Eastport is the easternmost city in the U.S. The downtown Historic District will take you back in time, with intriguing shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Maine lobster, of course, is our specialty.
Explore the vibrant arts community here. Through efforts of organizations like Tides Institute and Museum of Art and Eastport Arts Center, Eastport is preserving its history and creating a diverse cultural community.
The island city is located on the southeasterly part of Moose Island, and lies between Cobscook Bay to the west and Passamaquoddy Bay to the east. From the waterfront walking trail, you can see the Canadian island of Campobello across the channel, and Roosevelt Campobello International Park, where the Roosevelt family's summer cottage is located and offers tours.
Old Sow Whirlpool, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere, sits on the international boundary between Eastport and Deer Island.
On The Water:
Eastport to Lubec Ferry Service: Eastport tradition for over 40 years. Enjoy spectacular views of the "Bold Coast" and a panoramic view of the Canadian islands as you travel between Eastport and Lubec. The ferry "Quoddy Dam" is a US Coast Guard certified 49-passenger vessel. Ferry captain Don Bailey also runs the Downeast Water Taxi service, with trips to Treat Island and other destinations customizable on request.
Whale Watching and Lobster Cruises:
Eastport Windjammers offers tours daily, June through October. Look for eagles, seals, porpoise, and whales as you cruise by the Old Sow Whirlpool and East Quoddy Lighthouse. Watch as the Captain and Mate pull lobster traps and share the experience of holding all the creatures that come up from the bottom. You can also schedule Deep Sea fishing trips. Try your luck at catching Atlantic Mackerel, Harbor Pollock, Atlantic Cod, and Atlantic Herring. Sunset cruises are also available.
The Old Sow, in the Western Passage of Passamaquoddy Bay, is the largest natural whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere. Local sailing, boating, and kayaking tours can lead you safely through tidal hazards.
In The City:
Eastport’s Historic Shopping District
S. L. Wadsworth's and Son is the nation's oldest ship chandlery, family operated for six generations, now offering visitors a full range of hardware and gift items. Sweeties Downeast candy and ice cream, Seaside Stones, and The Border Historical Society and Quoddy Crafts are visitor favorites.
The expanding lineup of art galleries along Water Street includes The Commons, Full Fathom Five Gallery, Eastern Maine Images, Eastport Breakwater Gallery, and the 20 member Eastport Gallery co-op, founded in 1985!
The grinding stones for Raye's Mustard's locally produced small-batch gourmet mustards have been in operation since 1900. Their Pantry Store in town also offers a wide selection of Maine Made food products.
And be sure to visit David Oja's The Bazaar in Quoddy Village. You'll find the best wine selection in town and a wide variety of local arts and specialty foods.
History and Museums
Fine Art, Handcraft, Galleries, Performance
The Eastport area enjoys a rich 100-year tradition of art and culture. Today's Eastport arts scene is vibrant with fine art, handcraft, theater, film, music, arts education, galleries, events, and more.
The Tides Institute and Museum of Art has a permanent collection of art and artifacts in addition to rotating exhibits.
The Tides Institute also hosts StudioWorks Artist in Residence Program.
The Eastport Arts Center nurtures and promotes seven year-round constituent groups engaged in theater, art, music, film, education and community outreach.
Eastport's Public Art
- Richard Klyver's bronze sculpture, The Mermaid
- 12-foot statue "The Fisherman" created for the 2001 reality TV show "Murder in Small Town X"
- "Nature's Grace" which is a part of the Maine Sculpture Trail
Eastport Art Walk offers walkable routes celebrating the gardens, vistas and outdoor artwork found throughout the city.
Artsipelago & Culture Pass - is a window into the artistic and cultural richness of the greater international Passamaquoddy region, including Cobscook and Passamaquoddy Bays and the St. Croix River. Here a convergence of cultures — Canadian, American, and Passamaquoddy first nation — give us a unique perspective on the world which is reflected in the work we do and the art we create.
Events
Eastport hosts the largest 4th of July celebration in Maine.
Make Eastport your arts destination with ArtWalk Passport weekends the fourth weekends of June, July and August. Enjoy a full slate of music, theater, film and interactive art experiences for all ages on Friday and Saturday, then ferry to Lubec on Sunday for the LAMPS concert series.
In September, celebrate the bounty of the sea at The Eastport Salmon Festival, then revel the following weekend at The Eastport Pirate Festival.
Or plan a holiday visit to the Great Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop on New Year's Eve.
Visit the Eastport Area Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of annual events.
Parks and Woodlands
Shackford Head State Park, is an excellent place to hike and birdwatch. Enjoy views of Cobscook Bay, the working port, and salmon aquaculture activities. You can also travel by kayak to the peaceful Treat Island Preserve for solitude, beautiful beaches, and birdwatching.
Where to eat
Lobster and seafood, of course, are an Eastport specialty. You'll find fine dining, pub fare, as well as Maine's oldest diner,The Waco, and the brand new waterfront Horn Run Brewing (opening spring 2021.) More suggestions here.
Visitor Resources: Eastport Area Chamber of Commerce | Tides Institute | Old Sow Whirlpool | Campobello Island | Quoddy Village | Shackford Head State Park | Treat Island Preserve | Great Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop | Eastport Arts Center | Artsipelago | Let's Roam - Eastport City Scavenger Hunt | The City of Eastport | Maine Sculpture Trail
