Directory The Chamber About the Chamber Member Directory About Vinalhaven Welcome Page General Information Community Organizations History Resource Conservation Photo Gallery Religious Services Town Parks Member Businesses Agriculture & Farming Air Services Business Services Construction Fine Arts Health & Wellness Home Services Land Conservation Landscaping Services Lobster & Seafood Lodging Marine Services Real Estate & Rentals Recreational Activities Restaurants Retail Trucking & Freight Special Interest About This Page / Help Community Bulletin Board Community Calendar Island Stories Visitor Information Getting Here Getting Around Maps Other Links Courier-Gazette Island Institute Maine.info Maine Island Trail Association Other Local Chambers of Commerce Town of Vinalhaven Weather & Tides	Visitor Information: Getting Around "Do I need to bring a car to Vinalhaven?" This is certainly a most frequently asked question by folks thinking of visiting the island. Here are some thoughts and general guidelines to help you with that decision. If you plan to come for a day visit in the summer, don't even think about bringing a car unless you have a reservation both ways. It is very possible to find yourself stranded on the island with all lodging facilities full. If you plan to come for a short stay (one or two nights) consider the alternatives. While the size of the ferries and number of trips per day have increased significantly in the past 25 years, allowing ever greater numbers of cars to come to the island, few changes have occurred here to accommodate the increase. Parking at the ferry terminals on both sides, and in the downtown area of Vinalhaven, is very limited. Many island roads are unpaved, and those that are paved are rough in places. Island auto services are limited to a single garage, and there is one supplier of gasoline. WALKING. The village area of Vinalhaven is very compact, focused mainly around the shores of Carver's Harbor on the southern shore of the island. The ferry dock is at the western end of the harbor, and the center of town is just ½ mile to the east. Shops, restaurants, lodging and other services are mostly located within the downtown area. There is a designated walking path/sidewalk on the north side of Main St. running from the ferry terminal to the center of town. Within a one-mile radius of the ferry dock, you'll find two town parks and a larger Nature Conservancy area. BICYCLING. The island in general is hilly but not mountainous. Bicyclists need to be aware that the roads outside of the immediate village are narrow and rough in places, and there is a significant increase in vehicular traffic during the summer months. Experienced cyclists will probably not be daunted by the challenges presented by island terrain and traffic, while less experienced riders may want to confine riding to the better kept roads around town. Bicyclists should obey the rules of the road at all times. There are no designated bike paths. There is no public transportation on the island.