Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is a household name for Canadian travelers, promising valuable rewards for frequent flyers and point-savvy families alike. In August 2025, Air Canada announced a sweeping overhaul of Aeroplan, set to take effect January 1, 2026. With nine million Canadians signed up, these changes will redefine how points are earned, how elite status is achieved, and how the program works for frequent flyers, casual vacationers, and family travelers.

If you’re planning travel—whether for business or family holidays—understanding the new Aeroplan rules is crucial for maximizing your value and optimizing your travel budget. This in-depth, SEO-friendly guide breaks down all the changes and what you need to know for travel in 2026 and beyond.

Key Aeroplan Changes for 2026

1. Points Earning Is Now Based on Dollars Spent, Not Distance Flown

• Old System: Points were awarded based on mileage; flying farther generally meant more points, with multipliers for higher fare classes.
• New System: Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan awards 1 point per $1 spent on the base fare and surcharges for Air Canada flights. Taxes and ancillary fees (checked bags, seat selection) don’t count for point earning.

Example Comparison Chart

Result: Short-haul and flexible-fare flyers tend to earn more; long-haul, discount travelers may earn fewer points.

2. Earning Points on Partner Airlines Gets More Complicated

• Flights on select partners—Copa, Lufthansa, SWISS, United, others—ticketed by Air Canada will now earn Aeroplan points based on the dollar value instead of distance.
• Most other partner airline flights remain on the old, distance-based earn model—for now.

3. Achieving Aeroplan Elite Status: Introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)

• Current System: Elite status required a mix of Status Qualifying Miles, Segments, and Dollars—often confusing and difficult to track.
• New System: Replaced with Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Earn SQC from spending on flights, Aeroplan credit cards, travel/retail partners (e.g. Uber, Starbucks), and Air Canada Vacations.
  • Example: 25,000 SQC for Elite 25K; 35,000 SQC for Elite 35K; 50,000 SQC for Elite 50K.
  • Credit card spending: $5,000 on a premium Aeroplan card nets 1,000 SQC (up to 25,000/max per year).

4. Big Impact for Different Traveler Types

• Frequent Domestic Flyers: Can rack up Elite status and points faster—especially if booking higher fare classes or using credit card multipliers.
• Business Travelers: Benefit the most, as expensive fares drive higher point earning and status.
• Family Vacationers & Casual Travelers: Points earnings may drop, especially on long-haul budget fares. Redeeming points for flights remains unchanged, but accruing them could take longer.

Winners & Losers Under the New Model

Deep Dive: Additional Changes & Benefits

eUpgrade Benefits Expand

• eUpgrade “Shareability” doubled: Elite members can upgrade up to four companions on the same booking, instead of two.
• eUpgrade validity extended (for premium cardholders): Up to 24 months.

Status Milestones Replace Select Benefits

• Select Benefits are out; new Milestone Benefits offer a menu of perks—including global Maple Leaf Lounge access.

Maple Leaf Lounge Access Expands

• Milestone lounge passes go worldwide—no longer just Canada, Los Angeles, and NYC.

What About Award Pricing & Partner Rewards?

Dynamic Pricing on More Partners

• United, Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Calm Air, Canadian North, and PAL Airlines join Air Canada under the same dynamic award pricing (March 25, 2025).
• Fixed-price redemptions are vanishing for these airlines, so expect prices to fluctuate with demand.

Why Is Air Canada Making These Changes?

The move follows global airline trends emphasizing revenue-based loyalty over pure mileage. Air Canada says it’s about rewarding those who spend the most—thereby driving more loyalty and higher profit. Elite benefits are more exclusive, and frequent flyers paying premium fares get a bump in status and rewards.

• “Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us—they earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards. These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.” – Scott O’Leary, VP Loyalty & Product, Air Canada.

How Do You Maximize Aeroplan Value in 2026?

1. Opt for Flexible or Higher Fares When Possible

• Premium and flex fares will earn much more—especially if chasing status.

2. Leverage Credit Card & Partner Spending

• Premium Aeroplan cards offer accelerated SQC earning.
• Everyday partners (Uber, Starbucks) can help you build both points and SQC.

