Protected Land · ME

Peaks Island

Peaks Island, a vibrant destination just a ferry ride from Portland, Maine, offers a mix of coastal scenery and small-town charm, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Protected Land7202+ Trails

1859PROTECTED LAND

Designation

Protected Area

Total Wilderness Area

720

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Peaks Island

Peaks Island, a vibrant destination just a ferry ride from Portland, Maine, offers a mix of coastal scenery and small-town charm, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Peaks Island, part of the city of Portland, Maine, is a small island with a rich history and unique ecology. Known for its stunning coastal views, the island covers approximately 720 acres and is largely residential, with a small year-round population. Historically, Peaks Island was a popular resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and remnants of its past, including historic cottages and an old military fort, can still be explored today. The island is a haven for outdoor recreation with opportunities for biking, kayaking, and walking along the modest trail network. Peaks Island is also known for its wildlife, particularly bird species nesting along its shores. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Casco Bay and the surrounding islands, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Field Guide · Wilderness

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Peaks Island

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Fifth Maine Regiment Museum offers insights into Civil War history.✦ Battery Steele, an old military fort, provides a unique exploration opportunity.✦ The island's rocky shoreline is perfect for tidal pool exploration.✦ The scenic views from the island loop road are a must-see for cyclists.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Peaks Island

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Peaks Island

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Peaks Island

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Peaks Island

Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Peaks Island

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Peaks Island

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Peaks Island.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Accessible by ferry from Portland; no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Peaks Island

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 2.65 miles

Gateway Basecamp

South Portland, Maine

South Portland offers coastal adventures with kayaking, biking, and hiking. Enjoy scenic waterfronts, historic lighthouses, and vibrant parks. Ideal for nature lovers year-round!

Summer and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 2.98 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Portland, ME

Portland, ME offers coastal and urban outdoor adventures from scenic hiking and biking trails to paddling in Casco Bay. Explore historic lighthouses, islands, and vibrant waterfronts in a year-round destination rich in maritime culture.

Late Spring to Early Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 2.98 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Portland, Maine

Portland, ME offers a mix of coastal and forested adventures. Sea kayak through Casco Bay, hike serene woods, or bike scenic trails, all with a charming town as your base.

Summer and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 4.70 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Cape Elizabeth is a coastal Maine town known for iconic lighthouses, oceanfront trails, and peaceful parks. Outdoor lovers enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and bird watching amid rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.

Late Spring to Early Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 5.54 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Falmouth, Maine

Falmouth, Maine offers coastal trails, serene paddling routes, and scenic biking paths amid salt marshes and forests. This accessible town near Portland is perfect for year-round outdoor adventures along the coast and inland preserves.

Late Spring to Early Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 8.69 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Scarborough, Maine

Scarborough, Maine combines coastal beauty with accessible outdoor adventure. From paddling its expansive marshes to hiking forest trails and biking quiet roads, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking seaside exploration year-round.

Late Spring through Fall

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Peaks Island

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Twilight on the Water: Maine Island Kayak Co.'s Sunset Tour in Portland

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Twilight on the Water: Maine Island Kayak Co.'s Sunset Tour in Portland

A 2.5-hour coastal kayak outing in Portland, Maine that places paddlers on the water to watch the sun dip from island vantage points.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Paddle the Islands: Kayak Casco Bay’s lighthouses, forts and hidden pocket beaches

ADVEXPEDITION

Peaks Island, Maine

Boat TourADV Bookable

Paddle the Islands: Kayak Casco Bay’s lighthouses, forts and hidden pocket beaches

A 3-hour guided, half-day kayak tour from Peaks Island—use this guide to plan the launch, route options and afternoon shore-side time.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Short Harbor Crossing, Big Views: Burnt Island Lighthouse in a Single Visit

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

FerryADV Bookable

Short Harbor Crossing, Big Views: Burnt Island Lighthouse in a Single Visit

A brief 15‑minute ferry from Pier 8 delivers visitors to Burnt Island for a guided island visit and the opportunity to climb into the lighthouse—this guide explains what the verified itinerary includes.

FerryPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Casco Bay by Paddle: A Master Maine Guide Leads a Short Sea‑Kayak to an Island

ADVEXPEDITION

Brunswick, Maine

KayakADV Bookable

Casco Bay by Paddle: A Master Maine Guide Leads a Short Sea‑Kayak to an Island

A beginner‑friendly, guided sea‑kayak outing in Casco Bay that combines instruction, natural‑history commentary, and a rocky‑beach snack on a 3.5‑hour excursion.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Golden‑Hour Sails: Portland Harbor’s Two‑Hour Sunset Cruise with Nautilus

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

SailingADV Bookable

Golden‑Hour Sails: Portland Harbor’s Two‑Hour Sunset Cruise with Nautilus

A two-hour evening sail aboard Nautilus Sailing Company that guides you through Casco Bay’s lighthouses, historic forts and wildlife—this guide tells you what to expect and what to bring.

SailingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Casco Bay Afterglow: An Adults‑Only RIB Sunset Through Lighthouses, Fort Gorges and Seals

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Boat TourADV Bookable

Casco Bay Afterglow: An Adults‑Only RIB Sunset Through Lighthouses, Fort Gorges and Seals

A 1.5‑hour, adults‑only small‑group sunset tour departing from Portland Harbor that visits lighthouses, historic forts and prime wildlife viewing — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Half-day on Sasa: Sail Past Portland Head Light and the Rocky Islands of Casco Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Boat TourADV Bookable

Half-day on Sasa: Sail Past Portland Head Light and the Rocky Islands of Casco Bay

A private, fully customizable 4-hour sailing charter from downtown Portland that lets small groups relax, swim, take the helm, and view Portland Head Light from the water.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Private Yacht Across Granite and Light — Sailing Sasa’s Casco Bay Charters

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Boat TourADV Bookable

A Private Yacht Across Granite and Light — Sailing Sasa’s Casco Bay Charters

A private, customizable half- (4 hours) or full-day (7.5 hours) charter from downtown Portland that pairs lighthouse views, island stops, swimming and relaxed sailing for groups of any age.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Pedal, Pour, and Coastal Views: A Private Brewery Bike Loop Through Portland

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Bike TourADV Bookable

Pedal, Pour, and Coastal Views: A Private Brewery Bike Loop Through Portland

A 3‑hour, 100% private guided ride for adults through Portland’s brewery scene — this guide explains what you’ll see, taste, and need to know before you roll.

Bike TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lobster Sliders and Shore Path Secrets: A Two‑Hour Taste of Bar Harbor

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

RentalsADV Bookable

Lobster Sliders and Shore Path Secrets: A Two‑Hour Taste of Bar Harbor

A guided, approximately two‑hour walking tasting through Bar Harbor’s Village Green and shoreline parks that pairs locally produced bites with neighborhood history.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Daily Walk Through Time: Portland’s Working Waterfront and Brick‑lined Stories

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Guided TourADV Bookable

A Daily Walk Through Time: Portland’s Working Waterfront and Brick‑lined Stories

A guided, two‑hour walking tour that threads Portland’s maritime past, Victorian architecture and civic rebirth into a compact stroll useful for first‑time visitors and repeat admirers alike.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Pull a Trap, Shuck an Oyster, Eat a Lobster Roll: Hands‑On Seafood on Casco Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Portland, Maine

Boat TourADV Bookable

Pull a Trap, Shuck an Oyster, Eat a Lobster Roll: Hands‑On Seafood on Casco Bay

A 1.5‑hour Lucky Catch Cruises outing that lets participants haul a lobster trap, harvest and shuck farm oysters, sample local aquaculture, and finish with a lobster roll.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip