Montreal came to mind as I read your first post. I see that others had it come to mind too! Quebec City is also neat. If you go, be sure to at least try poutine even though it probably rates a -5 on a 1-10 health food scale. If Montreal, also consider visiting the Insectarium for something “different” than typical museums. We went there for one of our nature loving lads, but I’ll admit to being pretty darn impressed and loved their Leaf Cutting Ants. We were there in the summer and combined it with their Biodome and Botanical Gardens - not so sure what the latter is like in March…
Okay, so, Banff is not going to work b/c all the flights <$1000 get in at midnight and leave at 7 AM. Just too much stress for a short trip b/c we’d have to sleep near airport coming and going. Quebec looks promising. I found some dog sledding at nearby St Anne ski area. And a food tour in the old town area. I’m a Francophile, so this might be perfect. I’ll investigate Montreal and Maine, too. I did have Seattle on the radar but I think the flights may be too long for such a short trip. @Creekland I had to chuckle when I read your comments re poutine and insectarium. Sounded exactly like NOLA! ; )
I vote for Montreal and Quebec City but March can be really nasty and cold. If you want a bit of warmth, I would also consider San Diego. There is a lot to see and do and you can go to Torrey Pines for some beautiful easy hikes.
You will find great food in Portland, ME any day of the year. However, for many other benefits of Portland and Maine, March isn’t the best time of year to make a visit.
For two of the three…what about Boston? Plenty of good foodie things, lots of historic sites, plenty to do. And you can always walk the freedom trail (bundled up).
Easy airport access as well. No need for a car. Excellent public transportation.
Yes, @thumper1, I read the OP’s wants. Portland in March can be between cold enough to ski/outdoor stuff and warm enough to take advantage of the coastal location at its best. It’s known as mud season. I know Maine very well and of the 12 months of the year, March would be the last month I’d suggest visiting - and I highly recommend visiting! At least in colder points - Montreal, Quebec City - there is actually more to do outside in March.
It’s peak season in Sedona, Phoenix, and Tucson in March. If this family wants to go to these places…especially Sedona, they need to make accommodation reservations…now.
A 4-5 day trip seems hardly long enough to get from ‘somewhere in the south’ to Canada or Seattle or even Arizona. A day to get there, a day back…just seems like somewhere closer would actually have you doing more activities sooner. Also, you never know what kind of travel delays you’ll have in March. Could be perfect weather, could be days in an airport. If you can get a direct flight to Montreal, do it. If you can’t, then go somewhere you can get a direct flight.
FWIW, a passport is needed to get into Canada unless one lives in a neighboring state and has an enhanced license instead. A regular driver’s licence won’t get one in any longer. It’s been that way for a few years now. (We go to Canada often since my mom lives on the border. It’s like a second home in that area.)
Nor cheaper. 