have been working on solutions for decades now.”

Many of Maine’s ski areas have pledged to produce fewer greenhouse gases than they remove by 2030. Advertisement

“Climate is quickly becoming one of the top pillars for us to think about,” Kordick said. “But these changes aren’t happening only in Maine, it’s across the country. We’re still going to have winters. That’s still something for us to embrace and invest in as a state.”

Mark Bilodeau, of Skowhegan, brings a pickerel through the ice on Feb. 18 during the Somerset SnowFest Ice Fishing Derby at Lake George Regional Park East in Canaan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Not everyone who laments this year’s lack of winter snow relies on it for a paycheck. Some need it to put food on their table, or in their freezer. Some simply count on it for recreational purposes. Some worry that it’s a sign of things to come, and of a disappearing way of life.

“Short winters impact our members in many ways,” said Robert Bryan of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. “For those who enjoy ice fishing, the season of safe ice has shrunk dramatically. Many of our members enjoy tracking deer in the snow, but now there’s seldom snow in the regular deer season.”

The Harpswell resident said the explosion of winter ticks related to warmer winters has triggered a high mortality rate among moose calves – which threatens both the future of sustainable moose hunting, long enjoyed in Maine, as well as the state’s moose population.

Related Headlines

The winter that wasn’t: Climate change is transforming Maine’s coldest season

Lack of snow takes pressure off Maine’s plowing budgets, workforce

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Daily Headlines

• Enter your email

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

• Share on Facebook
• Share on SMS
• Share on Email

• Maine's Changing Climate
• Maine Things To Do
• Solar Eclipse
• Lewiston Strong
• Let's Talk About It
• Ticks and Lyme
• Gardening with Gutner
• Coats and Toys for Kids
• Advertise With Us
• Voice of the Voter
• Closings and Delays
• Meet The Team
• Closing Registration
• Project Heat

Nor'easter bringing heavy snow, strong winds arrives Wednesday night

MAINE, USA — Crocuses are blooming, tulips are poking up, and the birds are back from their winter vacation. Spring is here! But it wouldn't be complete without a snow threat, and this one is real and big. Low pressure is developing over the Mid-Atlantic and will blow up into a legit, slow-moving Nor'easter that will impact Maine for a few days.

Precipitation will move in from southwest to northeast starting sometime between 3 and 6 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

At the beginning, I believe the coastline will be a bit too warm at the surface, and it will start as rain. Elsewhere it will start as snow, but it likely will not accumulate on roadways very efficiently because of the high angle of the sun this time of year.

Once the sun sets, though, all bets are off (this is also the title of my upcoming romance novel). 

The boundary layer will cool, and the sun angle will no longer be a factor. From 8 p.m. and through early morning Thursday, conditions will deteriorate quickly. Snowfall rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour at times, and it will be sticking to roadways. 

As of 3 to 4 a.m., it'll still be ripping.

Once the sun comes back up, I think the immediate coastline will struggle with accumulation. There could be some mixing with sleet and even some straight-up rain mixed in. To be clear, though, it's REALLY close. 

If a coastal front develops and keeps us on the cold side of the things, amounts will increase very quickly. For this reason, the immediate coastline (I'm talking within 10 miles) is the most difficult part of the forecast.

Away from the coastal zone, it will keep snowing and keep accumulating all day Thursday and even into the night before winding down late in the evening.

The storm is expected to linger into Friday, but precipitation rates drop and become more scattered. We won't see much additional accumulation here with temps in the mid- to upper 30s.

Because the snow along the coastline will be of the especially sticky, heavy variety, I have concerns about power outages. This one has all the signs and the risk for widespread outages is running high.

Winds will turn east-northeast at 30 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 possible Wednesday evening and early Thursday. That will likely be enough for outages, particularly when combined with "danglers" from our latest ice storm. (Yes, I hate that term, too, but I've got nothing else.)

Stay with us for any updates as we continue to refine the forecast. 

Todd - Here's my Instagram ...most of the time it's PC.

For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app .

Don't miss these NEWS CENTER Maine stories

RELATED: 'Northeaster': Maine writer details the devastating weather event of 1952

RELATED: Central Maine Power inspects its transmission lines ahead of April storm

More Videos

Next up in 5

Example video title will go here for this video

In Other News

Talk Nerdy To Me: What caused all the ice to accumulate during Saturday's storm?

Before you leave, check this out.

WCSH would like to send you push notifications about the latest news and weather.

Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings.

Despite brief return of winter conditions, Maine officials ask everyone to stay off the ice

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - While this storm may make it seem like winter is making a comeback, rest assured, it will be short lived.

With recent warm weather and a return to those temperatures likely next week, state officials say it’s not safe to be out on the ice anymore.

A spokesman for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says ice out came early this year.

In Central and Southern Maine in particular, he says many places are already open.

“Where the ice hasn’t gone out, we recommend not going out on the ice this time of year. It’s difficult to get on the ice because the shore is where it melts first, and then, the ice is very sketchy once you do go out there. So, we’re recommending that people do not go out on the ice, whether it’s to go fishing or even to go out on the lake to view the eclipse,” said Mark Latti, communications specialist, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The MDIFW will have a large presence in Northern Maine on Monday for that eclipse.

That includes both personnel and equipment, such as air boats, in case water rescues are necessary.

Copyright 2024 WABI. All rights reserved.

Teacher who resigned after her OnlyFans page was discovered says new employer fired her for violating social media policy

Person found dead in a car in Shaw’s parking lot

Brewer Police Chief placed on administrative leave after using deadly force

Police execute search warrant at residence in Hampden

Man shot and killed by brewer police chief identified, latest news.

Giving Day Cash Cab raises funds at Husson University

Bill proposing to elect the US president by the national popular vote heads to governor's desk

Senators Collins, King allocate $300,000 towards Maine's Lumber Industry

4/3/24 7 PM Weather

Police investigate after tractor trailer strikes train

•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Portland schools, city offices closed thursday as storm approaches.

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Maine's largest school district will be closed Thursday due to the winter storm conditions.

Portland's schools, as well as the city's administrative offices announced at around 7 p.m. Wednesday that all will be closed Thursday.

Portland city officials have also instituted a parking ban from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday. Any vehicles left on the street after 10 p.m. can be towed at the owner's expense. You can find more details about where you can park legally in city-owned lots here.

Thursday's trash and recycling collection has also been postponed and will now take place Saturday, April 6. Recycling bins and trash in city bags must be at the curbside by 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

S ign up to receive emergency alerts via text or email through the city's website here.

State offices in Augusta and across Maine have also been closed. Governor Janet Mills has asked Mainers to stay off the roads if at all possible and to prepare for power outages.