In 2026, Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host the FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, soccer fans will gather in several North American cities, and Vancouver will be among the featured hosts.
But even after the final whistle, Vancouver remains a must-visit destination in the summer. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, British Columbia’s largest city offers a stunning setting and a wealth of experiences, including beaches, parks, local cuisine, hiking, and festivals.
In this guide, discover the best things to do in Vancouver in summer: must-see attractions, top hotels for every budget, how to get around easily from the airport, and most importantly, how to save on your accommodation.
Vancouver – Things to Do
Stanley Park & Seawall
Stanley Park, Vancouver’s iconic park, is a true green oasis surrounded by a 10-kilometre seawall path along the ocean. Walk or bike along the Seawall to take in stunning views of the mountains and harbour. Foodie tip: Take a break at the Teahouse in Stanley Park for brunch while enjoying panoramic views of the bay.
Granville Island
Once an industrial district, Granville Island is now one of Vancouver’s liveliest spots, known for its public market, art galleries, and local artisans. It’s the ideal place to stroll, sample regional products, and find unique souvenirs. Must-try: the famous Go Fish Ocean Emporium, a small, ultra-fresh seafood counter right by the water.
Grouse Mountain
Accessible by gondola from the north side of the city, Grouse Mountain offers breathtaking views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountaintop yoga, and wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, stay to admire the sunset from the summit.
Boat Tours
From Vancouver’s harbour, set out on a whale watching tour to see whales, orcas, and dolphins in their natural habitat. These cruises, offered from May to October, are among the most memorable activities on the West Coast. Be sure to book early, as tours fill up quickly during the summer.
Gastown District
Vancouver’s historic heart, Gastown charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, steam clock, and Victorian architecture. The district is brimming with local boutiques, galleries, and stylish cafes. In the evening, its lively atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for dinner or drinks.
Kitsilano Beach
Nicknamed « Kits Beach, » this popular beach attracts families, volleyball players, and paddleboard enthusiasts alike. It’s one of the best places to soak up the sun and admire the sunset over the mountains. Many cafes and bars are nearby to extend the evening.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
Every summer, Vancouver comes to life with the International Jazz Festival, one of the largest of its kind in Canada. More than 140 concerts, many of them free, animate downtown parks, theaters, and streets. After a show, savour a refined meal at Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown, renowned for its seafood and elegant ambiance.
Exploring Beyond the City
For outdoor enthusiasts, Vancouver is an ideal starting point for exploring British Columbia’s spectacular natural beauty. About 1.5 hours from the city, Whistler offers hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking scenery. Shannon Falls, accessible via the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway, are perfect for a short getaway and impressive photos. Hikers can also explore Garibaldi Provincial Park, with its glacial lakes and alpine peaks, while Bowen Island offers beaches, forest trails, and ocean views, ideal for a day trip. These destinations combine nature, adventure, and memorable landscapes, perfect for complementing your stay in Vancouver.
Vancouver – How to Get There
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island, approximately 12 km south of downtown. It is served by numerous Canadian and international airlines, offering direct flights to and from various global destinations.
Aeroplan (Air Canada) The Aeroplan program remains one of the most comprehensive in the country, allowing you to redeem your points for flights on Air Canada or its partners. Pricing varies based on zones and distance travelled, and you can combine Points + Cash to lower the cost of your ticket. Fixed fees of $39 apply for award tickets operated by partners.
VIPorter (Porter Airlines) With VIPorter, you earn points on your flights, baggage, and seats. Pricing is dynamic, so the number of points required depends on the ticket price. You can pay using points only or Points + Cash, and redeem your points for any Porter flight, with no blackout dates or destination restrictions.
WestJet Rewards The WestJet Rewards program lets you earn WestJet points on flights, vacation packages, car rentals, and upgrades. Depending on your status (Turquoise, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), you earn 1 to 8 WestJet points per dollar spent. You can then use your points to pay for WestJet flights, WestJet Vacations or Sunwing vacation packages, and enjoy extra benefits like lounge access and free checked bags.
