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Monterrey, a vibrant city in northern Mexico, is an ideal destination for a unique getaway, popular among both Canadian travellers and locals alike. With its breathtaking mountain landscapes, modern neighbourhoods, cultural attractions, family-friendly activities, and renowned culinary scene, Monterrey offers something for everyone.
And in summer 2026, Monterrey will be at the center of global attention: the FIFA World Cup will be held at Estadio BBVA, with several matches scheduled throughout the tournament.
As the capital of the state of Nuevo León, Monterrey captivates visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and urban development. Overlooked by the iconic Cerro de la Silla, the city is also known for its world-class museums, urban parks, and thriving economy. Monterrey’s strong identity and vibrant energy are impossible to miss!
While a short visit lets you experience the highlights, we recommend spending several days in Monterrey to fully enjoy its unique atmosphere, explore the surrounding areas, and immerse yourself in its authentic Mexican lifestyle.
From hiking and cultural attractions to lively neighbourhoods and local experiences, Monterrey is full of treasures to discover, including breathtaking views and a wide range of activities. Along with the must-see sights, we also suggest some off-the-beaten-path experiences so you can enjoy Monterrey like a local. Exploring is even easier with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
This excursion takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, the famous Cola de Caballo, nestled in the heart of nature. You’ll also have the chance to visit Santiago, a village designated as a Pueblo Mágico, known for its colonial charm and colourful streets. With lush landscapes, stunning viewpoints, and an authentic atmosphere, this is the perfect getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an ideal experience for nature lovers and those interested in local culture.
Discover the impressive García Caves, one of the most spectacular natural sites in northern Mexico. The experience begins with a cable car ride offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Inside, you will explore immense caves adorned with millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites. A fascinating and accessible activity, ideal for the whole family.
This guided tour is perfect for a first discovery of Monterrey. You will explore the city’s main attractions, including the historic center and its iconic landmarks. The highlight of the activity is a boat trip on the Santa Lucía Canal, connecting the city center to Fundidora Park. A pleasant and original way to admire the city from a different perspective.
Experience an unforgettable adventure exploring the mythical Cerro de la Silla, a symbol of Monterrey. This guided hike leads you to exceptional viewpoints, particularly spectacular at sunset. The activity includes a cable car to facilitate access and maximize enjoyment. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of magnificent landscapes.
Discover Monterrey’s emerging brewing scene during this friendly tour. You will visit local microbreweries while learning more about the craft beer brewing process. Tastings are included, accompanied by explanations of Mexican styles and flavours. An ideal activity for beer enthusiasts and curious foodies.
Dive into Monterrey’s more mysterious and alternative side with this off-the-beaten-path tour. Explore an esoteric market, discovering local beliefs, rituals, and little-known traditions. The tour concludes in traditional cantinas, with drinks included for a complete immersion. An original experience for those who wish to discover the city in a different way.
To reach Monterrey by plane, you can use your Aeroplan points. Monterrey (MTY), like Montreal (YUL), is located in Aeroplan’s North America zone, which includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The total travel distance between Montreal and Monterrey, according to the most common routes via hubs like Detroit, Chicago, or Toronto, is just over 2,000 miles.
For a one-way economy class flight with a partner airline, the Aeroplan chart within the North America zone provides 12,500 points for itineraries with a distance between 1,501 and 2,750 miles. In practice, a one-way flight between Montreal and Monterrey may therefore be available starting from 12,500 points with a partner, subject to availability.
It is also possible to find a low-cost flight and apply your travel points to the ticket cost. Other flights are available with airlines such as Aeromexico or American Airlines. You can book these flights via Scene+ Travel and easily apply your points Scène+, or reimburse your travel expense charged to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card within 12 months of the transaction using your points Scène+.
Among the main loyalty programs allowing the use of travel points:
If you’re looking to reduce your expenses for flights and accommodation, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is an excellent option. It helps avoid currency conversion fees when making purchases in Mexican pesos, which is practical for flights and on-site purchases. Furthermore, accumulated Scene+ points can be used to pay for your airline tickets or other travel expenses, while also benefiting from comprehensive travel insurance and 6 free accesses to airport lounges each year.