3. Family Travel Strategy

• Plan group trips to maximize eUpgrade benefits (up to 4 companions).
• Use new Milestone Benefits to access lounges globally.

4. Budget-Conscious Travelers

• Compare cash fares vs. points—especially on long-hauls.
• Consider alternative rewards cards allowing Aeroplan point transfers with good earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Basic Economy Flights Count for Status or Points?
A: No—basic economy fares are excluded from earning Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).

Q: Are Points Worth More or Less Now?
A: Point value remains the same for redemption—but many will find it harder to earn large numbers on cheap, long flights.

Q: Can I Still Earn with Partners or Credit Cards?
A: Yes—with new credit card SQC caps, but partner spending is more valuable.

The Bottom Line: Is Aeroplan Still Worth It?

For families and budget travelers, Aeroplan is still Canada’s leading loyalty program—especially for redemptions on Air Canada and partners worldwide. The 2026 overhaul means you’ll need to be a smarter shopper, know your fare types, and maximize partner/credit card opportunities to get the most value. For frequent flyers and those willing to spend, there are more rewards and perks than ever before.

But if you’re a deal-hunter who always books the cheapest long-haul fares, you may need to rethink your strategy or consider supplementing Aeroplan with a credit card that allows flexible point transfers.

Final Takeaways for Canadian Travelers

• Maximize your credit card, partner, and travel spending.
• Compare key routes for points earning before booking.
• Families should target group upgrades and lounge benefits through Milestone awards.
• Monitor Aeroplan for further updates: 2026 is just the start.

Stay tuned for more expert tips and breakdowns as Aeroplan rolls out these changes—and happy travels to you and your family!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Aeroplan’s 2026 Changes: What Every Canadian Traveler Should Know first appeared on Canadian Travel Hacking.

What is the Canada Strong Pass?

The Canada Strong Pass isn’t a physical card or digital voucher. Instead, it’s a set of automatic benefits at national parks, museums, and on VIA Rail, making travel more accessible for everyone this summer.

Top Benefits of the Canada Strong Pass

1. Free Admission to Parks Canada Sites

Enjoy free entry to all 48 national parks, 171 national historic sites, and 5 national marine conservation areas. This includes iconic destinations like:

• Banff National Park (Alberta)
• Jasper National Park (Alberta)
• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (BC)
• Fundy National Park (New Brunswick)

Example: Pack up the family and head to Banff for a weekend—no admission fees required!

2. 25% Off Parks Canada Camping

Book a camping trip at any Parks Canada site and receive a 25% discount on your camping fees. This applies to:

• Tent and RV sites
• Cabins and yurts
• Unique accommodations like oTENTiks

Example: Reserve a yurt in Fundy National Park—if the regular price is $120/night, you’ll pay just $90/night with the Canada Strong Pass discount.

3. Free and Discounted Museum Admission

• Kids 17 and under: Free admission to all national museums and many provincial/territorial museums.
• Young adults (18–24): 50% off admission at participating museums and galleries.

Example: Take your teens to the Royal BC Museum in Victoria for free, or if you’re a university student, enjoy half-price entry at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.

4. VIA Rail: Free and Discounted Train Travel

• Kids 17 and under: Travel free on VIA Rail when accompanied by an adult.
• Young adults (18–24): Get 25% off VIA Rail fares.

Example: A family of four (two adults, two kids) can travel from Toronto to Montreal with the kids riding free, or a group of university friends can plan a cross-country adventure at a fraction of the regular cost.

5. No Registration Required

There’s no need to sign up or carry a pass—just show up and the discounts or free admissions are automatically applied at participating locations.

Sample Itinerary: Maximize Your Canada Strong Pass

Day 1: Board VIA Rail from Toronto to Jasper (kids ride free, young adults get 25% off).
Day 2–4: Camp in Jasper National Park at a 25% discount.
Day 5: Visit the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum (free for kids, half-price for young adults).
Day 6: Explore more parks or museums along your route!

Pro Tips

• Book your VIA Rail tickets and camping spots early—summer demand will be high!
• Combine benefits: travel by train, camp in a national park, and visit museums for maximum savings.
• Check the official Canada Strong Pass website for a full list of participating sites and any updates.

