Your freedom trail to Boston’s history
A rich revolutionary history, combined with some of the world’s foremost educational institutions, and America’s oldest ballpark give Boston its unique character. Whether you’re looking to explore the past, or just watch the Red Sox play ball, Boston’s points of interest have something to suit your taste.
After your flight from Sault Ste. Marie to Boston lands, you’re just steps away from America’s revolutionary history. Follow the red brick Freedom Trail through 2.5 miles of Boston’s best historical attractions.
From the Massachusetts State House to the Paul Revere House, this path leads past the highlights of America’s journey to independence. If you get hungry along the way, chow down on chowder or oysters at Faneuil Hall Market or Quincy Market. They’ve been serving up mouth-watering food since the 1740s.
After visiting the Freedom Trail’s USS Constitution Museum located by the docks of the Boston Harbour, explore more of Boston’s museums. If it’s art you’re after, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art. Round off a day of educational attractions with a walk inside the giant three-storey stained glass globe of the Mapparium.
Spend some time outside in the Emerald Necklace chain of parks stretching across the city. Walk the grounds of America’s oldest city park, in the Boston Common, opened in 1634. The Boston Public Garden isn’t quite as old, but it’s resident swans (and swan boats) add a charming feel to this 24-acre park.
Perhaps the wildest of Boston’s parks, the Fens (also called Back Bay Fens) is an urban wilderness where the land has returned to its natural state.
While you’re by the Fens, make your way to Fenway Park. This nearby ballpark is home to the Boston Red Sox, as it has been since its opening day on April 20, 1912. Take a break during your busy trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Boston to see this beloved baseball team knock one out of the park while playing America’s pastime.
East Cambridge
A wicked smart neighbourhood
Visit Boston’s brainy neighbour on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie, to see how this city earned its wicked smart reputation.
The history of East Cambridge is highly educated. With Harvard University and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) both located in Cambridge, this brainy area is known for its educational institutions.
The campus engages with the community at the MIT Museum. On the ground floor, you’ll find the highlights of MIT’s current research, ranging from air safety to video games. A life-sized hologram of Bob Marley hints toward the surprising second storey. Robotics, holography, and pinging, whirling world of kinetic sculptures, add fun to this museum of science.
Away from the campuses, East Cambridge’s community contains a collection of Portuguese bakeries, fish markets, barbershops, and fresh poultry. The low-key side of this neighbourhood known for higher learning is also well worth exploring.
In the Cambridge Antique Market, five floors of vintage goods offer a different sort of exhibit to explore. Glass baubles, buddha figurines, and toy battleships contribute to an unfathomable number of items even MIT couldn't calculate. Look through the wares of 150 vendors to see East Cambridge’s beautifully chaotic market.
After wandering through the area’s museum and market, spend some time outside in East Cambridge’s parks. North Point Park and Lechmere Canal Park both offer pleasant waterfront strolls for relaxing on trip from Sault Ste. Marie.
As you’re on your way out of East Cambridge, smarten up at the Museum of Science. This institution on the border of the neighbourhood Boston’s spectacular science museums. From here, you can stroll into Boston’s west end, or continue into the downtown core which is always bursting with more things to do.
Charlestown
A revolutionary neighbourhood
On the site of a former Puritan settlement, you’ll find the next stop on your trip from Sault Ste. Marie to Boston.
America’s revolutionary past is always close at hand in Boston’s Charlestown neighbourhood. As you walk throughout this area, the Bunker Hill Monument remains visible on the horizon.
Aside from acting as a handy navigation tool when visiting, this 221-foot tower on Breed’s Hill commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. Despite the name, most of the fighting of the Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed’s Hill. To clear up any confusion about the battle and monument, pay a visit to the nearby Bunker Hill Museum.
At sea level, “Old Ironsides” stands, or rather, floats, to recall America’s maritime battles. The USS Constitution gained her famous nickname in the War of 1812, for her ability to survive the cannon fire of the British fleet. Now that she’s retired, she stays docked in the Boston Harbour, across from the USS Constitution Museum, which details more of her exploits.
You won’t find any ship’s rations on the menu at Charlestown’s restaurants. In Warren’s Tavern, pub fare is served with a side of history. Both Benjamin Franklin and George Washington are reputed to have dined in this historic watering hole. Though it wasn’t on the menu when these American legends ate here, one of Warren’s best dishes is undoubtedly the Tavern Burger.
If you’re looking to burn off a few calories after lunch, walk along Charlestown’s waterfront. Stroll through the Charlestown Naval Yard, where ships were built by Bostonians for almost 175 years.
Turn your feet towards the Freedom Trail to trace the path of the rest of Boston’s past. Cross the Charlestown Bridge to continue the 2.5-mile length of this road through some of the most important sites in the American Revolution.
By the time you’re back in Sault Ste. Marie, you’ll be an expert on Boston’s part in America’s road to independence.
Getting to Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 CAD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Boston Airport Transportation to Downtown
There are many options for transportation to downtown Boston from Logan International Airport (BOS).
Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 6 km / 4 mi from downtown Boston.
Hotels near Boston Logan International Airport
Looking for a hotel near Boston Logan Airport for accommodation before your flight? Here are some hotels close to the airport:
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
Hilton Garden Inn Boston Logan Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Logan Airport
Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
And more…
For pricing and reservations, please check the hotel website.
Transportation
Water taxis to downtown cost about $15 USD.
Take the complimentary Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Silver Line SL1 bus from any one of the airport terminal stops.
Car rental services are available outside of the main terminal building of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and are accessible by Massport shuttle buses.
The Logan Express shuttle bus provides complimentary service from the airport to downtown.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services from Boston Logan International Airport. After requesting a ride, head to the nearest AppRide/TNC pickup lot. Fares from BOS to downtown start at $20 USD.
Taxis to downtown cost about $25 USD. Car service costs about $80 USD.
Boston Logan International Airport Parking
Driving to Boston Logan International Airport? There are many parking options at Boston Airport with convenient access to all terminals. Choose from the Central Parking Garage, Terminal B Garage or Terminal E Lots, with rates starting at $35 USD per day.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
