Why Boston Is a Great Vacation Spot for Toronto Residents

Whether you are into history, sports, art or science, Boston has it all. A key city in British Colonial America, Boston is steeped in the history that helped shape the United States and the continent and is the location of historic events that prompted many loyalists to flee to Canada. With several major league franchises calling the city home including the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, locals take their sports as seriously as Toronto fans. Boasting renowned museums, Boston appeals to art lovers. Nature and science enthusiasts can learn more about the amazing world around eastern Canada and the United States. Read further for our travel tips for Boston.

Best Time to Visit Boston

The best time to visit Boston is from April to September. Sitting on the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Boston experiences weather that is generally sunny and mild. While spring temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C, summer highs reach around 29°C. Lows tend to stay above 15°C. The crowds grow as the weather improves. Boston hotel rates and other fees are usually less expensive earlier in the travel season.

Getting to Boston from Toronto

Several airlines offer nonstop flights from Toronto to Boston that take less than two hours. From Logan International Airport, you can reach the City of Boston using the MBTA Silver Line. Another option is to drive. Following Interstate 90 through central New York and across Massachusetts takes approximately eight hours. You can stop along the way to view sites in Buffalo, the Finger Lakes near Syracuse and Albany, New York, as well as those in the scenic Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts.

Travel Tips for Boston

Some of our key travel tips for Boston include staying in the city. Eliminating a commute will allow more time for you to enjoy things on your itinerary. The money that you save on travel by staying in a downtown hotel can be spent on activities in Boston. Many hotels in the city of Boston are within a brief walk of popular attractions.

Boston is very walkable. Park your car upon arrival. Because Boston’s historic streets were laid out for horses, the vehicle congestion ranks among the worst in the country. Parking is limited and expensive.

Boston weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers. Even the warmest summer day can turn into a chilly evening. Wear comfortable shoes when sightseeing. Most tourist venues do not have a dress code. If you plan to dine at upscale restaurants or attend formal events, remember to pack accordingly.

Experience the flavours and aromas that are uniquely Boston. Just about every type of cuisine imaginable is available here, but the city is famous for its lobster and clam chowder.

Best Ways To See Boston

Bostonians refer to their public transit system as the “T.” The name was inspired by the signs designating various stations and stops along bus and subway routes. While the system is quick and economical, you will miss opportunities to see numerous landmarks and other points of interest while traveling underground.

The best option for touring Boston is using the hop-on/hop-off privileges of the Old Town Trolley. You will hear an informative narration about the history and lesser-known facts of Boston during the tour. Several key points of interest are located near each trolley stop. You can explore one or more at your leisure and then board the next trolley. The fun and exciting story will pick up where you left off. The Old Town Trolley enables you to avoid driving and parking in the city while giving you the chance to see more of Boston than you could on foot alone.

Best Attractions to See in Boston

A modern identity and dynamic waterfront contrast with the unique history and cultural venues that make Boston a one-of-a-kind destination. Each attraction introduces another aspect of what makes the city special. Historic neighborhoods like the Back Bay and the exciting shopping on Newbury Street accentuate the city’s enduring charm. The following short list of popular attractions can act as a starting point for getting to know Boston better.

The 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail is a walking tour that connects 16 of the most important Colonial-era sites in the city related to America’s freedom. Follow the red stripe to view Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Monument.

The Public Garden boasts colorful plantings, monuments and pastoral walkways. The first public park in the U.S., it is the setting for the historic swan boats and the statues of mallards inspired by the famous children’s story, “Make Way for Ducklings.”

The New England Aquarium houses over 600 different species of marine life. The research center is active in conservation efforts related to lobsters and right whales that inhabit the waters off the coast of New England and Eastern Canada. If time permits, include an exciting whale-watching trip to see these animals in their natural habitat.

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. It boasts a collection of works ranging from antiquity to European masters and contemporary art. The museum’s American collection includes works by Canadian artists Lawren Harris and Yousuf Karsh. In fact, former CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario Matthew Teitelbaum is now a director at The Museum of Fine Arts.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an interactive experience that enables visitors to step back in time and recreate one of the key moments that led to the American Revolution.

Popular Events in Boston in the Spring and Summer

Boston is home to several distinctive events during the spring and summer months.

Patriot’s Day is a state holiday celebrated annually on the third Monday of April where the events of April 1775 that led to the “shot heard ‘round the world” are re-enacted.

The oldest race of its kind, the Boston Marathon is also held on Patriot’s Day. Many Torontonians have participated in the world-famous marathon. You can experience the festive atmosphere along the route and encourage some of the best athletes in the world, as well as those running for charitable or personal reasons.

The Boston Pops Independence Day Concert on the Charles River is a major midsummer event that takes place annually on July 4. Visitors will enjoy good music and a spectacular fireworks display.

Major league sporting events are always popular in Boston. In the spring and summer, schedule your trip to enjoy Red Sox games at legendary Fenway Park against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays.

Steeped in the arts, culture and history, Boston is a popular spring and summer holiday destination. With so many things to see and do, the hardest decision will be where to begin your adventure.