Peaks Island, Maine – A Nature Lover’s Dream
Peaks Island, Maine is a nature lover’s dream. If you are anything like us, you will fall in love with this quiet and peaceful island community, its people, and the stunning surroundings of this 740-acre island off the coast of Portland, Maine. We visited Peaks Island for an off-season adventure and loved every minute of our week-long stay.
Visiting Peaks Island during the off-season is the perfect way to enjoy the island without the hustle and bustle of the summer months. Feel the rugged or peaceful flow of the tide as you walk the island loop or discover ocean treasures on the beach at low tide, all without anyone around. It’s an incredible feeling to explore a new place with only the wildlife, a few friendly locals, and the elements as company.
As this is an off-season adventure to Peaks Island, Maine we want to bestow our favorite things to do as well as some helpful advice to make your experience as wonderful as possible. Please note, If you are looking for a lively restaurant scene with shopping galore and thrilling activities…you should stay in Portland. Peaks Island is the perfect place for nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
How do I get to Peaks Island?
Peaks Island is only accessible by boat. Casco Bay Lines operated the ferry to Peaks Island every day, with extreme weather exceptions. You can check the ferry schedule here. The ferry is a lifeline for the Island’s residents and carries passengers, pets, bikes, cargo, and vehicles. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes and provides passengers with stunning views of lighthouses and forts in Casco Bay. Keep a lookout for sea life and enjoy the cooler temperature and even a little sea spray.
What Should I Bring with Me to Peaks for a Day Trip?
To make the most of the day, bring water and pack a lunch during the off-season, or grab a sandwich from Hannigan’s Island Market to fuel your adventure. In summer there are a few restaurants open but they can be very busy during the lunch rush, so just be prepared. Also, please carry in, and carry out. Everything that comes to Peaks Island must be returned to the mainland in one way or the other so you may as well take it with you.
If you’re coming to Peaks Island just for the day, park your car in Portland and bring your bike or some good walking shoes. During the summer there are bike and golf cart rentals on the island all week but during the off-season, rentals may only be available on the weekends. Peaks Island is a quiet island community and as such, it is first and foremost a residential neighborhood.
Coastal weather is always fluctuating, especially in Maine. Be prepared by layering up and having the proper weatherproof equipment. If you have a backpack with a waterproof fly, use it. If you’re unsure if you need that raincoat, bring it. It could also be a great windbreaker. Check current weather conditions, be prepared and you will have an amazing time!
Can I Stay Overnight on Peaks Island?
Yes, absolutely! The stargazing is phenomenal. Peaks Island has a small group of inns, guest houses, and rentals. We recommend making reservations because some lodging may be closed during the off-season and booked up during the summer. If you are staying longer than one night, especially during the off-season, it’s more affordable to book somewhere that gives you the ability to cook. Hannigan’s Island Market has a fair selection of groceries but if you only drink coffee with a specialty creamer, have a picky eater in the family, or have dietary restrictions, bring your groceries from the mainland. You can bring your car on the ferry or they will transport your packed cooler as cargo.
What Should I Explore on Peaks Island?
The Island Loop Walk
The Island Loop consists of Seashore Ave and Island Ave making a 4-mile ring around the island. Beginning in town, right off the ferry you can decide which direction you want to go. Walk, bike, or take a golf cart along this mostly easy and flat road that is about half waterfront and half residential. There are benches placed along the way in some of the most scenic spots.
Cairn Beach
Cairn Beach is a rocky beach covered in rounded smooth stones along Seashore Ave. During certain tidal conditions, the stones make the most interesting noise as they wash up and back as the waves. This pebbly shoreline offers a pristine view across to the rugged cliffs of Cushing Island. Have a seat upon one of the benches along the shoreline and truly enjoy the experience.
Battery Steele
Part of the 14-acre Peaks Island Land Preserve, Battery Steele sits formidable along the southeastern backshore of Peaks Island. Built to protect Portland Harbor during World War II, this enormous artillery bunker housed two large guns capable of firing a shell close to 30 miles. It is now on the National Historic Register and home to a secret fall event on the Island called Sacred and Profane. Shrouded in mystery and intrigue this event is a gathering of Halloween enthusiasts, artists, and illusionists that will haunt and inspire your imagination. For more information…you will have to ask around.
Whaleback Ledge
Look closely as you wander the back coast on Seashore Ave because you could miss this unique and striking landmark. The shoreline of Peaks offers a beautiful collection of varying boulders and earth-toned rocky outcroppings. Whaleback Ledge is a distinctive ledge sculpted by the waves in the shape of a humpback whale. It lies along the coast like a prehistoric monument to the ocean itself. Every year the sea erodes its shape more and more so definitely make a point to visit when you explore Peaks Island.
Ocean Rock Viewpoint
Ocean Rock Viewpoint is the perfect spot to enjoy the waves, sea life, and the neighboring islands in Casco Bay. On a clear day, you can see across to Halfway Rock Lighthouse as well as Long Island and Cliff Island. If you happen to be an early riser, this would be a great sunrise viewing location.
Evergreen Landing
Evergreen Landing is at the farthest northern end of Island Ave. It’s one of the many beauty spots on Peaks Island that is well worth a visit. Sit and watch the ferries come and go from the surrounding islands and enjoy the scenery of the northern tip of the island.
Trefethen Landing
Trefethen Landing is at the far western end of Trefethen Ave. The landing offers visitors a fantastic view of two neighboring islands, Little and Great Diamond Island. At low tide, you can access the tidal beach along the western edge of the island.
Picnic Point
Beachcombing at Picnic Point is a local pastime. Winter storms wash all kinds of treasures up from the sea. Shell, sea glass, driftwood, and the like can all be found here. As its name suggests, it’s the perfect place for a picnic as well as incredible shots of the sunset. Find a nice rock to rest upon and enjoy the views across to Cushing Island.
Peaks Island is a nature and wildlife lovers paradise but it also has a small year-round community who fiercely cares about their island home. When you visit, please remember that you are just that, a visitor. The people who live here have to use the ferry as a way to commute to and from work or school. They need to get supplies from the mainland more than you need to get a spot for your vehicle on the ferry to sightsee. Kindness and courtesy go a long way when you’re traveling. You will be rewarded by the mesmerizing spell of the ocean waves cresting and breaking along the coast. Pick a spot, sit quietly, and listen to the susurration of the water caressing the shore. Peaks Island offers visitors unique perspectives all around the island. There is only one way to see them all…visit for yourself!
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