How to Enjoy Camden Maine in the Winter

Camden Maine is a winter wonderland. Many guests and locals pass the winter months at the Camden Snow Bowl snowboarding, downhill or cross-country skiing and/or tobogganing. Others enjoy ice fishing on Lake Megunticook or ice climbing and winter hikes in Camden Hills. While the active outdoors are popular, there are also festivals, concerts and conferences during the chilly months to enjoy. Many of the restaurants and stores stay open year-round making Camden Maine a great place to visit in the winter. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy Camden Maine in the winter.

Pies on Parade. The towns of Rockland and Camden go Pie Crazy January 24-26 (National Pie Day is January 23rd!). Eat pie and raise money for a great cause - Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) Food Pantry. Area Businesses, Inns and Restaurants work together to host a pie tour, auction, gala and scavenger hunt. The Captain Swift Inn has a fun Pies on Parade Lodging Package that includes 2 baked personal pies, mid coast money certificate, and tickets to the gala.  https://www.captainswiftinn.com/packages.htm

The Camden Snow Bowl. The Camden Snow Bowl will be open at the end of December. You can bring your own skies or rent them at the lodge. The lines move fast on the mountain because there are 2 chairlifts, one to the top and one to the center of the mountain, and 1 magic carpet. Each of the chairlifts have expansive views of the ocean on the way up and the Camden Snow Bowl is the only ski area that has ocean views on the East Coast. On a good day, the mountain has 20 trails; the kids enjoy the music and jumps of the terrain park, while the rest enjoy cruising the groomed trails. If you are a non-skier, just sitting in the lodge is delightful. The big windows in the lodge are a perfect place to sit back, enjoy a snack and watch the activities of the mountain. The snack shack now offers wine and beer at certain hours. The Captain Swift Inn has a Lift Off and Ski the Ski Package so be sure to add that to your reservation and save on lift ticket prices. https://www.captainswiftinn.com/packages.htm

Winter Hikes in Camden Hills. When the leaves fall of the trees there are fantastic views of the ocean, lake and the surrounding park. The frozen streams and exposed treetops make hiking in the winter magical. The views of the frozen Lake Megunticook make the Maiden’s Cliff Trail an ideal winter hike. From the cross lookout, you can see people skating, cross country skiing and ice fishing on the lake. Successful hiking in the winter involves dressing correctly with layers of clothes and crampons on your shoes. 

Ice Climbing in Camden Hills. The Captain Swift Inn offers a winter package with the Equinox Guiding Service which is an introduction to ice climbing. During the four hours, you’ll learn about ice tools and belaying and they tell us that it is much easier than rock climbing. If you have climbed before or just interested in trying it out, the crew will dictate the experience to your skills. Be adventurous and check out our package https://www.captainswiftinn.com/packages.htm

Camden Toboggan Nationals. In February the Town of Camden Maine hosts the Annual Toboggan Nationals. The Ski area becomes the Madi Gras of Maine. The costumes and music on Hosmer Pond make for a festival atmosphere. Thousands descend on the small seaside village to watch teams race down the wooden toboggan ramp and enjoy this winter ritual. The Camden Snow Bowl becomes the hub for impromptu music jams and parties on the ice. The downtown is bustling with parties in the restaurants and music at the Opera House. All our invited to participate in the race. The Nationals are on February 7-9, 2020 . 

Winterfest. Also, in February, (check back for the date) the Camden Public Library hosts the annual Winterfest. The center of the festival is the ice carving competition. Artists and organizations get a block of ice that they transform into a work of art. There are entertainers, kids’ activities and even an ice plunge in the ocean if you are that daring!

The Camden Conference. A think tank for government ideas, this conference has grown to national status. The Conference runs all year long, but in February, Feb 21-23, the organizers host major thinkers on different political topics. This year the program will be about the Media Revolution. The Captain Swift Inn is offering a discount to attendees.

Fisherman's Forum - Coming to town for the Annual Fisherman's Forum in Rockport? This 3 day forum welcomes fisherman from all over the country. The trade show and educational forum has been well attended for the last 45 years. Make your reservations now. 

Whether you want to participate in any of the outdoor winter activities or just stroll through a winter wonderland downtown, Camden Maine is the ideal winter getaway. At the end of the day, sit back and relax by the fire and enjoy a warm beverage at the Captain Swift Inn. The delicious gourmet breakfasts in the morning are the ideal way to start the day.  The Inn is a short walk to the downtown, restaurants and Opera House. Start planning your winter getaway now and if you haven’t already done so, take a look at our money saving specials and our fun packages and book your getaway!