A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Columbia River Gorge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also home to Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Bar Harbor different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a moderate region for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge both are comparable with their high quality scenery and beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge than Bar Harbor. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Columbia River Gorge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bar Harbor than Columbia River Gorge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bar Harbor that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the natural region of Columbia River Gorge, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Bar Harbor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Columbia River Gorge, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Bar Harbor for five days. Bar Harbor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Columbia River Gorge, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Because Bar Harbor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In July, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is cooler than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Columbia River Gorge. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Bar Harbor