Boston - Montreal bus stops (& Boston recommendation?)

Question

We're planning to visit Boston and the surrounding area at the end of the month with our baby. We are in Scotland and don't drive so thought we'd take the bus and trains but I realise the US isn't quite so well connected.

I wouldn't want to do the whole 7 + hours bus with our baby. What stops does the bus from Boston to Montreal make? I'd love to visit some places in Vermont, and go from Montreal to Quebec City.

Please do recommend us any nice activities in and around Boston. Our baby is going to be 13 months old when we travel so heading into todderdom and probably walking by then – she's almost there. We already know we want to go to Salem, Marta's Vineyard, Harvard university, whale watching if not too late for it.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

It’s great that you're planning to visit Boston and explore the surrounding areas with your little one! The bus ride from Boston to Montreal is indeed long, so it’s wise to break up the journey, especially with a baby. Here's some information to help you with your plans:

Bus from Boston to Montreal:

The bus ride from Boston to Montreal is typically around 7-8 hours, and most buses make stops along the way to allow passengers to stretch and grab a bite to eat. Here are some common stops along the way:

Manchester, NH – A common stop for restrooms and quick breaks.
Concord, NH – Another stop, often for a brief rest or to switch buses depending on the service.
Lebanon, NH – Some routes stop here as well for convenience.
Montpelier, VT – A stop in Vermont where you can enjoy the beauty of the state and grab a snack.
St. Albans, VT – This is near the Canadian border and is usually a final stop before heading into Montreal.

If you'd like to break up the journey further and explore Vermont, many people suggest taking a detour in places like Burlington, which is a beautiful city by Lake Champlain, or stopping for a scenic walk or lunch in Montpelier or Stowe.

Recommendations in and around Boston:

There’s plenty to see and do in and around Boston, especially with your little one in tow! Since your baby will be just about toddling around, these activities should be toddler-friendly and enjoyable for the whole family:

Boston Common & Public Garden: A beautiful place to walk around with a stroller. You can enjoy the Swan Boats in the summer, which are a fun and peaceful way to experience the park.
New England Aquarium: Perfect for little ones, with tons of marine life to see. The penguins and sea turtles are usually big hits with kids.
Children’s Museum: This museum is very kid-friendly with interactive exhibits for toddlers. It’s a great place to let your baby explore safely.
Seaport District: A lovely waterfront area with family-friendly restaurants and open space for toddlers to run around. You can take a leisurely stroll along the harbor.
Harvard University: While you’re in Cambridge, the Harvard campus is beautiful to walk through. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is also a great stop, with dinosaur exhibits and hands-on activities.
Whale Watching: Depending on when you visit, whale watching is possible from April to October. The weather may still be good enough for a trip in late September or October, so you may still be in time for a trip out to Stellwagen Bank.
Salem: Known for its witch history, Salem is a fascinating place to explore, and it’s very accessible by train or bus from Boston. Salem has many parks and family-friendly attractions like the Salem Witch Museum.
Martha’s Vineyard: A short ferry ride away from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is a great place for a quiet family getaway. There are some nice beaches and parks for toddlers to enjoy.

Additional Tips:

Since you are traveling with a toddler, consider staying in places with easy access to parks or walking paths, like the Back Bay area or near the Common, which will give you lots of options for stroller-friendly walks.
Public transport in Boston is quite good and stroller-friendly. The T (subway) has elevators and ramps for easy access.
As your baby is still in the toddling phase, don’t forget to bring along a stroller that can handle cobblestone streets, especially in areas like Salem and Boston’s historic districts.

For traveling from Boston to New York, you can easily take a train, bus, or flight. The Amtrak Northeast Regional line from Boston to New York takes about 4 hours and is very comfortable for families. Alternatively, buses like Greyhound or Megabus offer budget-friendly options, but the train is often more convenient and faster.

Hope you have an amazing trip, and enjoy your time exploring Boston and beyond with your family!