United StatesNew Hampshire

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USANHWhite MountainsMABostonFreedom Trail

New Hampshire and Massachusetts

By Marilou Harvey•April 9, 2026•378 views

New Hampshire is a New England state known for its varied natural landscapes, among mountains, forests and lakes. It stands out for its peaceful way of life, its attachment to tradition and its famous motto: "Live Free or Die." The state banks on outdoor tourism, notably hiking and winter sports, as well as on a lively local economy.

Massachusetts, also in New England, is one of the historic cradles of the United States. It is home to major cities such as Boston and Cambridge, known for their world-renowned universities and their cultural energy. Massachusetts plays a key role in education, research, technology and finance, while preserving a rich historical heritage.

Practical information

Duration

4 jours

Season

Avril 2026

Getting around

Tesla

Accommodation

Camping en Tesla et hôtel à Boston

Itinerary

Chargement de la carte…

Québec— Where the trip starts and ends

White Mountains Attractions Visitors Center— Emblematic New Hampshire mountain range, highlight of the nature stay.

Kancamagus Highway— Scenic road crossing the White Mountains.

Meredith— Charming small town on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Canterbury Shaker Village— Historic Shaker village, an immersion in American history.

Hampton Beach— Popular Atlantic beach in New Hampshire.

Boston— Urban stop: Boston Revolution Hotel, Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill.

Québec— Where the trip starts and ends

New Hampshire

White Mountains

The White Mountains, mostly in northern New Hampshire, are an emblematic New England mountain range. Known for their spectacular landscapes, their dense forests and Mount Washington — one of the highest summits in the northeastern United States — they draw hikers, skiers and nature lovers all year long.

Flume gorge

The Flume Gorge is a spectacular natural gorge in Franconia Notch State Park, in the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Carved by water over millennia, it is marked by high granite walls, waterfalls and wooden boardwalks that make for an impressive encounter with nature.

Hancock Campground

Hancock Campground is a campground in the White Mountain National Forest, in New Hampshire. Valued for its quiet, wooded natural setting, it makes an ideal starting point for hiking, notably toward Mount Hancock and the surrounding trails. The site offers a simple, authentic experience, perfect for lovers of the outdoors and of nature. Be warned, you need to bring paper money: the site does not take cards and there is no way to reserve. First come, first served.

Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway is an emblematic New Hampshire scenic road that crosses the White Mountains over roughly 55 km. Renowned for its spectacular landscapes, it offers viewpoints, waterfalls and hiking areas, and is particularly prized in the fall for its blazing colours.

Meredith and Lake Winnipesaukee

Meredith is a charming town in central New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Known for its friendly atmosphere and its lively harbour, it is a popular gateway to the Lakes Region.
Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest in the state, is famous for its sparkling waters, its many islands and its outdoor activities such as boating, swimming and fishing, all of which make it a much-loved summer destination.

Canterbury Shaker Village — for history buffs

Canterbury Shaker Village, in New Hampshire, is an emblematic site of American heritage. It retraces the life of the Shakers, a religious community of the 18th and 19th centuries known for its simple way of life, its careful craftsmanship and its values of sharing. The preserved buildings, the period objects and the gardens offer an authentic immersion in the history and daily life of this singular community.

Hampton beach

Hampton Beach is a popular seaside resort on the New Hampshire coast. Known for its long fine-sand beach, its lively boardwalk and its summer events, it draws visitors and vacationers looking for relaxation, swimming and a friendly atmosphere on the Atlantic.

Massachusetts- Boston

Boston Revolution Hotel

The Boston Revolution Hotel is an urban hotel in contemporary style, in downtown Boston. Valued for its modern design and its friendly atmosphere, it makes an ideal base for exploring the historic neighbourhoods, the cultural attractions and the lively life of the city. This establishment offers excellent value for money.

Freedom Trail (Beacon Hill)

The Freedom Trail, in the historic Beacon Hill neighbourhood in particular, is best discovered by taking your time. This emblematic Boston walk plunges you into the heart of American history while you enjoy the city's singular atmosphere. Along the way, savour the five essentials of the local table: fresh oysters at the Union Oyster House, baked beans, Samuel Adams beer, the famous Boston Cream Pie and traditional clam chowder. An experience both cultural and delicious.