This summer, let the Canada Strong Pass be your key to exploring more of Canada for less. Whether you’re discovering new places or revisiting old favourites, there’s never been a better time to travel across this beautiful country.

Happy travels from Canadian Travel Hacking.com!

The post Canada Strong Pass: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Savings Across Canada first appeared on Canadian Travel Hacking.

What Is the Wealthsimple 2025 Apple AirPods Promotion?

From May 15, 2025, to July 2, 2025, Wealthsimple is rewarding clients who transfer or deposit at least $25,000 into eligible Wealthsimple accounts with a brand-new pair of Apple AirPods—or a cash alternative. The more you invest, the greater the reward!

How to Qualify

Step 1: Register for the promotion through the Wealthsimple website, app, or via promotional emails, ads, or an invitation from a Wealthsimple representative during the promotion period.

Step 2: Transfer or deposit at least $25,000 into your Self-directed Investing, Managed Investing, Crypto, or Chequing account within 30 days of registering. Your net funding amount is calculated as deposits minus withdrawals and any margin debit balances during this period.

Reward Tiers

Here’s what you can earn based on your net new deposits:

You can also choose to send your AirPods as a gift to anyone in Canada (non-P.O. box address).

Key Details & Deadlines

• Promotion Period: May 15, 2025 – July 2, 2025.
• Funding Period: 30 days from your registration date to make qualifying deposits.
• Reward Selection: Choose your reward within 30 business days after your net funding is received.
• Delivery: AirPods are shipped to your Canadian address within 30 business days of selection; cash bonuses are deposited to your Wealthsimple Chequing account within one business day.
• Eligibility: Open to new and existing Wealthsimple clients who are legal residents of Canada and the age of majority in their province or territory.

About the AirPods Models

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

• New open-ear design, improved comfort, and advanced audio features.
• Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency mode.
• Up to 24 hours of battery life with the charging case.

AirPods Pro 2

• Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio.
• Personalized Spatial Audio and new hearing health features.

AirPods Max

• Over-ear, high-fidelity headphones with Adaptive EQ and spatial audio.
• Available in multiple colors, including new options for 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I get cash instead of AirPods?
  Yes! Each tier offers a cash bonus alternative. You’ll need an open Wealthsimple Chequing account to receive the cash.
• Can I combine this with other promotions?
  Yes, this promotion can be combined with Wealthsimple’s Referral Promotion and select other offers.
• What if I don’t select my reward in time?
  If you don’t select within the 30-business-day window, you forfeit your reward.

How to Get Started

1. Register for the promotion via Wealthsimple’s website, app, or a promotional link.
2. Deposit or transfer the required funds within 30 days.
3. Track your progress and select your reward in the Wealthsimple app or website.
4. Enjoy your new AirPods or cash bonus!

Final Thoughts

The Wealthsimple 2025 Apple AirPods Promotion is a fantastic way to reward yourself for investing in your financial future. With flexible reward options and the latest Apple audio tech up for grabs, it’s a win-win for Canadian investors this summer.

The post How to Earn Free Apple AirPods with Wealthsimple’s 2025 Promotion first appeared on Canadian Travel Hacking.

For a limited time (until August 18, 2025), new cardholders can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points—the highest welcome bonus ever offered on this card in over six years. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 65,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
• 30,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months
• 15,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17

Why does this matter? Historically, the typical welcome bonus hovered around 50,000 points, with only brief spikes to 75,000 or 80,000. This 110,000-point offer is a 120% increase over last year’s standard, making now the best time to apply if you want to turbocharge your points balance.

What Can 110,000 Points Get You?

• Up to 15 free nights at lower-category Marriott properties in Canada or worldwide.
• 3-5 nights at mid-tier hotels in major Canadian cities—think Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Banff.
• 1-2 nights at luxury properties, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, or W Hotels.
• Transfer to airlines: 110,000 points = 36,666 airline miles (plus bonuses) for programs like Aeroplan.

Annual Free Night Award: The Secret Weapon

Every year after your card anniversary, you receive a Free Night Award valid at any Marriott property costing up to 35,000 points per night. This benefit alone can easily offset the annual fee.

