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As vacation days are often limited, especially with school constraints, short getaways are our best friends.
There is a well-known trick of combining one or two vacation days with a statutory holiday to create a long weekend, and just like that, you have a quick getaway. But where should you go when you only have 3, 4, or 5 days? How far can you realistically travel?
To save on travel time and maximize exploration, you should limit yourself to direct flights from your departure airport. You can easily do this with Flight Connections and use Roame to find affordable flights with points.
Indeed, you can use Roame’s “SkyView” feature, select the Aeroplan program, and filter results to flights under 35,000 points (17,500 points for a one-way if you want to find a round trip under 35,000 points), or set the maximum number of points you are willing to pay.
In this article, I have selected the best short getaway options I was able to find for under 35,000 Aeroplan points round trip (per person), so you can quickly visualize affordable destinations for the long weekend you have in mind. While many other appealing short trips exist, the focus here is on travel options that do not require too many of your points.
Similarly, a simple credit card can do the trick if you don’t have the required points. In fact, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers an interesting bonus that can get you to any of the locations listed below; you can even bring along an extra person, thanks to their generous welcome offer!
Travelling with your crew? No problem. Each adult can apply for a card, which helps grow your Aeroplan Family Sharing points pool.
Toronto is an ideal urban destination for a short getaway in Canada. Easily accessible for under 20,000 Aeroplan points, it offers a wide range of activities without the need for a car. If possible, choose downtown YTZ Airport to save time.
You can visit the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, or the Toronto Islands for a relaxing getaway. Neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Queen West, and the Distillery District offer excellent options for shopping and dining. Culture lovers will enjoy the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). It is an easy getaway to plan, with no shortage of things to do.
It’s also very affordable with points thanks to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card welcome bonus.
Halifax is a maritime destination that combines history, culture and gastronomy. Easily accessible from many Canadian cities, it can be discovered in just a few days during a short stay.
Must-see attractions include the Citadel, the Maritime Museum, the waterfront boardwalk, and the Seaport Farmers’ Market. In summer, the city is especially lively with festivals and patios. You can also take a day trip to Peggy’s Cove or Lunenburg. The region is also known for its seafood, particularly oysters and clam chowder (yum!).
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card welcome bonus, you’ll have plenty of points for your Halifax getaway.
St. John’s is the easternmost city in Canada and an excellent option for discovering a different side of the country on a short trip. With its colourful houses and spectacular cliffs, it offers a unique setting, combining maritime heritage and coastal landscapes.
Recommended activities include a visit to Cape Spear (the easternmost point in North America), a hike along the East Coast Trail, or a stroll through the historic downtown. The Rooms museum is a great place to learn more about local history. In summer, you can also spot whales and icebergs in the surrounding area.
Victoria is a pleasant city to visit for a short weekend getaway, especially in spring or summer. The capital of British Columbia, it is accessible by air or ferry from Vancouver.
Top attractions include the Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum, and the famous Butchart Gardens. Downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can go kayaking or book an orca-watching tour. It is a calm destination, well suited to a short stay without too much moving around.
Calgary is much more than a transit city to the Rockies. It is worth visiting for a getaway that combines urban culture with spectacular mountain scenery. If you are travelling in the warmer months, rent a car for a road trip and head to Banff or Canmore, about 90 minutes away, for a hike or a photo stop in front of lakes with unreal shades of blue.
In winter, take advantage of nearby ski resorts such as Nakiska or Sunshine Village. In town, stroll through the Kensington district, explore the gourmet markets or visit the Glenbow Museum. And if you’re going on a summer’s day, don’t miss the famous Stampede: rodeo, concerts, rides and street food. Calgary is a versatile destination for a Western Canadian getaway, whatever the season.
If you have the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card don’t forget that you also get the first bag free for you on Air Canada flights, and for up to 8 people on the same reservation!
Vancouver is a charming city in western Canada, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. You can start by strolling along the waterfront promenade, rent bikes to tour Stanley Park, and make stops to take photos and explore the area. The park is home to plenty of wildlife, such as Canadian geese, ducks, squirrels and raccoons, which is ideal when you have children to entertain. After visiting the park, you can walk to the pretty waterfront.
Another of Vancouver’s must-see attractions is Grouse Mountain, easily accessible by car. Although the weather isn’t always ideal, you can take a gondola ride to the summit and observe grizzly bears in captivity. It’s worth noting, however, that the gondola ride may not be worth it if the weather isn’t right; facilities at the summit may be closed. There’s plenty to do in Vancouver for a short stay; I consider it a perfect destination for just eating!
