Activities in Portland
-
A
Portland Trails
Thanks to the hard work of the conservation organization Portland Trails, there are more than 30 miles of multi-use trails sprinkled about the Greater Portland area, with another 20 miles on the horizon. One of the most popular paths is the 3.5-mile Back Cove Loop, which provides excellent water and city views northwest of the city center. This trail connects to the Eastern Promenade, a 2.1-mile paved waterfront path that follows a former railway, just east of East End. For a complete rundown of trails (26 in all), with maps, visit the Portland Trails website or purchase their Portland Trails Map & Guide ($4.95).
reviewed
-
Greater Portland Landmarks
Greater Portland Landmarks offers 1½-hour walking tours of the city. It’s a sprightly trip that’ll provide you with an interesting overview of the city’s history as you make your way around the Old Port, Eastern and Western Promenades, and the Portland Head Light. Trips depart at 10:30am in front of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland. They also offer a tour of the historic Eastern Cemetery and of Portland’s 19th-century homes (each offered once a week).
reviewed
-
B
Soakology Foot Sanctuary & Teahouse
Although you probably didn’t come to Portland for a foot massage, the Soakology Foot Sanctuary & Teahouse is a great place to treat your aching gams. The first floor houses an elegant teahouse, with a salon downstairs. There are an extensive array of foot soaks ($20 to $50), scrubs, massages ($26 to $30 for 20 minutes) and reflexology treatments.
reviewed
-
C
LL Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools
In the warmer months LL Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools offers adventure courses aimed toward beginning and intermediate kayakers and fly-fishers. Full-day courses cost between US$95 and US$120, and you can also sign up for overnight camping-kayaking trips, or arrange for private lessons. Very short 'walk-on adventures' are available at their store location.
reviewed
-
D
Atlantic Seal Cruises
Atlantic Seal Cruises offers three-hour trips where the captain hauls in lobster traps, and you go in search of wild osprey and adorable seals. Pack a picnic lunch or ask about catered picnics when reserving.
reviewed
-
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co & Museum
Landlubbers can ride the rails on the antique steam trains of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co & Museum for a journey departing on the hour along Casco Bay.
reviewed
-
E
LL Bean
LL Bean offers 90-minute kayak tours around the bay; tours launch from the port. Sign up at their kiosk next to the Portland Lobster Company.
reviewed
-
F
Portland Schooner Company
For a classy sail, the Portland Schooner Company offers two-hour trips aboard a pair of elegant Maine-built, century-old wooden schooners.
reviewed
-
G
Casco Bay Lines
TheCasco Bay Lines tours the Portland coast and Casco Bay islands on a variety of cruises that last from 1¾ to six hours.
reviewed
-
H
Downeast Duck Tours
This 65-minute amphibious bus tour putters through the Old Port, before plunging into the bay for a waterside look at the port.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Maine Island Kayak Company
The Maine Island Kayak Company offers a half-day kayak tour of the bay.
reviewed
-
I
Eagle Island Tours
Runs sightseeing trips out to Eagle Island and Portland Head Light.
reviewed
-
J