Scene+
The Scene+ program offers great flexibility: you can redeem points for a flight from any airline or book directly via Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia). Every 1,000 points = $10 applied to your travel expenses, whether for a flight, a hotel, or a car rental.
With the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite + Card, you get up to 4 Scene+ points per dollar spent on Expedia for Scene+ bookings, no foreign transaction fees, and six complimentary airport lounge visits per year. An excellent choice for frequent travellers looking to save and travel comfortably.
At Vancouver Airport, you can access the Plaza Premium Lounge, located in the domestic terminal. This lounge offers amenities such as meals, drinks, showers, and a comfortable workspace.
In addition to lounge-related benefits, you can redeem your points to travel anywhere, anytime, without restrictions. Book your next getaway through the Scene+ Travel Service, Scotiabank’s dedicated travel agency, to maximize your points and access exclusive rates.
The airport is accessible via the Canada Line SkyTrain, with a station located directly in the terminal. This rapid line connects YVR to downtown Vancouver in approximately 25 minutes. Fares vary depending on the zones travelled.
SkyTrain: The Canada Line connects YVR to downtown Vancouver in approximately 25 minutes. Fares vary depending on the zones travelled.
Bus: Local and express bus routes serve the airport, providing a cost-effective alternative to the SkyTrain. Fares are affordable, but travel times can be longer depending on traffic.
Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal. The ride to downtown costs approximately CAD 35 to 45 and takes between 25 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft): Ride-sharing services are also available at YVR. Fares vary depending on demand and destination.
Rental Cars
Renting a car in Vancouver can quickly become expensive, especially for road trip enthusiasts or those who wish to explore the surroundings at their own pace. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to reduce your rental costs: use the points accumulated through your credit cards.
All major Canadian loyalty programs allow you to earn points redeemable for car rentals, offering not only savings but also additional benefits such as insurance or status-related privileges.
Scotiabank’s Scene+ program is particularly convenient for car rentals. Points can be earned through purchases on a Scene+ credit card or at selected partners like IGA group grocery stores. Then, you can redeem them directly to reduce the cost of your rental: 1,000 points = $10. And if you change your mind, you can just as easily use your points for other expenses, such as groceries.
Complimentary upgrades: access a higher category subject to availability for enhanced comfort.
Dedicated customer service: an exclusive phone line for your bookings and any assistance.
Exclusive discounts: save 5% to 25% on eligible retail rates in Canada and the United States.
By combining your Scene+ points with these benefits, car rental becomes not only more affordable but also more convenient and enjoyable for exploring Vancouver and its surroundings.
Vancouver – Best Accommodations: Where to Stay for Your Budget
Airbnb
Airbnb is an official partner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering accommodations in all host cities. Unlike traditional hotels, Airbnb bookings can be paid with flexible points from a loyalty program, allowing you to fully cover the cost of your stay.
Once the transaction appears on your account, use your points to cover the cost of your Airbnb.
One of the most popular programs for this type of flexibility is Scene+. With Scene+, you earn points through certain Scotiabank cards, at grocery stores (IGA, Safeway, Les marchés Tradition, Foodland…), restaurants, Scene+ Travel, and more. Every 10,000 points converts into $100 in travel credit. For example, a $425 Airbnb can be fully covered with 42,500 Scene+ points. These points can also be used for airline tickets, hotels, or transportation.
If you plan to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation now. The city anticipates a shortage of 70,000 overnight stays, which could leave up to 15,000 fans without accommodation on peak days. Rentals like Airbnb are therefore likely to fill up very quickly.
Hotels
For those who prefer traditional hotels, Marriott Bonvoy is an excellent choice in Vancouver. Establishments like the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown or the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver offer luxurious and well-located rooms, Marriott Bonvoy points redeemable for free nights, upgrades, or experiences, as well as member benefits such as early check-in, late check-out, and access to VIP lounges.
