Exploring the Beauty of Lubec, Maine: A Guide for Visitors
If you’re like us and love travel and adventure, then you need to make traveling a priority in 2023. It’s the perfect time to get out of your house, explore the great outdoors, and create unforgettable memories with your family and friends.
While you can make extravagant travel plans outside of the country, we recommend taking a trip to some of the unique and perhaps underrated places in the United States. One of which is Lubec, Maine.
What Is Lubec, Maine?
Lubec is a small fishing village in northeast Maine. It’s so far north that it’s almost touching the Canadian border and is closer to Europe than most other towns in the United States. Because of its distance and size, it’s not a popular tourist destination, but we’re here to change your mind.
This charming fishing town can give you a glimpse of some of the most breathtaking views of Maine’s coast. From its iconic lighthouses to vast nature scenes and extraordinary vistas, the village has no shortage of things to do and see.
9 Things To Do in Lubec, Maine
Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or just a spontaneous adventurer, Lubec, Maine has everything you need to make your trip epic. If you don’t know what to do and are looking for activities to fill your itinerary, don’t worry, we have the top nine things you can do while you’re in town.
1. Visit the West Quoddy Head Light
You can’t visit Lubec, Maine without seeing the iconic West Quoddy Head Light. This particular light station is located at the easternmost point of the United States and features the iconic red and white stripes. It offers one of the best views in town.
While visitors aren’t allowed to climb up the lighthouse, the surrounding grounds are open to the public. If you’re up for it, the lighthouse has direct access to walking trails in Quoddy Head State Park.
2. Hike at the Quoddy Head State Park
The Quoddy Head State Park is an easy hike, perfect for visitors of all ages. Along the pleasant trails, you’ll also get to see impeccable cliff views that will take your breath away.
The Coast Guard Trail runs for about one mile. But if you prefer a longer route, you can take the Green Point Trail which is almost two miles and gives you more dramatic and rocky coastline views.
Pro Tip: You’re free to hike the trails on your own during the summer. However, if you want to enhance the experience with a guided tour, you can. Tours are usually scheduled from July to August, so it’s important to keep updated on the availability of this service by visiting their website.
3. Hike Boot Head Preserve
Another hiking opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts out there is the Boot Head Preserve. This is an easy to moderate hike, spanning over a 2.5-mile loop. Much like the Quoddy Head State Park, the Preserve offers incredible coastline views of the infamous rocky cliffs in Maine.
Although most of the trail leads you through moss-covered woods, you will have a few opportunities to find spots overlooking scenic views and take pictures.
Once you reach the end of the trail, make sure to stop at the cliff inlet. Here, you’ll hear the water crashing into the rocks. You can choose to stay for a while and take it all in, admiring not just the sights but the sounds you hear and the breeze you feel on your skin.
4. Visit the Lubec Historical Society & Museum
If you’re someone who enjoys more indoor activities, you can check out the Lubec Historical Society & Museum. This attraction showcases a broad spectrum of photographs, records, exhibits, and artifacts dating back over a century ago. Travel back in time as you revel in the 1900s establishment that the museum is housed in.
5. Check Out the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum
Of course, as a fishing village, Lubec offers various opportunities for you to immerse yourself in the fishing culture of the town. There’s no better way to do so than by checking out the McCurdy Smokehouse Museum.
It’s located in what used to be an industrial fish processing facility along the coastal waterfront of Lubec. In addition, it’s considered the state’s last preserved herring processing facility that dates as far back as the early 20th century.
As time went on, the complex added more establishments to further enhance the visitor’s experience. When you drop by this must-see sight, you can learn about how herrings were smoked and processed by former employees of the McCurdy Smokehouse.
6. Go Whale Watching and Ride the Natural Whirlpool
Want to get an up close and personal experience of Lubec’s wonderful nature? You can book a boat tour that takes you across the waters to go whale watching and ride on the Old Sow, which is considered the biggest tidal whirlpool in the western hemisphere.
Along the way, you’ll pass by many more lighthouses where you can take photos. Who knows? Besides spotting whales, you may also get a glimpse of the puppies of the sea: seals.
Pro Tip: Make sure to book the tour in advance so you can guarantee your spot on the boat. The whole experience takes about two and a half hours and costs around $80 for adults and $55 for children ages 12 and under.
7. Visit the Colorful Town and Get a Glimpse of Canada
Apart from its vast nature views and outdoor activities, Lubec also offers a vibrant town center where you can find murals and buildings painted in bright colors. While that in itself is exciting, what truly sets this town center apart from the others in the country is that it offers a direct view of Canada straight from the sidewalk. You don’t even need to look that far to spot Canada’s Mulholland Lighthouse. That’s how close Lubec is to Canada.
8. Enjoy an Epic Sunset Dinner at the Iconic Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant
One of the best ways to cap off your day is to enjoy dinner at the Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant. They have a small deck outside of the establishment overlooking the deep blue waters and an epic view of the sunset. But take note, they don’t take reservations, and they don’t have a lot of space for tourists. When you book your trip during the summer, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle getting the spot you want.
If you’re wondering if the wait is worth it, we say it is! Apart from the spectacular views you get to experience, you also get to enjoy delicious seafood that’s fresh and flavorful.
9. Try Homemade Chocolate at Monica’s Chocolates
Your trip isn’t complete unless you try Monica’s famous homemade chocolate. The little shop is located just one mile outside of the town center, and it has a constant supply of fresh chocolates. From bonbons and truffles to novelty chocolate lobsters and Peruvian-inspired pieces, let your taste buds experience the decadence of chocolate like no other.
Lubec, Maine, Is Definitely Worth the Visit
With these and more, there’s no doubt that Lubec, Maine, is definitely worth a visit. If you want to find a place to stay while you’re here, check out our website.
Boot Cove Luxury Vacation Rental is set on untouched acres of private oceanfront and consists of a spacious main house and a New England style guest house complete with elegant interiors. Be at the center of all the action when you book our rooms today.