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Grand Bahama is a nonstop WestJet flight from Montreal or Toronto in season, and its only all-inclusive, Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, can also be booked with Wyndham Rewards points. On the island, pay with a card with no foreign transaction fees and travel with solid travel insurance.
During my trip to the Bahamas in January 2023, we focused on a single island: Grand Bahama. The archipelago, southeast of Florida, is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant culture; Grand Bahama adds national parks and lower prices than Nassau.
Among the 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, Grand Bahama stands out mainly because of its main city, Freeport, the second largest population center in the country. On this island, you’ll find less extravagant (and therefore less expensive and more accessible) accommodations than those found in other Bahamian destinations, such as Nassau and Paradise Island. The hotels in Freeport are more of a 3 and a half star category on average.
The fourth largest island in the Bahamas, Grand Bahama is divided into three areas: Freeport, West End and East End. Get out of your hotel: secluded beaches, national parks, local food and boat trips are waiting for you.
Before tourism, the Lucayans, the Spanish and then the British occupied the island. The Spanish conquerors named it “Gran Bajamar”, meaning “great shallows”.
Of all the 700 islands and cays, Freeport has the second highest number of native bird species. The region is also home to one of the world’s largest man-made ports.
How to Get to Grand Bahama with Points
From Canada, WestJet flies nonstop from Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ) to Freeport, in season. Off season, you connect through Florida, where American Airlines and Bahamasair fly to Freeport.
Air Canada does not fly to Freeport: your Aeroplan points take you to Florida instead.
Two strategies work well with your points:
- WestJet nonstop flight: pay for the ticket, then apply flexible points to this travel purchase, such as Avion points from the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card.
- With Aeroplan: book a reward ticket to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or Miami (MIA), then add a paid Bahamasair or American Airlines flight to Freeport (FPO).
The same approach works for your hotel: apply flexible points to the booking, or use Wyndham Rewards points at Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham.
On the island, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card saves you foreign transaction fees, usually 2.5%. On US$2,000 of spending on Grand Bahama, that is the equivalent of US$50 saved.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® gives you comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical coverage of up to $5,000,000 per person.
The simplest approach: apply your points to the flight, pay on the island with no foreign transaction fees and travel with a card that includes solid travel insurance.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $150 |
What to do in Freeport and Grand Bahama, Bahamas?
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Port Lucaya Marketplace brings together colourful shops, restaurants and bars along the marina. You can also visit the Bahamas Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the country’s rich maritime heritage.
Lucayan National Park
Lucayan National Park protects one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world, with over 6 miles (about 10 km) of charted tunnels, according to the Bahamas National Trust. Established in 1982, it also gives access to Gold Rock Beach. Admission is US$15 per adult, US$10 from age 60 and US$8 per child aged 6 to 14.
Gold Rock Beach
With endless white sand and crystal-clear water, this secluded beach in Lucayan National Park is nicknamed “the Welcome Mat of Grand Bahama”. The reef offshore remains healthy, which also makes it a good snorkelling spot.
Bahamian Brewery
Beer lovers will enjoy the Bahamian Brewery, a Bahamian-owned brewery that makes Sands beer. Several excursions combine a brewery tour with a tasting.
Unique experiences not to be missed
Fish Fry Night
A must-see experience in Freeport is the Fish Fry party. Smith’s Point comes alive every Wednesday night to bring us the most iconic event that takes place on Grand Bahama Island. Starting at 6:00 pm, you can dine, socialize and participate in a dance party.
The menu includes conch salad, fried fish and other authentic Bahamian dishes. Be sure to try the traditional Gully Wash cocktail or the local beer, Sands.
People-To-People Experience
People-to-People is a wonderful program from the Ministry of Tourism that matches visitors with a Bahamian resident for a unique island experience!
During my stay in Freeport, it was a charming Bahamian woman who warmly welcomed us in her house to serve us a delicious (and very generous!) traditional breakfast. The activity allows you to learn more about the Bahamian way of life, culture, cuisine and history.
Coral Vita Farm
Coral Vita grows corals in Freeport to restore reefs. Before you go, check its website: farm tours are closed for renovations, and the company says they will return with new experiences.
Outdoor activities
Throughout Grand Bahama, there are a variety of outdoor activities available, including many water sports: snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, kayaking, parasailing, boating and more. Other activities include horseback riding, golf, tennis and cricket, or you can book a Jeep Safari Tour.
