GETTING THERE IS EASY Massachusetts is a must for Canadians

Posted on 05/16/2016 | About Massachusetts

Canada is Massachusetts biggest international tourism market. Not hugely surprising - given that it just a five-hour drive from Montreal and a short (under two hours) flight from Toronto. Is Massachusetts satisfied? Well, no. The Massachusetts Travel and Tourism Board along with a number of other representatives of tourism and tourist activities and opportunities in the Commonwealth were in Toronto recently to see if they couldn’t persuade even more Canadians to come and visit.

Jackie Ennis, international marketing manager of Massachusetts Travel and Tourism, didn’t have to play up the ease of travel – it’s easily accessible from several Canadian gateways – especially from Toronto where three Canadian carriers provide ample lift Air Canada has a number of daily direct flights to Boston’s Logan Airport from Toronto, and also flights from Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. WestJet flies daily from YYZ, and Porter also has several flights daily from Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto. Like Pearson, Billy Bishop now offers pre-clearance on Boston flights. And there are lots of choices to getting from Logan (just 5 KM north east of the city) to downtown Boston– Express busses, taxis, water shuttle taxis, limousine service or airport shuttle/subway.

Boston is one of America's oldest cities with a rich historical past which has evolved into one the leading centres in the US for (in no particular order) culture, education, politics, health, finance, and sports – and that’s just for starters. “It’s a great walking city,” said Stacy Thornton, tourism sales manager for Boston, noting the abundance of green space and the wonderful and diverse neighbourhoods. One can walk across the city in about 40 minutes, she said. Looking for a place to stay? There are numerous excellent hotels (and 40 more opening in the near future) available to all budgets. Plenty of shopping, and, in these days of a less than robust loonie – visitors are always delighted to find that Massachusetts has no tax on clothing under $175.

And when you’re done walking (or taking a Duck Boat tour) of Boston, you’ll find it’s also a great springboard to the rest of Massachusetts. And the rest of Massachusetts is well worth discovering. Probably the most famous area, and a great tourist favourite, is Cape Cod, where Hyannis and Hyannis Port were made famous by the Kennedys, and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are summer playgrounds to the rich and famous and well worth a visit on the ferries. Provincetown, on the extreme tip of the Cape is a favourite of artists and the LGBT community. Dunes, beaches, and wonderful vistas are almost commonplace. Visitors love to drive through the small towns and villages of Cape Cod stopping to browse through local galleries and antique stores or to sample some of the famous chowder and sensational seafood.

The Berkshires is a rural region in the mountains of western Massachusetts dotted with villages and towns. It’s a popular vacation destination, known for its outdoor activities, fall foliage, farm-to-table food scene and thriving arts institutions. Renowned annual festivals include the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer residency at Lenox’s Tanglewood Music Center. This summer’s guest artists include Earth, Wind & Fire, Bob Dylan, James Taylor and Dolly Parton. The Mohawk Trail began as a Native American trade route which connected Atlantic tribes with tribes in Upstate New York and beyond. The modern day Mohawk Trail is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Massachusetts with numerous points of interest along the way, including many scenic viewpoints, roadside attractions and gift shops. Of particular note is the Hail To The Sunrise Statue at Mohawk Park, which features a tribute to Native American heritage

Massachusetts is number five in International tourism to the US, following California, New York, Florida and Texas. History, culture, shopping, sports, cuisine and great beaches – easy to get to - and great when you get there. For Canadians, this summer could be the perfect opportunity to check out the neighbours!