9 Alternative Destinations to the U.S. for Travelling with the Canadian Dollar

Air Canada operates direct flights to Cancún (CUN) from Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver.

A new seasonal flight to Tulum (TQO) also operates from Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa and Toronto. Fares start at 17,500 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy flight in high season.

The Riviera Maya is packed with hotels and all-inclusives belonging to the Marriott Bonvoy group. In this region, expect to pay from 10,000 points per night for an entry-level airport hotel to 120,000 points for a luxury beachfront hotel.

And don’t forget that when you use your Marriott Bonvoy points, the fifth night is free!

Air Canada serves Mexico’s Pacific coast with seasonal flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Los Cabos (SJD) from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Fares start at 17,500 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy ticket during the high season.

Mexico’s Pacific coast features several popular Marriott Bonvoy properties. In Puerto Vallarta, rates range from 30,000 points per night for the Marriott Resort & Spa to 90,000 points for the luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita.

In Los Cabos, prices range from 50,000 points for the Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos to 120,000 points for high-end properties such as the Solaz Resort.

To reach these islands, start by flying to Cancún (CUN) with Air Canada, which operates direct flights from Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver. Fares start at 17,500 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy flight in high season.

From Cancún, frequent ferries connect the mainland with Isla Mujeres (20 minutes) and Holbox (30 minutes by ferry after transfer to Chiquilá).

On these paradise islands off Cancún, Marriott Bonvoy hotels are recent additions. On Isla Mujeres, the brand-new Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort All-Inclusive, charges over 120,000 points per night.

In Holbox, Mystique Holbox by Royalton offers a boutique hotel experience from 50,000 points per night.

For the Canadian Rockies, Air Canada connects Calgary airport (YYC) to several Canadian cities with direct flights from Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax. Banff and Lake Louise are accessible by shuttle or car from Calgary (1 hr. 30 min. drive).

Fares start at 12,500 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy ticket from Montreal or Toronto.

The iconic Fairmonts, members of the ALL-Accor Live Limitless program, dominate the Rocky Mountain landscape. A night at these luxurious establishments requires around 20,000 ALL points.

Marriott Bonvoy hotels are also present in the region, mainly in Banff. Rates range from 30,000 points per night for the new Moxy Banff to 70,000 points for the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection in high season.

For entertainment, earn Scene+ points easily with the Scotiabank American Express^® Card Gold, which offers 5 points per dollar spent on show tickets. These points can then be used for your next vacation!

The iconic Fairmonts, members of the ALL-Accor Live Limitless program, dominate the Rocky Mountain landscape. A night at these luxurious establishments requires around 20,000 ALL points.

Marriott Bonvoy hotels are also present in the region, mainly in Banff. Rates range from 30,000 points per night for the new Moxy Banff to 70,000 points for the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection in high season.

For a Canada’s Wonderland experience, an admission ticket is available for 545 Dream AIR MILES , a great option for an affordable family trip!

In Vaughan, near Canada’s Wonderland, several Marriott Bonvoy hotels offer affordable options. The Four Points by Sheraton Vaughan and Courtyard Toronto Vaughan typically charge between 30,000 and 40,000 points per night, making them excellent places to redeem your annual one-night free certificate.

These establishments are also ideally located to take advantage of the region’s amusement park and shopping centers.

To reach Tofino, Air Canada offers flights from Vancouver to Victoria (YYJ) or Nanaimo (YCD), with connections from other Canadian cities. Aeroplan fares start at 6,000 points one-way in economy class.

From there, it’s about a 3-hour drive across Vancouver Island to Tofino.

As there are no Marriott Bonvoy hotels in the area, use your TD Rewards points on Expedia for TD to book from the many accommodation options available, from rustic lodges to luxury beachfront resorts.

To discover the Okanagan Valley, Air Canada serves Kelowna Airport (YLW) with direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Aerolan points fares start at 12,500 points for a one-way economy flight from Eastern Canada.

Marriott Bonvoy options in the region include the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, available from 40,000 points per night.

For other wine towns like Penticton or Vernon, you can use your Scene+ points on Scene+ Travel, powered by Expedia to book from a variety of local accommodations.

If you’re an American Express credit card holder, you can take advantage of the Front of the Line Program to access exclusive pre-sales at Canada’s biggest festivals.

What’s more, you’ll also benefit from early entry to several events, including Osheaga, îLESONIQ and LASSO in Montreal and the Budweiser Stage in Toronto.