Liberia is an excellent gateway to northwestern Costa Rica, particularly the Guanacaste province. I could not find dates for less than 35,000 Aeroplan points for San Jose on a direct flight, the capital of Costa Rica, for a short stay between now and the holidays, but Liberia is a very good starting point for exploring national parks, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches. It is a six-hour flight to reach Liberia, which may seem long for a short getaway, but personally, I find it just as feasible as a road trip in the country that takes the same amount of time! In fact, the entirety of Central America and the Caribbean can theoretically be booked at the floor price of 12,500 Aeroplan points for a one-way trip.
Nearby Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers hiking trails, natural hot springs and the chance to observe local wildlife (monkeys, toucans, sloths). For beach lovers, Tamarindo and Playa Hermosa are just a short drive away. The region is also renowned for its eco-friendly accommodation, ideal for a nature-focused short getaway.
It’s interesting to see that an exotic destination like Costa Rica is easily accessible for a short stay, especially when the welcome bonus from the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card welcome bonus alone is enough to get us there!
Punta Cana is renowned for its all-inclusive resorts, long sandy beaches and calm waters. It’s a destination well suited to short getaways, with simple logistics and good value for money. We went to the Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection Resort & Casino last autumn for just four days with our family, and it was the perfect way to unwind.
Among the activities available on site: swimming, water sports, golf, or simply relaxing by the sea. It is also possible to take a day trip to Saona Island, to Santo Domingo (the capital of the Dominican Republic), or to the Cave of the Miradors. For travellers seeking a restful, hassle-free getaway, Punta Cana is a practical and accessible option.
Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, is a sunny destination that lends itself well to short stays, thanks to its accessible beaches and numerous day trips. It’s a compact city that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a well-developed tourist offering. The Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach is usually within easy reach of Marriott Bonvoy points, and very well located for your short getaway.
Recommended activities include a visit to the historic center of Nassau, a boat trip to the coral reefs, the beach at Paradise Island, or a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island. Several tours also offer snorkeling or swimming with the pigs in the neighboring islands.
Cancun and Riviera Maya are among Mexico’s most popular destinations, and they are accessible with less than 30,000 Aeroplan points. Located in the Quintana Roo region, it offers easy access to white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a multitude of all-inclusive resorts.
For a short stay, concentrate on the hotel zone with its many public beaches, restaurants and water sports options (snorkeling, jet skiing, paddle boarding). If you have time, a day trip to the ruins of Tulum or to a cenote is highly recommended. Cancun airport is well served, with direct flights from several Canadian cities.
Mexico City is a culturally rich metropolis, and the Día de los Muertos weekend (late October/early November) is one of the best times to visit. Celebrations include parades, colourful altars (ofrendas), street performances and traditional markets. I was surprised to find such good prices with Aeroplan for this beautiful experience, but it’s proof that there are still great gems to be found. The cash prizes for this weekend are around $1,000 at the time of writing, so you get great value for your points. Even better if they were points quickly accumulated thanks to the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card.
Places to visit include the Zócalo, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology. The neighborhoods of Roma, Condesa and Coyoacán are ideal for strolling, eating and exploring the city on foot. Even for a short stay, you can see a lot, while enjoying a highlight of Mexican culture.
In this article, we have highlighted the best short stay getaway destinations that can be enjoyed over a long weekend for under 35,000 Aeroplan points for a round-trip (per person). These destinations are ideal for those who want to make the most of their limited vacation days and enjoy a brief getaway.
We suggest you use a credit card like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card to make these trips more affordable, and maybe even take a companion along with you thanks to its generous welcome offer. Every adult can sign up for their own card and pool their points to travel with family and friends.
Have you managed to find other gems for less than 35,000 points for incredible short stays? If so, join us and share your discovery in our Facebook community!
Several destinations in Canada and the South are accessible with less than 35,000 Aeroplan points round-trip. Cities like Toronto, Halifax, or Vancouver offer excellent options for a long weekend. It is also possible to aim for sunny destinations, such as Cancun, depending on direct flight availability.
For a short stay, it is often possible to book a round-trip starting from 17,500 Aeroplan points per segment, totaling 35,000 points or less. The exact number of points depends on distance and demand. By remaining flexible with dates and choosing direct flights, you maximize your chances of finding a good deal.
You can use specialized search tools like Roame and filter results by a maximum of Aeroplan points. By setting a cap of 35,000 points for a round-trip, you can quickly visualize affordable destinations. This method allows you to optimize your points while planning an efficient short getaway.
The best destination depends on your interests and available time. For a city break, Calgary or Victoria are ideal, while Punta Cana is perfect for a relaxing all-inclusive stay. The key is to prioritize a direct flight to fully enjoy your 3 to 5 days.
Yes, an Aeroplan-affiliated credit card can offer a welcome bonus sufficient to cover a short stay for less than 35,000 points. Some cards also include benefits such as free first checked baggage on Air Canada flights. By combining family points, it becomes easier to plan a long weekend at a lower cost.
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