Luke Lobster Back Bay

Luke's Lobster – Back Bay is an essential Boston address for tasting genuine New England seafood specialties. Known for its lobster rolls served simply, with fresh, quality ingredients, the place offers a relaxed and authentic experience, ideal for a tasty break in the heart of the lively Back Bay neighbourhood. On the menu, we recommend trying the trio of rolls: shrimp, crab and lobster, pure delight!!

Highlights

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White Mountains
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Flume gorge
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Hancock Campground
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Kancamagus Highway
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Meredith et le lac Winnipesaukee
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Village historique des shakers de Canterbury
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Hampton beach
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Boston Revolution Hotel
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Freedom Trail (Beacon Hill)
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Luke Lobster Back Bay

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a passport to go to New Hampshire and Boston?

Yes, a valid passport is the simplest document for entering the United States, including by road from Quebec. Canadians need neither a visa nor an ESTA for a tourist stay. Other documents may be accepted at the land border, so check the current requirements before you leave.

How many days does this circuit take?

We did it in four days, in April 2026: the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, Canterbury, Hampton Beach, then Boston. Boston and the Freedom Trail are best discovered by taking your time, so allow more if the city is your priority.

What are the White Mountains?

An emblematic New England mountain range, located mostly in northern New Hampshire. It is known for its spectacular landscapes, its dense forests and Mount Washington, the highest summit in the northeastern United States, at 1,917 metres. It draws hikers, skiers and nature lovers all year long.

Is the Flume Gorge open in spring?

Not yet in April. The walk through the gorge, in Franconia Notch State Park, is open from roughly mid-May to late October, and admission is paid: $18 online or $21 on site in 2026. In season, timed tickets are recommended. The loop is about 3 km and takes two to three hours. If you travel in spring like us, check the opening dates before counting on it.

Where should you sleep during this circuit?

In the White Mountains, we slept in the Tesla at Hancock Campground, in the White Mountain National Forest. Bring cash, because the site does not take cards, and there is no way to reserve: first come, first served. In Boston, we chose the Boston Revolution Hotel, a contemporary urban hotel in the downtown area, with excellent value for money. As in most large American cities, parking there is generally expensive, so check the rate.

Do you have to pay to drive the Kancamagus Highway?

No, the road is free and open year-round, weather permitting. It is about 55 km (34.5 miles) between Lincoln and Conway. However, a White Mountain National Forest pass is required to park at the overlooks and trailheads: $5 per vehicle per day, payable at self-service kiosks. An annual pass costs $30. It is especially beautiful in the fall.

What is there to do in Meredith and on Lake Winnipesaukee?

Meredith is a charming town in central New Hampshire, on the lake shore, known for its friendly atmosphere and its lively harbour. Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state, with its sparkling waters and its many islands. You can go boating, swimming and fishing, which makes it a much-loved summer destination.

Is Canterbury Shaker Village worth the detour?

Yes, for history buffs. Founded in 1792, it is an emblematic site of American heritage that retraces the life of the Shakers, a religious community known for its simple way of life and its careful craftsmanship. The last Shaker sister died in 1992, and the site has been a National Historic Landmark since 1993. For the 2026 season, the village is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The grounds and trails are free year-round, from dawn to dusk. Allow two to three hours.

What is there to do at Hampton Beach?

It is a popular seaside resort on the Atlantic coast of New Hampshire, known for its long fine-sand beach, its lively boardwalk and its summer events. People come for relaxation, swimming and the friendly atmosphere by the Atlantic.

How long does the Freedom Trail take?

The Freedom Trail is a walk of about 4 km linking sixteen historic sites in Boston, including the Beacon Hill neighbourhood. It is best discovered by taking your time, which lets you plunge into the heart of American history while enjoying the city's atmosphere. Allow half a day or more, depending on how many stops you make.

Where can you eat well in Boston?

Along the Freedom Trail, try the five essentials of the local table: fresh oysters at the Union Oyster House, baked beans, Samuel Adams beer, the famous Boston Cream Pie and clam chowder. For a lobster roll, go to Luke's Lobster Back Bay, in the lively Back Bay neighbourhood. We recommend the trio of rolls: shrimp, crab and lobster, pure delight!

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