United States: travel guide to Boston | Itineraries and Highlights

Boston, an unforgettable city for a weekend getaway, attracts both Canadians and Americans. With cultural strolls, historical discoveries, family activities, and gourmet restaurants, it captivates visitors every time. And in summer 2026, Boston will be even more vibrant: the FIFA World Cup will be held at Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium for the occasion) in Foxborough, with matches on June 13, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29 and July 9, 2026.

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, charms with its red-brick buildings and iconic heritage, including the unmissable Harvard University. It’s a must-see!
Although the city can be explored in a short stay, we recommend spending several days to truly experience its unique energy and immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere.
So many treasures to explore and experiences to enjoy! We love going to this place, which offers wonderful walks and museums. In addition to the classic city tours, we suggest other activities to make you feel like a local, all thanks to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card. Don’t hesitate to book this free excursion.

Boston – Things to do
The unmissable Freedom Trail
For those unfamiliar with the city, this tour is a must. The Freedom Trail, a path marked on the ground, will guide you through Boston’s most iconic sites and historic buildings. A fun way to immerse yourself in the history of the American Revolution.




City of champions
Boston brings out the crowds, especially sports fans! Boston’s major professional sports leagues have won numerous titles since the new millennium. A guided tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is on your agenda.
Another idea: participate in the Boston Marathon, the oldest marathon in the world, or come cheer on the participants. Children also have their place, with races for those under 14.
Are you coming in winter? The Boston Common Frog Pond ice rink is also a place to try.

Shopping session
Looking to update your wardrobe or just window shop? Meet us on beautiful Newberry Avenue. You’ll be charmed by this place, with its magnificent houses and pretty boutiques. Something to inspire you for the season!

Observing the city
In addition to the shops offered by the Prudential Center, you can head to its observatory and admire a 360-degree view from its summit.
Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade, then observe the city from the Longfellow Bridge. We recommend going at sunset for an even more enjoyable experience.

For a different view of the city, climb aboard an amphibious vehicle dating from the Second World War.
Cultural city
Boston has a performance hall, the symphony hall. With several concerts on the schedule, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy entertainment in a different way. Do you have children and think this isn’t for you? Think again!
A series of concerts are held especially for families with children. A great way to educate them about music.
The Harvard campus and its museums
Visit Harvard University, the oldest university in the United States, and take a stroll through its surrounding gardens. We loved the immersion. Don’t miss the souvenir store and bookshop on campus.
Harvard also boasts a museum of archaeology and ethnology, as well as a natural history museum.

For the family
The city offers many activities for families. Here are some ideas:
- The Boston children’s museumto develop their skills;
- The science museum with several exhibitions for young and old;
- The Franklin Park with its zoo and playgrounds;
- Finally, enjoy the wading pools at the Boston Common Frog Pond in summer. In winter, the space is set up as an ice rink.
Gastronomic pleasures
Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of choice: we recommend you book ahead to be sure of enjoying the finest tables.

Here are some ideas:
- A culinary stroll through Boston’s Little Italy, the North End ;
- Sit down at Bostonia Public House for a simple, relaxed family meal;
- Would you like to enjoy a craft beer? We recommend Dorcherster Brewing which offers a fine selection;
- Enjoy a Lobster Roll at James Hook & Co ;
- Experience Boston Time Out MarketSeveral events are held there;
- Finish your tour with a stop at Mikes Pastry to sample their cannolis, reputed to be the best outside Italy.

Experiences
- Head to the Underground tunnel at Ink Block, now transformed into an urban park. You will be able to observe artists creating street art. There is a dog park and fitness activities;
- Cruises or boat tours are available at the harbor, so why not enjoy the city at sunset?

Surroundings to discover
Many fun activities to do with the whole family and about a 2.5-hour drive from Boston :
- Roller coaster fan? The amusement park Six Flags in New England is sure to thrill;
- Do you love nature and heights? A tree-climbing circuit is available, visit the Ramblewild ;
- Are you in the Worcester area? Visit the Ecotarium museum, where your child can learn about physical science and the environment;
- Your visit is scheduled for this winter? Then pass through North Woodstock, where you’ll discover ice castles and slides.
Getting there
With points
To get to Boston by plane, use your Aeroplan points. According to Air Canada’s points predictor, a minimum of 6,000 points is required for a one-way economy flight departing from Montreal.
Alternatively, find a low-cost flight and apply your travel points to the cost of the ticket!
Among the loyalty programs with travel points :
If you want to reduce the cost of your flights and travel-related expenses, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card is a very good option. It helps avoid currency conversion fees when making purchases in US dollars, which is particularly advantageous for booking flights to Boston. In addition, accumulated Scene+ points can be used to pay for airline tickets or other travel expenses, while also benefiting from comprehensive travel insurance and 6 free airport lounge accesses each year.
Boston Airport to Downtown
From Logan Airport, getting to downtown is a breeze. Take the Silver Line bus from Terminal A. It’s free and runs every 10 to 15 minutes.

