Boston may be famous for its history, sports, and clam chowder, but there’s another story woven into the fabric of the city — its deep and enduring connection with Canada. From Maritime roots to hockey rivalries, shared festivals, and even a Christmas tree tradition that warms the heart every winter, Boston and Canada are bound by history, culture, and community spirit.
Historic Ties: From Maritimes to Modern Day
The bond between Boston and Canada, especially Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, goes back more than 150 years. By the turn of the 20th century, Boston was home to the largest community of Maritime Canadians in the United States. They brought shipbuilding skills, a strong work ethic, and cultural traditions that helped shape Boston’s neighborhoods and enrich its economy.
Today, that legacy lives on through cultural groups like the Canadian American Club, festivals such as the Rockport Celtic Festival, and countless family stories passed down through generations. It’s a reminder that Boston’s story has always been partly Canadian.
And these ties extend beyond the Maritimes. One of Boston’s most famous sons, President John F. Kennedy, chose Canada for his first international visit in 1961, famously telling Parliament: “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies.” More than 60 years later, those words still ring true.
The Halifax Christmas Tree: A Living Tradition
One of the most enduring symbols of Boston’s friendship with Canada is the giant Christmas tree that arrives from Halifax, Nova Scotia, every December. This tradition began in 1971 as a gesture of gratitude for Boston’s swift aid following the devastating Halifax Explosion of 1917, when the city dispatched doctors, nurses, and supplies within days.
More than a century later, the gift continues. Each holiday season, an enormous Nova Scotia spruce sparkles on Boston Common, reminding both cities of the power of compassion, gratitude, and friendship.
Hockey: A Cold-Weather Connection
If there’s one thing that unites Boston and Canada, it’s hockey. Since the Boston Bruins were founded in 1924, Canadian players have been integral to the team’s success. Legends like Bobby Orr, Johnny Bucyk, and Patrice Bergeron are etched into Boston sports history.
In the modern era, fan-favorite Brad Marchand carried the torch, finishing his remarkable 16-year Bruins career in 2025 as captain, with more than 1,000 games played and the franchise record for most playoff goals.
This year, Boston also played host to the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off at TD Garden, where the epic USA–Canada final lit up the city. Fierce competition, passionate fans, and a celebratory atmosphere made it clear: when it comes to hockey, Boston and Canada are family, with just enough rivalry to keep things fun.
Culinary Connections: From TV Screens to Boston Tables
Food is another area where Boston and Canada’s connection shines. Boston’s top chefs have crossed north to appear on Canadian shows like Top Chef Canada and Fire Masters, giving Canadian viewers a taste of Boston’s vibrant food scene.
Chef Karen Akunowicz has represented the city on Canadian screens, while Tiffani Faison and Andy Husbands have been regulars on Fire Masters. Back home in Boston, Faison’s lineup of restaurants, from Sweet Cheeks Q to her playful High Street Place concepts like Tenderoni’s Pizza and Bubble Bath, keeps the city’s dining scene buzzing.
It’s a delicious reminder that culture isn’t just shared through history books or hockey rinks; sometimes, it’s passed around the dinner table.
Boston: The Gateway to New England
For Canadian travelers, Boston is more than a destination; it’s a gateway. Convenient direct flights, road trips, and even cruise routes make it easy to connect. And beyond tourism, organizations such as the New England-Canada Business Council, Cruise Canada New England, and the Canadian Consulate in Boston maintain strong business, cultural, and community ties.
Why It Matters
For Canadians visiting Boston, the city feels a little like home away from home. Its history is intertwined with Maritime stories, its hockey rivalries feel like family competitions, and its traditions, from winter festivals to that iconic Christmas tree, are reminders of how two places can be linked by both geography and heart.
So whether you’re sipping chowder, cheering on the Bruins, or standing under the glow of the Halifax tree, one thing is clear: Boston and Canada share more than a border; they share a story.
To learn more, visit Meet Boston.