In parallel, StayVancouverHotels sometimes offers a special promotion to boost tourism during off-peak periods. For stays of two consecutive nights at certain participating hotels, you can receive a prepaid Mastercard gift card of $150, $200, $225, or $250. To take advantage of this, simply book on StayVancouverHotels.com using the code « PrepaidCard ». Bookings are non-refundable and limited to three per person, and gift cards are issued upon check-in.
This combination of Bonvoy points and cards, along with prepaid gift cards, allows you to fully enjoy your stay in Vancouver while adding extra value to your trip.
Earn Scene+ points on hotel, Airbnb, and airline ticket purchases (1,000 points = $10).
Offers no foreign transaction fees, ideal if you’re travelling to Mexico or the United States for the World Cup.
6 complimentary airport lounge visits to relax before departure or after your return.
Access to concierge service and excellent travel and purchase insurance.
Generous welcome bonus
Additional points: 3 points/dollar at partner grocery stores, 2 points/dollar at restaurants, entertainment centers, and public transit.
By combining the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite + Card and points programs like Scene+ or Marriott Bonvoy, you can book your accommodations while saving and earning benefits for your next trips.
2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, bringing together 48 teams for 104 matches played in 16 host cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Vancouver will host several matches at BC Place, a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the world’s largest soccer tournament.
RBC and Visa offer an exclusive opportunity to their cardholders: by entering their contest, you have the chance to win priority access to buy tickets for the 2026 World Cup. 3,185 unique codes are available to be won, each allowing the purchase of up to two tickets.
To get tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, check out our complete guide.
To maximize your purchases, pay for your tickets with a flexible points card. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card allows you to earn up to 3 Scene+ points per dollar and use your points to cover your travel expenses (flights, accommodations, transportation, etc.). With 10,000 points equalling $100, your World Cup purchases can be quickly covered.
Airbnb, official partner of FIFA 2026, offers accommodations in all host cities. Simply book as usual, pay with a flexible points card, then use your points to cover your stay, an ideal option for travellers looking to save.
To save on accommodation and get the best deals, see our complete guide.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a historic event and the perfect opportunity to combine your love of sports, travel experiences, and the benefits of your rewards programs.
Bottom Line
Vancouver is a must-visit summer destination, combining spectacular nature, beaches, festivals, and fine dining in a dynamic urban setting. Whether you choose to rent an Airbnb, stay at a hotel like Marriott, or enjoy local experiences, the city offers options for every taste and budget.
To maximize your trip, consider leveraging points programs and credit cards. With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you can earn Scene+ points on your accommodation, flight, and restaurant purchases, access six free VIP lounges per year, and benefit from no foreign currency conversion fees for your stays abroad.
By planning ahead and combining transportation, accommodations, and rewards programs, your stay in Vancouver can be not only memorable but also more affordable and comfortable.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.
Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.
These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:
No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
Legal
* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:
$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;
$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;
$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);
$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;
$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.
Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.
In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.
Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.
Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus: As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.
Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.
Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.
Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.
Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.
Savings at Shell
Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power® gasoline, or V-Power® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.
Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.
Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)
Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.
To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.
The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.
The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.
The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.
Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.
All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$60,000
Household$100,000
Conversion fees
0%
Earning rate
3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$704
2nd Year Value$397
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
What is the Best Time to Visit Vancouver?
From June to September, to enjoy the good weather and festivals.
How many Days Does it Take to Explore Vancouver?
A 3 to 5-day stay allows you to see the essentials, but a week is ideal to include Whistler or Victoria.
Is Vancouver Expensive?
The cost of living is high, but there are ways to save: use public transit, enjoy free activities like beaches and parks, and take advantage of travel points.
Do I Need a Car?
Not necessarily. The city center can be easily explored on foot or by public transport. A car is only needed for exploring the surroundings.
Is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card Beneficial for Vancouver?
Yes, because it allows you to save on accommodation, quickly earn points, and benefit from exclusive insurance and advantages.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
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Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,210
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
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