How to Maximize the Free Night

• Luxury Stays: Redeem at high-end properties during peak travel periods for maximum value. Many Canadian travel hackers report getting $400–$500+ in value from a single free night.
• Family Travel: Use the free night for staycations, ski trips, or family getaways in Canada’s top destinations.
• No Expiry Pressure: The free night certificate is valid for 12 months, giving you time to plan the perfect redemption.

Real-World Example

A single night at the AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown can cost $539 after taxes and fees, but requires just 18,500 points. That’s a return of nearly 3 cents per point—far above the average value for hotel points in Canada.

Earning Points: Everyday Spending, Big Rewards

Earning Rates

• 5 points per $1 at Marriott Bonvoy hotels (including all eligible on-property charges—dining, spa, etc.)
• 2 points per $1 on all other purchases, making this card a solid everyday earner

Maximizing Your Points

• Use for all Marriott stays: No other Canadian card offers a better return at Marriott hotels.
• Everyday purchases: While other cards may offer higher rates for groceries or gas, the 2x base rate is competitive for non-bonused spend, especially if you value Marriott points highly

Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points: Outsized Value

Hotel Stays

• Over 8,000 properties worldwide—from budget to ultra-luxury, Marriott’s footprint is unmatched
• Dynamic pricing: Points required for a free night vary by property and date, but savvy hackers can find outsized value by booking during off-peak times or at newly opened hotels

Fifth Night Free

Book four consecutive award nights and get the fifth night free—a unique perk that stretches your points even further for longer stays

Private Homes & Experiences

Marriott Bonvoy points can also be redeemed for private home rentals and exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, adding flexibility for non-traditional travel

Elite Status Perks and Fast-Track to Gold

Automatic Silver Elite Status

Just for holding the card, you get Silver Elite status, which includes:

• 10% bonus points on stays
• Priority late checkout
• Member rates at participating hotels

15 Elite Night Credits

Each year, you receive 15 elite night credits, helping you fast-track to higher status tiers. Spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year to unlock Gold Elite status, which adds:

• Room upgrades (when available)
• 2pm late checkout
• Enhanced earning on stays

Why Status Matters

Elite status unlocks perks like upgrades, welcome gifts, and bonus points—making every Marriott stay more rewarding and enjoyable.

Airline Transfer Partners: Beyond Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy points are the most flexible hotel points in Canada because they transfer to nearly 40 airline frequent flyer programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan.

Transfer Ratio

• 3:1 ratio: 60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 airline miles.
• Bonus: For every 60,000 points transferred, you get an extra 5,000 miles (25,000 total)

Why This Matters for Canadian Travel Hackers

• Aeroplan Sweet Spots: Top up your Aeroplan balance for domestic or international flights.
• Global Flexibility: Transfer to programs like British Airways Avios, Alaska Mileage Plan, and United MileagePlus for unique redemption opportunities.

Insurance and Cardholder Protections

The Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada includes a suite of travel insurance benefits:

• Flight delay insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Lost or stolen baggage insurance
• Car rental theft and damage insurance (when booking with the card)

These protections can save you hundreds of dollars and provide peace of mind on every trip.

Supplementary Cards and Family Strategy

• No fee for supplementary cards: Add up to nine additional cards for free, letting family members help earn points faster
• Pooling Points: Combine points within a household for bigger redemptions or group travel.

Marriott Bonvoy Amex vs. Other Canadian Travel Cards

Key takeaway: The Marriott Bonvoy Amex is the only Canadian card offering a free hotel night, meaningful elite status, and robust airline transfer options—all for a modest annual fee.

Who Should Get This Card?

• Frequent Canadian travelers: Unlock free nights, upgrades, and elite perks at hotels coast-to-coast.
• International explorers: Use points for global stays or transfer to airlines for flights.
• Families and couples: Pool points and enjoy free supplementary cards.
• Travel hackers: Stack with other cards for maximum points-earning and redemption flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada worth the annual fee?
Absolutely. The annual free night award alone can be worth 2–4x the $120 fee, not to mention the welcome bonus, elite status, and insurance coverage.

