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U.S.-Canada border opening: Canadians are boosting hotel demand for these U.S. cities

Boston, Massachusetts, USA skyline over Quincy Market.

Canadians are hitting the road to make up for almost 20 months of restricted movement between Canada and the U.S.

According to data provided by Expedia to Yahoo Canada, following the initial announcement on Oct. 12 that the U.S. would allow Canadians to come into the U.S. for non-essential travel via the land border in November, the site saw a 200 per cent increase in hotel searches to Buffalo and Detroit. Additionally, there was a 130 per cent increase for hotel searches to New York City and Boston, week over week.

“These insights show the excitement ahead for the future and the keen interest in travelling back to some of these tried and true favourites located on the east coast of the U.S.,” a statement provided to Yahoo Canada by Expedia reads.

“The pent up travel demand is there amongst Canadians who are keen to travel to the U.S. once again.”

These U.S. cities (less than a five hour driving distance Canadian cities) are seeing the largest increases in hotel demand on Expedia:

  • Boston, MA

  • Seattle, WA

  • Detroit, MI

  • Chicago, IL

  • Buffalo, NY

  • Burlington, VT

  • Kalispell-Whitefish, MT

  • Cleveland, OH

  • Bellingham, WA

  • Erie, PA

An old street in Beacon Hill is lined with blossoming trees and flowers during spring.
The Beacon Hill neighbourhood of Boston lined with blossoming trees and flowers during spring.

Boston

New meets historic in Boston, making it a great location for people with a variety of interests.

You can explore the Boston Harbor, head to the city’s South End for “SoWa Sundays” to see works from local artists, or eat and tour at the same time with Boston Pizza Tours.

Get your shopping done at Copley Place or browse the shops on Newbury Street and Charles Street.

In terms of attractions, The New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Boston Children's Museum are great for families.

The top rated hotels in Boston on Expedia include the Boston Harbor Hotel, The Langham, Boston, The Godfrey Hotel Boston and citizenM Boston North Station.

Seattle, USA - Feb 25, 2020: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery at twilight on Capitol Hill.
Seattle, USA - Feb 25, 2020: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery at twilight on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

Seattle

Seattle has often been associated with coffee roasting, including the original Starbucks. If you’re a fan of the coffee giant, you can head to the Starbucks Roastery and Tasting Room for a unique Starbucks experience, often referred to as the “Willy Wonka factory of coffee.” But of course, Seattle has a ton of other local coffee choices to explore.

If you like museums, in February 2022 the Seattle Museum Month program is coming back, which allows guests staying at participating hotels to receive 50 per cent off admission to more than 30 museums and attractions, including Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Museum of Pop Culture and Seattle Pinball Museum.

Macklemore has also opened a pop-up store Bogey Boys in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood where the “Thrift Shop” singer would explore for vintage finds, which is open until the end of the year.

The top rated hotels in Seattle on Expedia include the Hyatt Regency Seattle, Mayflower Park Hotel, The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the Lotte Hotel Seattle.

Capitol park in Detroit downtown Summer
Capitol park in Detroit downtown Summer

Detroit

“The Motor City” has certainly evolved and developed since making its mark as the centre of the automotive industry, but auto enthusiasts will enjoy The Henry Ford experience at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Ford Research Center.

Right now, you can also enjoy a scenic walk at Ford House and see the winter wonderland lights and decorations.

Make a stop at the city’s Greektown to eat some great food and nightlife.

The top rated hotels in Detroit on Expedia include the Detroit Foundation Hotel, Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney and The Siren Hotel.

The Cloud Gate Sculpture, or the Bean named by the locals in Millennium Park, Chicago, is one of  major tourist attractions. Admission is free.
The Cloud Gate Sculpture, or the Bean named by the locals in Millennium Park, Chicago, is one of major tourist attractions. Admission is free.

Chicago

The Windy City is known for its impressive architecture and one of the most controversial foods on the planet, deep dish pizza.

If it’s your first time in Chicago, you have to go to Millennium Park and see The Bean, the iconic 33 feet high, 42 feet wide and 66 feet long outdoor art installation with its reflective stainless steel exterior.

Some of the main deep dish pizza locations to try in Chicago are Lou Malnati’s, Uno Pizzeria & Grill and Giordano's. But that’s not where the culinary favourites in the city end. Head to Garrett Popcorn Shops to taste the cheddar and caramel Chicago-style popcorn mix, and go to Portillo’s for a Chicago-style hot dog, which is topped with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, peppers and a pickle.

Shop along The Magnificent Mile or check out a comedy show at the original home of Second City.

The top rated hotels in Chicago on Expedia include Fairmont Chicago at Millennium Park, The Peninsula Chicago, Viceroy Chicago and Sophy Hyde Park.

BUFFALO, NY - MAY 7:
The Martin House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Buffalo on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Libby March for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - MAY 7: The Martin House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Buffalo on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Libby March for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Buffalo

When you go to Buffalo it’s a good idea to try Buffalo-style wings, some favourites being from Bar-Bill Tavern, Gabriel's Gate and the Anchor Bar.

If you plan on being around for the holidays, there are a number of pop-up markets to explore or have some fun on an outdoor skating rink.

There is also some great architecture to see in Buffalo, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, Louis Sullivan’s Guaranty Building and Eliel and Eero Saarinen’s Kleinhans Music Hall.

The top rated hotels in Buffalo on Expedia include the Curtiss Hotel, The Westin Buffalo and the Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER.