Sprawled throughout Casco Bay, just to the northeast of Portland, Chebeague (pronounced: shuh-beeg) Island is among a chain of islands known as “The Calendar Islands.” At approximately 5 miles long and 3 miles wide, only about 300 people live on the island year-round, but its population can swell to nearly 2,000 during summer months.
How to get to Chebeague Island
Guests traveling to the island can catch year-round ferry service out of Portland on Casco Bay Lines, which is a quick 15 to 20-minute taxi ride from Portland International Jetport. The ferry allows passengers to see some of Maine’s infamous rocky shoreline, lighthouses, including Portland Head Light, as well as several former U.S. military forts like Fort McKinley and Fort Gorges. The ferry ride may take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half, as routes may have multiple short stops to some of the other local islands.
The Chebeague Transportation Company, which is located on Cousins Island near Yarmouth, also offers year-round ferry service to the island. Located about 30 minutes by taxi from Portland, the 15-minute ferry ride carries an average of nearly 10,000 passengers per month to and from the island.
When traveling by ferry, it’s best to look at both transportation lines’ schedules, as they change with each season.
For a more direct route (about 25 minutes), Portland Express Water Taxis are also available for hire.
Places to stay
Enjoy panoramic ocean views at the Chebeague Island Inn. As guests enter the restored 1920s hotel they walk into a simpler time. The Inn has a cozy parlor and a grand sitting room, complete with a large fireplace where guests gather around to play board games and read books. Each of the Inn’s 21 unique guest rooms are free of telephones or televisions. Amenities include free wireless Internet access, and coffee, tea, and house-made snacks throughout the day. A full-service dining room provides lunch and dinner to the Inn’s guests, as well as local islanders.
There are also a few bed and breakfasts and house rentals, including the Chebeague Orchard Inn Bed and Breakfast and the Sunset House Inn.
Sights and activities
Whether you lace up your walking shoes or jump on a bike, there are many ways to explore the island. Though the best thing to do during your stay may be to do nothing at all.
Recreational Activities
Chebeague Recreation Center offers a fitness room, a tennis court and a public heated pool. Daily and weekly passes are available for island guests. For golf enthusiasts, the Great Chebeague Golf Club offers a unique nine-hole layout. The par 33 course covers more than 2,200 yards that meander through salt water inlets and great blue heron nesting grounds.
Shopping
The Niblic, located in the Chebeague Island Boat Yard, offers local wares from Maine artisans, including souvenirs and handcrafted jewelry, and small prepared foods. Island Riches is another locally owned souvenir shop and sells island items made from Chebeague and Casco Bay. It's located just up the road from Chandler's Wharf, where Casco Bay Lines docks.
Doughty’s Island Market provides grocery and household items to the island. Located within walking distance from Cheabeague Island Inn at 237 South Road.
Museums and other points of interest
Museum of Chebeague History is housed in a building from 1871, which also once served as the island’s school house. Exhibits are maintained by the Chebeague Island Historical Society. Located at 137 South Road.
Additional places to visit include the Chebeague Island Boat Yard, which is a central docking location for the island’s residents and fisherman, and the Chebeague Island Library. The library maintains collection of almost 14,000 materials, and offers various programing and weekly movie screenings throughout the year. Located at 247 South Road.
Although it may be small in size, Chebeague Island offers classic Maine hospitality on a grand scale to all who visit.
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