Just off the ferry there are kayak rentals at the shore line, inviting you to spend the day paddling around the island. Maine Island Kayak Company is located on Peaks and offers overnight and multi-day trips, expeditions, international trips and courses for beginners to advanced paddlers. These aren’t for the lazy! Prepare for a real workout. For reservations and schedules, go to www.maineislandkayak.com. Casco Bay Kayak Rentals offers rentals by the hour and a Fort Gorges Trip as well. Call 766-2650 for reservations.
With such beautiful views, it’s not hard to see why Peaks Island is home to so many artists and their galleries. From the ferry, Gem Gallery and the Umbrella Cover Museum are up the hill on the left where you can view island art and, well, umbrella covers. There’s nowhere else in the world where you’ll find umbrella covers made of gum wrappers and Kevlar. Plus, if you walk down the side streets, you’ll find impromptu galleries and some decorative yards that could pass for outdoor museums.
History buffs will want to visit the Fifth Maine Regimental Museum, a Civil War memorial and cultural center, which was built in 1888 as the headquarters for the volunteer infantry. You can view exhibits and films about the Forest City Regiment, sleeping quarters, the Pioneer Trail and more. You can also take the two-hour self-guided tour of the WW2 Peaks Island Reservation. Can you believe Peaks was once a giant amusement park with roller coasters and theaters? For info, go to www.fifthmainemuseum.org.
If you’d rather just relax and soak it all in, take a golf cart tour around the island with Spirit of Peaks Tours. Choose between the Sunset Tour (Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m.), the Architecture Tour (Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.), or the usual tour Tuesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $8 for children. Call 766-5514 for reservations.
So you see, there is more to the island than scenic biking or drunken reggae. But really, how could you ever tire of biking or walking the Island Loop? This is a place to relax no matter what you choose to do. Peaks is where time disappears — until you have to get the ferry!
Peaks info & history
Peaks Island is located in Casco Bay three miles from Portland and is about two miles long and one mile wide. The round trip along the shore roads is almost five miles. The island has around 1,000 year-round residents, which multiplies to nearly 5,000 at the climax of the summer season. The island has its own elementary school and library.
In the late 19th century, Peaks was known as the Coney Island of Maine with hotels, cottages, theaters and amusement parks. Most of the hotels and theaters were destroyed by fire with only the Avenue House remaining (which has been converted to condos). During World War II, military defense structures were built including Battery Steele, a stake-out with two giant guns that when first tested blew out the windows of the homes on the opposite side of the island. Today, Battery Steele is a hollow museum of graffiti and bonfire parties.
Casco Bay Ferry
The Peaks Ferry is half the excitement of visiting the island. Besides enjoying the ocean view (sailboats, islands and maybe a seal or two), the salty smell of the ocean and the gentle rumble of the engine transports you to that relaxing state of mind you’ll need before you step onto the island.
This 20-minute ride is offered 14 times a day from 5:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the summer. Take a sweater — the cool ocean breeze can be chilling, especially at night. Current fares are $6.25 for adults and $3.10 for children. Dogs on leashes are $3.25, and it costs an additional $5.25 to bring your bicycle. Bringing your car will cost you $70.
Casco Bay Lines offers a number of scenic cruises including the Mailboat Run, Diamond Pass Run, Bailey Island Cruise, Sunrise, Sunset and Moonlight Runs, Music Cruises and Lobster Bake Cruises. For passenger fares and schedules (which change for holidays and off-season), go to www.cascobaylines.com.
Summer lodging
Renting a summer cottage will allow you to fully experience Peaks Island summers. However, you’ll want to book your rental as early as possible — even as early as the fall. The most popular real estate agents are Ashmore Reality (www.ashmorerealty.com/pages/rentals/rentals.htm) and Eighth Maine Regiment (http://home.att.net/~eighthmainehost/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html). Both have listings of modest cottages to larger homes.
If you can only visit for a weekend to a couple weeks, you can lodge at the Inn on Peaks Island (www.theinnonpeaksisland.com) and the Peaks Island House (www.thepeaksislandhouse.com). Accommodations range from $250-300 a night at the Inn and around $125 a night at the House.