cattraveller

In late June we will be taking my daughter to camp in Leicester, VT. We will fly into Burlington and rent a car to drive her to camp. Three weeks later we will pick her up. We've never been to that area and want to do a little traveling with her while we're there. We want to spend just a few days (2-3) before camp to explore the area, then take another few days (3-4) after camp pickup to do some more exploring.

Some of the areas we've thought of exploring are Burlington, Stowe, Middlebury, Montreal, Boston. My confusion is: Which of these areas should have priority, and what's the best itinerary of where to go when. Flying into Burlington before camp, it might make the most sense to just explore Burlington, Ben & Jerry's, and Middlebury before depositing her at camp in Leicester. But then once we pick her up, should we go to Boston or to Montreal? We've never been to either. I know Boston is so historical and has much to see. But my daughter is an avid French student, so maybe Montreal would be more appealing.

I'd appreciate any help in deciding between Montreal and Boston, and would welcome any other suggestions on where we might go given our situation. Thank you!!!

HappyTrvlr

Montreal would be a good fit for your daughter. Interesting city, lots to do and a big change just by crossing the border. Check that your rental car is allowed to cross the border though.

simpsonc510

You might want to check to see what documents are needed (ie passport) to cross the Canadian border and return to the USA. I believe it isn't as simple as it used to be, when a drivers license was good enough to prove who you are. DS crossed the border in his rental car (from Portland Maine)which was not a problem, and I wish I knew for sure what ID was required to cross the border and return (same day). This was within the last 6 months.

I would also consider visiting the coast of Maine. Maine is unique IMO. People there are really nice. Lodging might be difficult as the Maine coast is very popular in summer.

zootsi

I live just about halfway between Boston and Montreal - love them both. Boston wins hands down for historic sites, culture and a college town feel. Montreal for European ambiance and dining. We usually do long weekends in Montreal - love the French influence, ethnic neighborhoods, street fests, wonderful biking trails, and scores of interesting byob restaurants. Burlington is a very beautiful litte city, and some of the most scenic back roads in the country can be found in Vermont.

Vttraveler

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. I would probably choose Montreal especially given your daughter's interest in French.

Montreal is much closer to Burlington than Boston is. It is very lively in the summer--non-stop festivals, outdoor restaurants, etc. It also has an older historic section to explore. Plenty of history, just not U.S. history. Good hotels in Montreal are quite a lot cheaper than in Boston, and the food is great.

As noted in an earlier post, you do need either passports or enhanced driver's licenses for Quebec.

emalloy

Will you be traveling in the area during the 3 weeks she is at camp? If so you could include both cities on your trip and decide which would be worth a return trip with her.

cattraveller

Thanks all!! We do have passports. The reason we want to travel before and after camp -- as opposed to during -- is so that our DD can travel with us We want her to see those sights, too. Thanks to your feedback, we're going to choose Montreal! Sounds like Boston might be better as its own trip. Montreal sounds perfect, and it's closer. Can't wait to see Vermont!

gardendiva

Montreal is just over 2 hours north of Burlington and is a very easy drive. We went year before last in October for a day trip from the Burlington area and the boarder crossing. both ways, was very easy and quick. I am sure that it depends on the day how much traffic there is. You do need a passport or enhanced license.

Unfortunately it began to rain shortly after we had lunch so we did not get to see much.

tomfuller

If you find it is too much of a problem driving a rental car into Montreal and parking, consider flying to Montreal.
See the city and then take the Adirondack train south to Albany-Rennsalear and rent the car there to take her to camp.
I'm thinking Burlington is a rather small airport with limited rental car choices but I might be wrong.

Vttraveler

Burlington has a small airport but you shouldn't have any trouble finding a rental car. I also think flights to Montreal are generally more expensive than flights to Burlington.

The border crossings are generally pretty quick. WE often use the small ones west of I-89 but that may be too much of a hassle if you aren't familiar with the area. It is possible to drive through the Champlain Islands of Vt and connect to the highway going north to Montreal from New York state. On the other route north of I-89 you go through farm country and there are stands where you can buy fresh corn cooked in big pots later in the summer. Speaking of farm stands, you should check out one of Montreal's big markets while you are there.

There are some interesting areas to explore outside of Montreal if you have a car. Check out the Canadian forum threads on the Eastern Townships. If you have questions as you are researching Montreal just ask there.