traveler123

Hubby and I are trying to choose between Vancouver and Boston for our next weekend getaway. We're on the West Coast and have 4 days for a quick trip. I've never been to either, and he's been to both, although he knows Boston much better (was only in Vancouver for a day). We'd like to go in late Sept. or early Oct., and are interested in sightseeing (typical touristy places) and good food.

If we go to Vancouver, I don't know if we'd have enough time for a side trip to Victoria or Seattle, and if we go to Boston, we'd like to drive around Cape Cod. Are these doable?

Thanks for your input.

massteacher

Both are great places! I grew up in the Boston area and think our city is full of history and beauty. Have been to Vancouver and loved it, but I would most certainly try to get to Victoria. The town is just gorgeous with a beautiful harbor area and is home to the Buchert Gardens. If you like flowers, this is not to be missed. We loved all of the shops and restaurants. High tea is a specialty of the Empress Hotel, a lovely old hostelry. At night, the Parliament building is lighted up all along the sides, so you can visualize its shape. The British Museum they say is worthwhile, althoug we didn't have time to go there. It's a tossup. Since you live on the West Coast, you might be able to plan a trip to Vancouver at another time. If you go, don't miss the harbor.

audra

Its just my opinion, but there would be no question. Been to both places and Boston is hands down the classiest, with the most to do. Vancouver might have its attibutes, all cities do, but between the two, you can't lose in any way, shape or form with Boston. Go there! You'll have a wonderful time.

FainaAgain

I live in San Francisco, and Vancouver seemed to be just like SF and USA, not a Canadian city like Montreal or Toronto. I'd go to Boston. You can put Vancouver on your wish list not to feel guilty for now

GaryA

Faina, how can you say Vancouver is just like SF & the USA? Where are the massive freeways? Where are the black Ghettos? Where are the downtowns deserted after 7PM? Etc., Etc. Toronto is more like a US city except it is cleaner and more people friendly but as a Vancouverite I really take exception to classifying Vancouver as 'just like the US'.

As to traveler123's question - it's definately apples and oranges. Boston is American history and has a wealth of academia. Vancouver is nature and has an ethnic mix, (heavily Asian), that gives the city a unique cultural patina. It's a tough choice but hopefully yopu'll have an opportunity to do one now and the other in the future.

One thing to consider in Boston's favour. Early October should see the fall colors coming out there. Vancouver is pretty well still very green at that time.

ParrotMom

As a Bostonian...please come and visit. Boston is a "walking" city, great restaurants (www.chowhound.com), museums,theatre and of course the Duck Tour. Your time period is perfect.. we are having lovely warm weather right now. Cape Cod is do-able, but with only4 days in Boson you'll be pushing it. The Fall is still a very popular tourist season.. although it's supposedly "off-season"

Gardyloo

Four days from the west coast isn't enouigh time to do justice to Boston. Flight length and time change will nuke the first day, early checkin (at Logan - oh, joy) and long flight back (almost an hour longer westbound due to prevailing winds) will zap the fourth. Net two days.

Versus Vancouver - three hours less flying time each way, no time change, no Big Dig, no leaf peepers, Great hotels via Priceline for $50. You'll have a full extra day for touring (take a one-day tour of Victoria via floatplane) or for a Chinatown that really is one, cricket on the green in Stanley Park, day drive up to Whistler on one of North America's most beautiful roads, fresh apples (and hard cider) in the markets, and lots more options for relaxation.

With Boston traffic and drivers you'll be lucky to get to Brookline, never mind Cape Cod. Save Boston for a longer time.

Dave_

That's a tough one. For me it's choosing between one of my top two US cities and probably the North American city I'd like to live in if I had a choice.

However, at the time of year and for the length of your trip I think I'd say Boston.

The reason is that for a quick four-day trip to Vancouver I don't think you can add Seattle or Victoria because there is so much in Vancouver so I would try and do that area when you have more time.

jimshep

Knowing both places, I completely agree with Gardyloo. I would add that Vancouver has wonderful restaurants which are a great bargain considering the exchange rate.

gocats2002

Totally agree with Gardyloo. Go to some web site like orbitz or travelocity and check out some actual flight times. Then add in time getting to and from airports. I think you'll find your time quite limited, and that you'll lose a lot more time traveling to Boston than to Vancouver. You won't be disappointed with either city and I think you won't have time for side trips. Four days, including travel is not very long.

charlesaf3

both great cities - I don't think you'll go wrong in either. Boston has a bit more in the way of tourist sites, as its much older than Vancouver, but as the above have said Van is pretty reasonable for tourists.

