Short Getaways: Vacations for Under 35,000 Aeroplan Points in 2026

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-stay getaways that I could find for less than 35,000 Aeroplan points round-trip (per person), so that you can quickly visualize affordable places for that long weekend you have in mind. Although there are many other attractive places for a short getaway, I am focusing on trips 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 stay in Canada. Easily accessible with less than 20,000 Aeroplan points, it offers a host of activities without the need for a car. Prioritize YTZ airport downtown if you can; you will 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 several Canadian cities, it can be explored 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 getaway. With its colourful houses and dramatic cliffs, it offers a unique setting that blends maritime heritage with 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, enjoy nearby ski resorts such as Nakiska or Sunshine Village. In the city, stroll through Kensington Market, explore the gourmet markets, or visit the Glenbow Museum. If you go in the summer, do not miss the famous Stampede: rodeo, concerts, rides, and street food. Calgary is a versatile destination for a getaway to the Canadian Rockies, regardless of 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 located in Western Canada, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. You can start by walking along the waterfront promenade, renting bikes to cycle around Stanley Park, and making stops to take photos and explore the area. The park is home to many wild animals, 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 beautiful 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 direct flights to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, for less than 35,000 Aeroplan points for a short stay before the holidays, but Liberia is a great 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 manageable as a road trip within the country that takes the same amount of time! Indeed, 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 is a well-suited destination for short stays, with simple logistics and good value for money. In fact, we went to the Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection Resort & Casino last fall for only four days with family, and it was perfect for unwinding.

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, the capital of the Bahamas, is a sunny destination well-suited for short stays thanks to its accessible beaches and numerous day excursions. It is a compact city that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a well-developed tourism offering. The Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach is usually very accessible with 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 one of 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 rich cultural metropolis, and the Día de los Muertos weekend (late October / early November) is one of the best times to visit. Celebrations include parades, colorful altars (ofrendas), street performances, and traditional markets. I was surprised to find such good prices with Aeroplan for this wonderful experience, but it is proof that there are always great gems to be found. Cash prices for this weekend are around $1,000 at the time of writing, so you are getting excellent value for your points. Even better if these 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 using a credit card like the TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card to make these trips more affordable and perhaps even bring a companion with you thanks to its generous welcome offer. Each adult can apply for their card and pool their points to travel with family or 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!