And underneath the bluster they really are old pals so we’d like to share the success of Canada and New England Under Shared Skies.
With our old pals at Discover New England rewarded for their efforts with their northern neighbours.
With a Best New Tourism Initiative award from JRNY Travel Magazine for Under Shared Skies.
The cross-border travel campaign developed in partnership with their amis in Southern Quebec.
So that’ll be the six New England states and three tourism regions in Southern Quebec,
Inviting overseas visitors to experience the natural and cultural heritage both regions work to protect.
Stars and Stripes & Maple Leaf
Under Shared Skies offers a customisable, two- to three-week driving itinerary.
Connecting Boston, Massachusetts and Montreal, Quebec.
The route takes travellers through western Mass, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in New England.
And the Eastern Townships, Centre-du-Quebec and Montérégie of Southern Quebec.
And highlights exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Outdoor recreation, cultural experiences and protected natural landscapes.
Canada-based inbound tour operator Jonview serves as the programme’s channel partner.
Additional guides offer opportunities to expand the journey into other parts of New England and Southern Quebec.
On the right Amtrak
Now as we’ve come to expect from our North American friends and travel providers.
They’ve done the heavy lifting for us with options.
But we know what we like and like what we know and that’s seeing coastal New England by Amtrak.
You should start in Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut.
And rideshare or take the Bradley Flyer Bus to Hartford Union Station for the Northeast Regional Amtrak line.
Every witch way
The train stops in walkable New Haven,
And give Handsome George IV a big sloppy kiss, either before or after your slice of Apizza.
Mystic, Westerly, and mural capital Providence are also on your route before you alight at Boston’s South Station.
From Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail and the Boston Water Taxis and Ferrys simplify travelling without a car.
To witch hub Salem on the North Shore, Provincetown on Cape Cod or Quincy in South Boston.
The Maine line
From Boston, Amtrak continues north on the Downeaster through Maine as far North as Brunswick.
Old Orchard Beach has a seasonal stop a block from the beach.
Freeport’s station is directly in downtown.
Portland’s station is only a couple of miles outside of downtown and there is ample ride share service.
Many travellers who are lured by the beauty of Downeast, Maine and towards Acadia National Park will often times rent a car in Portland.
And continue their self-drive tour or hire a luxury guide service through North American Traveler or Joshua’s Worldwide.
Canada Way
Now Canada Eh, you say or in French-Canada with an insouciant Gallic shrug.
Well the Southern Quebec leg of USS (that’s Under Shared Skies) includes..
The Eastern Townships (Lac-Mégantic, Orford, Magog, Sherbrooke), Centre-du-Québec (Odanak and Bécancour), and Montérégie (Kahnawà:ke, Rigaud, Hudson and the approach to Montréal).
All of which highlight Québec’s International Dark Sky Reserve, cultural heritage, and agricultural traditions.
As well as wine and cider tours, agritourism feasts including cranberry harvest time, cheese making and, naturellement, maple farms.
While if you want to get right under the skin of Quebec then take in the additional Indigenous experiences connected to the Abenaki Nation,
And so because the air above us is for all of us let’s all get behind Under Shared Skies of the US and Canada.