Monterrey International Airport (MTY), also known as General Mariano Escobedo, is located approximately 28 km from the city center, taking 25 to 75 minutes depending on the chosen mode of transport. Here are the main options for reaching Monterrey from the airport:
Taxi and Ride-sharing
Public Bus
Private Shuttles and Pre-booked Transfers
Rental car
The Scotiabank Scene+ program is a great way to save on car rental costs. You can earn Scene+ points through purchases made with an eligible credit card as well as with participating partners, including IGA grocery stores.
These points can then be redeemed to reimburse a car rental charged to your card, at a rate of 1,000 points for $10, which is the same rate applied to other travel expenses.
Monterrey has several establishments that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, where you can earn or use points during your stays.
Some well-located hotels in Monterrey:
If you want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for your stays at Marriott hotels, one of the easiest ways is to apply for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card issued in Canada. There are two main cards available for Canadian residents:
These cards let you earn Marriott Bonvoy points for every dollar spent, especially at participating Marriott properties, and come with perks like automatic Silver Elite status or Elite Night Credits to help you reach higher status levels faster.
Monterrey also has several establishments that are part of the Hilton Honors program.
Among the interesting options in and around Monterrey:
The Hilton Honors members can earn or redeem points at these establishments for free nights, upgrades, or other benefits.
It is not possible to automatically earn Hilton Honors points from Canada for stays in Monterrey. However, it is possible to obtain Hilton Honors Gold status, which offers benefits such as room upgrades and complimentary breakfast or dining credit at many member hotels, including in Monterrey.
In Canada, the simplest way to obtain this Gold status is through products like the American Express Platinum Card®, which automatically grants the status, without requiring numerous qualifying nights or stays. Canadians can still earn Hilton Honors points by staying at Hilton hotels or by transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors, but this requires more steps than for Hilton cardholders in the United States.
If you prefer not to stay in a traditional hotel, you can also book an Airbnb or another flexible accommodation platform to enjoy more personalized lodging in Monterrey. With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, your Scene+ points can be used to reduce the cost of your travel expenses, including accommodation, provided the purchase is eligible and charged to your card. You can apply your Scene+ points to get a credit on your account or use them via Scene+ Travel to cover components of your trip, such as stays or other booked services.
For example, Scene+ points are generally equivalent to approximately 1¢ per point when applied to travel purchases: this means that a block of 10,000 points could be worth approximately $100 CAD in credit used against an eligible travel expense on your card.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will bring together 48 teams for a total of 104 matches played in 16 host cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Monterrey, Mexico, will host four official FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Estadio BBVA. Group stage matches are scheduled for June 14, 20, and 24, 2026, followed by a knockout match in the Round of 32 on June 29, 2026.
Demand for tickets and accommodation will be very high, especially near the stadium and in central Monterrey districts. To maximize your chances, book your accommodation as early as possible, whether it’s a hotel or an Airbnb, ideally near Estadio BBVA, which will host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
An official partner of FIFA 2026, Airbnb offers numerous accommodations in the Boston area. Simply book normally, pay with a flexible points card, then use your points to reimburse the stay, an excellent way to save while staying close to the event.
Also consider optimizing flights, accommodation, and transportation by combining your rewards programs and points cards to fully enjoy Monterrey during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
To learn everything about purchasing tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, consult our complete guide.
To reduce your costs, opt for a flexible points card to pay for your tickets and accommodation. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card allows you to earn up to 3 Scene+ points per dollar, then exchange these points to offset your event-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, transportation, or tickets. With an exchange rate of 10,000 points for $100, your purchases can quickly be offset.
In Monterrey, all common expenses (restaurants, hotels, transportation, match tickets) are made in Mexican pesos (MXN). To avoid the 2.5% conversion fees generally charged by most Canadian credit cards, consider using a card with no conversion fees; the savings are immediate on each transaction. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is particularly well-suited for a trip to Mexico:
With spectacular mountain landscapes, vibrant local culture, renowned gastronomy, and modern infrastructure, Monterrey stands out as a complete and surprising destination. Whether it’s to attend a 2026 FIFA World Cup match, explore its lively neighbourhoods, or embark on an adventure in the surrounding nature, the city offers a multitude of experiences for all types of travellers.
By intelligently planning your stay, whether for flights, accommodation, or local travel, it is possible to significantly reduce costs thanks to loyalty programs and suitable credit cards. Hotels, Airbnb, transportation, and activities can thus be optimized using points and travel benefits.
Monterrey awaits you: a dynamic, accessible, and ideal destination for combining sports, culture, and discoveries, while travelling smarter.
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