Kayaking to meet the blue holes
I loved the Blue Green Outdoors Snorkel / Kayak Tour which offers a half-day kayak trip to the impressive “blue holes”. We had the chance to swim and snorkel, discovering beautiful tropical fish and starfish. A delicious traditional meal on the beach closed the event.
Swim with the rays
One of my favorites was the West End Ecology Tours. If you like the road less traveled, this visit to Sandy Cay on the West End is perfect for you! Thanks to the expertise of an extremely engaging guide, you will have the chance to swim with the rays and even feed them from a deserted island paradise.
Swimming with the pigs
This half-day tour allows visitors to swim with wild pigs at Crystal Beach. I must admit that I was seduced by this experience that makes many visitors curious! From this beautiful beach, you can also enjoy relaxing on the beach, participating in water activities and snorkeling. There is also a bar and grill on site.
Rand Memorial Nature Center
The Rand Nature Centre protects 100 acres of nature in the middle of Freeport, according to the Bahamas National Trust. Its trails wind through pine forest and native vegetation, and you will spot many birds.
Where to Stay on Grand Bahama
For an all-inclusive, your choice is simple: Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham describes itself as the only one on the island. Good news for your points: Wyndham offers it as Wyndham Rewards award nights, with meals and drinks included for two guests.
On a white sand beach on the south shore, Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham has 274 rooms with a balcony or terrace, three à la carte restaurants, a buffet and activities such as trapeze and pickleball.
The Grand Lucayan complex in Port Lucaya is being redeveloped: its owner, Concord Wilshire, announced the start of demolition in April 2026 for an MSC beach club project. Before booking Lighthouse Pointe, which is part of the complex, check its status directly with the hotel.
In the heart of Port Lucaya, the Pelican Bay Hotel features colourful Bahamian architecture and faces the marina.
At the western tip of the island, Old Bahama Bay has 73 beachfront suites, a marina, a pool and on-site restaurants.
Grand Bahama at a Glance
Here is what you need to know before you book, based on the Government of Canada, the airlines and the hotel:
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Nonstop flights from Canada | WestJet, from Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ), in season |
| Connections | American Airlines from Miami and Charlotte, Bahamasair from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando |
| Airport | Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), in Freeport |
| Entry requirements | Passport valid 6 months after your departure date, no tourist visa for 8 months or less, immigration card to fill out |
| Currency | Bahamian dollar (BSD), US dollar accepted |
| Hurricane season | Early June to the end of November |
| All-inclusive | Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, 274 rooms, bookable with Wyndham Rewards points |
| Risk level (Government of Canada) | Exercise a high degree of caution |
Bottom line
For a nature-focused stay, Grand Bahama offers national parks, underwater caves, secluded beaches and local food to try at the Wednesday Fish Fry.
Grand Bahama is a single nonstop flight from Montreal or Toronto in season, and your points can cover the flight as well as the hotel. If you want to see more islands afterwards, look at the less touristy Family Islands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Grand Bahama from Canada?
WestJet flies nonstop from Montreal and Toronto to Freeport, in season. The rest of the year, you connect through Florida: American Airlines from Miami, Bahamasair from Fort Lauderdale or Orlando.
Do Canadians need a visa for the Bahamas?
No, not for a tourist stay of 8 months or less. According to the Government of Canada, your passport must remain valid for 6 months after you leave the Bahamas, and you fill out an immigration card on arrival.
Which currency should I use in Freeport?
The official currency is the Bahamian dollar, and the US dollar is accepted. A card with no foreign transaction fees saves you the usual 2.5% fee on purchases in foreign currency.
When is the best time to visit Grand Bahama?
From December to March, the weather is drier and more pleasant: that is the high season. Hurricane season runs from early June to the end of November, so check your trip cancellation insurance if you travel then.
Is there an all-inclusive resort on Grand Bahama?
Yes: Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, on the south shore, describes itself as the only all-inclusive on the island. Its 274 rooms can also be booked as Wyndham Rewards award nights.
Which Bahamian island should I choose?
Grand Bahama suits a nature-focused, affordable stay: national parks, secluded beaches, boat excursions. Nassau and Paradise Island offer more luxury hotels, while Eleuthera and Andros appeal to travellers looking for quiet.
Can I pay for this trip with points?
Yes. You can apply flexible points, such as RBC Avion, Scene+ or National Bank À la carte Rewards points, to a paid flight, then book Viva Fortuna Beach with Wyndham Rewards points.