Boston – Where to sleep?
The member hotels of Marriott Bonvoy
In Boston, there are over a hundred hotels that are members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. During our stay, we chose the Courtyard Boston Downtown. Find our review here as well as Jean-François’ review on the Sheraton Hotel Boston.

Here are some other well-located Marriott Bonvoy properties in Boston:
- Residence Inn Boston Downtown/Seaport
- Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station
- Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
- Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
- The Westin Boston Waterfront
- The Westin Copley Place, Boston
- Courtyard Boston Copley Square
- Boston Marriott Copley Place
- Sheraton Boston Hotel
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf
- W Boston
- The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection
- The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston
If you want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, the easiest way is to sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
Best Western Rewards member hotels
There are also a number of hotels in and around Boston that are members of the Best Western Rewards loyalty program. We chose the Best Western Plus Boston Hotel for its location.

Hilton Honors member hotels
For those who prefer Hilton Honors loyalty program member hotels, there are several in Boston!
We chose the Hilton Boston Back Bay for its location near Newbury street.

Here are some other well-located Hilton Honors properties in Boston:
- Hampton Inn Boston Logan Airport
- Hilton Boston Logan Airport
- DoubleTree by Hilton Boston-Downtown
- Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
It is not easy to earn Hilton Honors points in Canada. However, it is possible to have Hilton Honors Gold status which allows you to get an upgrade and free breakfasts at all Hilton Honors member hotels!
This is one of the many benefits for travelers with the American Express® Platinum Card.
Other Accommodations
If you do not wish to stay in a conventional hotel, you can book an Airbnb to enjoy more personalized accommodation in Boston. With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, your Scene+ points can easily reimburse your Airbnb stays: for example, 10,000 points are equivalent to $100 of credit on your reservation. It’s a simple and convenient way to reduce the cost of your accommodation while enjoying a flexible choice of lodging.
2026 FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026 and will bring together 48 teams for 104 matches spread across 16 host cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The famous Boston Stadium (for the occasion) will host a total of seven matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Accommodation: Book in Advance
Demand for tickets and accommodations will be very high, especially near the stadium and in Boston’s central neighborhoods. To maximize your chances, book your accommodation as early as possible, whether it’s a hotel or an Airbnb, ideally near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which will host matches for the 2026 World Cup.
An official partner of FIFA 2026, Airbnb offers numerous accommodations in the Boston area. Simply book normally, pay with a flexible points card, then use your points to reimburse the stay, an excellent way to save while staying close to the event.
Also consider optimizing flights, accommodation, and transportation by combining your rewards programs and points cards to fully enjoy Boston during the 2026 World Cup.
Tickets
To learn everything about purchasing tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026, consult our complete guide.
To reduce your costs, opt for a flexible points card to pay for your tickets and accommodation. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card allows you to earn up to 3 Scene+ points per dollar, then exchange these points to offset your event-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, transportation, or tickets. With an exchange rate of 10,000 points for $100, your purchases can quickly be offset.
Boston – Save on foreign currency transactions
Don’t forget to carry a credit card with no conversion fees for your foreign currency transactions! That’s a 2.5% savings on each transaction!
Here are two credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in Canada, perfect for travelers:
City passes
Passes are available to get discounts on your visits. You can get information and buy them on the spot at the tourist office for example or in advance on the internet. You will have the choice between the Boston CityPass and the Go Boston Card.
To inspire you!
For a short stay in Boston, I recommend the Escale à Boston travel guide.

Once there, inquire at the tourist office, of course! Go there to buy the Freedom Trail map, for example, or to pick up a few ideas for local getaways.

I suggest checking out the Boston Magazine website before your upcoming visit! There you will find the dates of upcoming festivals, for example, or ideas for outings.
Getting around Boston
Discover Boston by bike, on foot, by bus or subway.
Is Boston worth 4 days?
The attractions in Boston are interesting, and four days is enough time to explore the city.
Why go to Boston and what's on offer?
Capital of the state of Massachusetts, Boston is a pleasant city with many colonial-era buildings. The unmissable Freedom Trail and Harvard University are among the must-sees.
Tourism: when is the best time to visit Boston?
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to enjoy mild weather while avoiding the crowds of tourists.
When will the FIFA World Cup take place in Boston?
June 13, 16, 19, 23, 26, 29 and July 9, 2026 at Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium for the occasion) in Foxborough.
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