Although I think there are more chances to see whales in other places (Alaska in the summer, Hawaii in January, Baja in winter, etc.), there are quite a few whales that summer in the Gulf of Maine - humpbacks, minke, right whales, and others. They are usually here until early October, when they, like half the population of the state, head to Florida and other points south! If you have the time from Bar Harbor a whale-watch cruise might still let you see some whales, but would also let you see some fabulous coastline, seals, etc. Have a fun trip - if you are heading out soon I have to say the weather has been absolutely spectacular and the trees are beginning to turn down along the coats (have reached their peak inland).

And - are you driving or flying? If you are driving (or flying into Portland), you will come through Portland, and up the coast, and so there will be lots to see. Freeport (home to LL Bean!), the Pemaquid Peninsula and its' famous lighthouse, the Portland Head Light in South Portland, etc. If you are flying into Bangor, concentrate on Bar Harbor, Mt Desert Island, and points downeast. As posted - unless they have barricades up, you can go into the park other than the main road and there will not be official gates to keep you out. An in Bar Harbor you can still get the schooner cruises, whale watch tours, sea kayaking, and other fun activities!

Head to "downeast" Maine - an hour East of Ellsworth (instead of going 18 miles South to Bar Harbor). You will find traditional fishing villages like Jonesport and the West Quoddy Head State Park with its lighthouse and across the bridge to Campobello Island - there you will find lots of beautiful beaches and the West Quoddy Head Light Station. (Bring your passports). If you have time, head across New Brunswick to Nova Scotia, and especially the Margaree Valley and Cape Bretton. Spectacular spots. And you have to remember that Mt Desert Island is somewhat more than Acadia National Park - Bar Harbor is fun and beautiful, and there are lots of little towns and villages around. Down the coast to the south 30 minutes from Ellsworth is Searsport, home to some great antique stores (and when you see the Big Chicken Barn on the way down - stop there for some really good antiques as well).

Interesting. seems you can get in with the above but from the same site, to exit you need the following:

Do I need a passport if I am leaving Nova Scotia and flying into the United States?

Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following documents for entry into the United States by land, air or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda:
•Valid passport
•U.S. Passport cart
•Enhanced Driver’s Licence
•NEXUS card (Canada/US)
•SENTRI card (US/Mexico)
•FAST/EXPRES card (Commercial truck drivers)

Its a lot of luck : ishoot eagles also, there all over the place here , not a day goes by that i dont see them if i go out any where , my lens zooms to 300mm
Which is equal to 450 mm on my dx . But it sure would be nice to have a 500mm which would get me to 750mm equal on my d90. That would fill the
frame a lot better than trying to crop it up . How many shots did you take of
this one . I just hold my finger down on these shots . It does not look like
light is in your favour . On dull days i open all the way , over expose the sky
up to one or two stops . If you use a pod on eagles a monopod is the best

Your snapping away , and it jumps of the tree limb it will be easery to follow it
With your finger on the trigger snapping as many as you can
one or two stops