If Boston I would spend the whole time here. If Van I would go to Victoria for a day

Both are excellent choices.

The poster above who was claiming that Boston is overly congested is wrong - Van is worse actually, as Boston has a full fledged train and subway system. That said, it really isn't going to be a big deal in either case

kameha

Definetly different strokes for different folks. Me? I would choose Vancouver hands down. First, as mentioned, it is more convenient since you are already on the west coast. I would hate to waste an entire day traveling when you have only a few days. Vancouver is busy but beautiful. Too me, Boston is just busy. I hated the traffic in Boston and driving was difficult with many one way streets and no rhyme or reason to traffic flow. I grew up on the East coast so maybe that's why I'm tired of it and prefer the west! There is no doubt that the history of Boston is fabulous and interesting, but I would choose the natural beauty of Vancouver. You can easily do a ferry trip over to Victoria or to another one of the Gulf Islands. You can also drive up to Whistler area, if you wanted. Although there is plenty to do right in Vancouver. Have fun no matter what you choose!

Tess_Durberville

Having grown up in the Boston area, I think it's a great place. However with only 4 days? No way. Between the travel time and the jet lag, it seems like it'd be a stressful trip. As for planning to drive down to the Cape? You'll be spending most of this weekend getaway in a plane or a car. DEFINITELY go to Vancouver. Save the Boston visit for when you can stay a bit longer.

SaraLM

I think 4 days is pretty short to fly to the east coast (from the west coast that is probably 6-8hrs flying), deal with jet lag and still get to see what you want. For some jet lag isn't that bad but I always take it into consideration. If you have 4 full days plus 2 travel days then that is different. I think you would enjoy either city. I do think Victoria would be doable from Vancouver in that amount of time.

(I'll be in Victoria next week!!)

jason888

Hi, traveler123!

Wow! What a choice - two of my favoritest cities! I'd say extend your vacation and go to BOTH!

Otherwise, with 4 days, Vancouver gets a slight edge. Your flight time to Boston is 6 hours, and with the 3 hour time difference, that's 9 hours; plus going to the airport and getting away from the airport - that goes day 1.

Return flight is not that bad, you catch a 6pm flight and you're back on the West Coast by 9pm Pacific Time.

If you go to Boston, you probably should not go to Cape Cod - not enough time.

On the other hand, if you go to Vancouver, you can visit Victoria. Don't go to Seattle, tho - it's just another US city unlike Vancouver which is definitely CANADIAN - Canada has two official languages, French and English. You'll find a lot of things labelled in both languages, which is not the way we do things in the US. And Victoria is even more unlike the US - much more British than even Vancouver.

What an enviable position to be in - to choose between two such wonderful cities! Have a great trip and let us know which one you choose!

crosbie

Well- have a great time which ever you choose--

but if you go to Boston-- Cape cod maybe a stretch to drive down tobut- consider taking the ferry over to Provincetown for the day.
It leaves from Boston and brings you right to P-town (as we call it here). Or- you could do a whale watch!

traveler123

Thanks everyone! It does make sense given the flight times and time differences to go to Vancouver for now, and Boston another time. Looks like Vancouver it is!

welch

Eat at Vij's Indian restaurant when in Vancouver. It's fantastic food and very very cool. I love Vancouver and find it very different from US cities. You'll go back over and over again!

GaryA

Good choice traveler! Check the Candian Board for things to do and see in Vancouver. And I do hope we have some rain between now and the time you arrive. We've had hardly any for a couple of months now and things are looking pretty brown around here right now. On the other hand, for your sake, I hope we get the rain before you arrive because IMHO Vancouver does lose a lot of it's charm once the rainy season begins.

PamSF

We'll be in Vancouver mid September. Here's what I can recommend(before the trip)..Another vote for Vij's, we also plan to eat dim sum at the Kirin in Richmond, sushi at Tojo, a blow out pacific nw meal at Bishop's and I think we'll try the Bins(West End and downtown) for tapas. We plan an afternoon( at least) at the UBC Museum of Anthropology and another walking in in Stanley Park. We hope to make it to Susan Point's gallery/studio on Granville Island. She is a coast salish printmaker whose prints have made their way into our lives. SHe's worth checking out!