Can I get the card if I’m self-employed or a student?
Yes! No minimum income is required, and sole proprietors are eligible.

How do I maximize the welcome bonus?
Plan your spending to hit the $3,000 threshold in 3 months and $20,000 in 12 months for the full 110,000 points.

What’s the best use of Marriott Bonvoy points?
Free hotel nights at high-value properties, especially during peak periods, or transferring to Aeroplan for flight redemptions.

Can I combine points with my spouse or family?
Yes, Marriott allows point transfers between members, making it easy to pool for big redemptions.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Canadian Travel Hacker Needs This Card

For Canadians serious about travel hacking, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a must-have. Its historic welcome bonus, annual free night, elite status perks, flexible redemption options, and low annual fee make it the most valuable hotel credit card in Canada—period. Whether you’re looking to unlock luxury stays, stretch your points for family travel, or top up your airline miles, this card delivers consistent, repeatable value year after year. Don’t miss out on the best-everoffer—add the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada to your travel hacking toolkit and watch your adventures multiply.

Ready to level up your Canadian travel hacking game?
Apply before August 18, 2025, to secure the 110,000-point bonus and start unlocking free nights, elite perks, and unforgettable experiences across Canada and beyond.

The post Strategies to Maximize the 110,000-Point Marriott Bonvoy American Express Canada Bonus Before August 18, 2025 first appeared on Canadian Travel Hacking.

AIR MILES Collectors who redeem 95 or more Cash Miles for any AIR MILES Cash Reward will receive 30% back in bonus miles. This works out to 28 miles per single 95 miles redemption but the total rebate will be based on all your Cash Miles redemptions during the period up to 380 miles for maximum of 114 bonus miles that can be earned via the Cash Miles rebate.

Terms & Conditions

This offer is valid for collectors who opt-in and redeem 95 or more Cash Miles for any AIR MILES Cash reward (subject to the terms below) or 250 or more Dream Miles for any AIR MILES Dream reward (subject to the terms below) from 00:00:01 a.m. ET November 14, 2024, to 23:59:59 p.m. ET November 21, 2024.

To qualify, eligible collectors must click the “opt in” button in the offer invitation, the AIR MILES® app, or on airmiles.ca between November 8, 2024, and November 21, 2024, and prior to redeeming. For each eligible redemption during the offer period, collectors will earn Bonus Miles equal to 30% of the Miles that they redeemed on an eligible reward, rounded down to the nearest Mile.

Maximum of 114 Bonus Miles can be earned in connection with Cash Miles redeemed during the offer period.

Maximum of 1500 Bonus Miles can be earned in connection with Dream Miles redeemed during the offer period.

The post Nov 14-21 – Get 30% Back on Cash or Dream Miles Redemption – Air Miles Canada first appeared on Canadian Travel Hacking.

Saving claim based on average savings over 6 months combined with 6 months’ free trial. See T&Cs for more details.

Sign up to Skip+ then allow up to 7 days for Points to appear in your account. Offer is tied to this account. Limit 1 bonus offer per customer. No cash or pre-scheduled orders. Voidable without notice. Limited time only. While supplies last. Check Skip Rewards terms for additional restrictions.

Register for your Skip+ Extended Membership with your CIBC credit or debit card and receive a 12-month free trial, then pay just $6.99/month plus taxes. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted. At the end of your free 12-month membership, you agree to pay a monthly fee of $6.99 plus taxes and these charges will continue until you cancel. You can cancel any time by visiting the Skip+ Membership page in your account.

On linking your CIBC and Skip+ account, you will receive a welcome offer including a voucher entitling you to $15 off orders of $30 or more (excluding fees) for use on up to three orders. They will send this voucher within 48 hours of linking accounts. Voucher is valid for 30 days from receipt. To use this voucher, you will need to use a CIBC card to pay for each order. Code must be entered with each order to redeem. Additional bonus offers exclusively available to customers who have linked their CIBC and Skip+ accounts may be made available on a monthly basis. 

The post Get a Free 6-Month Skip+ Membership + $10 in Points (or 12 Months Free + 3 x $15 Off $30+ Orders with CIBC Card) first appeared on Canadian Travel Hacking.