Frenchboro, Maine travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Frenchboro has a population of 38 and is located on 14 small islands in Blue Hill Bay in the Down East region of Maine. Less than a hundred people live here year round and they keep things much as they have been for decades. The island is a favorite stop of yachts and boats.

1 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Frenchboro

Great Duck Light

Annual Lobster Festival

2nd Saturday in August.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Nov. (climate data from nearby Acadia National Park)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
BHB Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor — 23 mi away. Directions
RKD Knox County Regional Airport, Rockland — 37 mi away. Directions
PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 102 mi away (major hub). Directions

Frenchboro is about an 8-mile (12.6 km) (35 minute) ferry ride south from Bass Harbor. Moorings are available for boaters.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Great Duck Light
Lunch Lunt's Dockside Deli
Afternoon Annual Lobster Festival
Evening Offshore Store

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Get in

Frenchboro is about an 8-mile (12.6 km) (35 minute) ferry ride south from Bass Harbor. Moorings are available for boaters.

Place Island Cruises

Offers lunch tours of the island departing from Bass Harbor.

📍 Bass Harbor☎ +1 207 244-5785

Maps Website

See

See Great Duck Light

Maps

Do

The island is a simple place. A 900-acre land parcel has been put into conservation. One can walk the beaches and trails, probably see one of the nearly tame deer that are protected on the island.

Do Annual Lobster Festival

2nd Saturday in August.

Maps

Buy

Shop Offshore Store

If they don't have it, they can get it! From basic supplies to boat parts to small engine repair, this place is your go-To for necessities while traveling the coast.

📍 Head of the cove🕒 8AM-8PM

Maps