Las Vegas: travel guide for a 4-day stay

A trip to Las Vegas is much more than casinos and neon lights. The world entertainment capital has changed a lot in recent years, with the opening of the Sphere, Fontainebleau, and Resorts World. It’s also an ideal gateway to the great national parks of the American West.

On site, the MGM Rewards program can save you on your stays, meals, and entertainment.

Here’s our detailed itinerary to make the most of a short four-day getaway, combining the city with a nature escape. We also explain how to pay for a large part of your trip with your points and miles.

Day 1: Exploring the Strip

The Las Vegas Strip remains the city’s most famous attraction—and for good reason. This is where you’ll find the most luxurious hotels, signature restaurants, and must-see attractions.

Trip to Las Vegas: 4-day guide - Las Vegas Strip

Start your day with breakfast at one of your hotel’s cafés or restaurants. Then, walk along the Strip to take in the best-known sights.

The Venetian recreates Venice’s canals and architecture. You can take a gondola ride along the indoor canals under hand-painted ceilings, and browse the shops and restaurants lining the route.

The Bellagio fountains remain one of the Strip’s most iconic attractions. The show is free, running every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening. The fountains dance to music and lights.

Then stroll through the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, home to more than 160 designer stores. And don’t miss the must-have photo in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, located at the south end of the Strip.

Since 2023, the Sphere has become Las Vegas’s new visual icon. This 110-metre-tall spherical venue is covered in LED screens on the outside and offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience inside. Several artist residencies and Darren Aronofsky’s film Postcard from Earth are on the bill.

In the evening, enjoy a show or try your luck in one of the city’s many casinos. For a panoramic view, grab a drink at the Skyfall Lounge at the Delano or at the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck at Paris Las Vegas.

Day 2: Grand Canyon day trip

The Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. It’s just a few hours’ drive from Las Vegas. The city is also a convenient starting point for Bryce Canyon, Zion, or Arches National Park. To explore the whole region in depth, plan for much more than four days.

For the most spectacular views, choose a guided West Rim tour, including a visit to the famous Skywalk bridge, or a private tour tailored to your pace.

If you’re short on time, you can also book a helicopter flight or a scenic plane flight. The view from the air is unforgettable.

The South Rim remains the park’s most popular area and offers the most striking panoramas. You can also book a helicopter tour for a unique perspective.

If you prefer to explore on your own, rent a car and drive to the South Rim. Many viewpoints and hiking trails await. Bring plenty of water and walking shoes.

Trip to Las Vegas: Grand Canyon landscapes

Day 3: Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a 30-minute drive from the Strip. It offers stunning views of the Mojave Desert and its spectacular red rock formations.

You can book a private tour that includes other places like Death Valley. Otherwise, rent a car and drive the 21 km loop at your own pace.

After Red Rock, hit the road to Hoover Dam. It’s one of the world’s great engineering feats and one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. You can take a guided tour inside the dam or simply walk across the Mike O’Callaghan Bridge, which overlooks the structure 270 metres above the Colorado River.

Day 4: Fremont Street and shopping

Fremont Street is in Las Vegas’s historic downtown. The vibe is more vintage and laid-back than on the Strip. You can catch the famous Viva Vision show, a display of lights and music under a 460-metre-long LED canopy, presented every hour in the evening.

For thrill-seekers, the SlotZilla zipline lets you soar over the crowd. And the High Roller observation wheel on the Strip offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from 167 metres up.

For shopping, Fashion Show Mall is one of the largest malls in Las Vegas, with more than 250 stores and restaurants, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Louis Vuitton. Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has 170 stores. And the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace remain a benchmark for luxury brands.

Trip to Las Vegas: Fremont Street Experience

If you’re into art and local culture, make a detour to the Arts District, just minutes from the Strip. The neighbourhood is home to galleries, independent cafés, and thrift shops. First Friday, a monthly street art and music festival, takes place on the first Friday of every month.

In the evening, head back to the Strip for another show or try your luck at a casino. You can also explore the nightclubs and rooftop bars along the Strip, many of which stay open until the early hours.

To spice up your stay, you can also take the plunge with SkyJump at The STRAT, go explore the spectacular scenery of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, or even seal your love with Elvis at Graceland.

Las Vegas – Where to eat?

Las Vegas’s food scene is one of the most diverse in the country. You’ll find everything from affordable counters to three-Michelin-star dining rooms. Here are our suggestions for eating well during your trip to Las Vegas.

Joël Robuchon: this three-Michelin-star restaurant at MGM Grand remains one of North America’s top tables. French tasting menu and an exceptional wine list;
Lotus of Siam: located off the Strip, this restaurant is an institution for Northern Thai cuisine. Anthony Bourdain spotlighted it on Parts Unknown;
Mon Ami Gabi: this French bistro at Paris Las Vegas is perfect for a patio dinner facing the Bellagio fountains. Steak frites, escargot, and quiche on the menu;
Peppermill: this retro restaurant has been a must since 1972, known for its XXL portions and its Fireside Lounge, a fire-lit lounge bar;
Carbone: at ARIA Resort & Casino, this retro Italian-American restaurant serves classics like tableside Caesar salad, spaghetti and meatballs, and veal parmesan;
Hell’s Kitchen: at Caesars Palace, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant is directly inspired by the TV show. The Beef Wellington and lobster risotto are house signatures.

Trip to Las Vegas: Beef Wellington at Hell's Kitchen

Las Vegas: which shows to see?

Las Vegas remains one of the world’s great entertainment capitals. Here’s a selection of the most notable productions currently playing.

Cirque du Soleil: the troupe presents several shows in Las Vegas, including “O” at the Bellagio, its iconic aquatic classic. Acrobatics, aerial performances, and breathtaking staging;
Michael Jackson ONE: another Cirque du Soleil production, this tribute to the King of Pop is performed at Mandalay Bay, with acrobatics, dance, and multimedia effects;
Absinthe: this irreverent variety show at Caesars Palace combines burlesque, comedy, and circus acts, in a rare intimate setting for Vegas;
Blue Man Group: for more than twenty years, this percussion-and-visual-performance show has been a pillar of Las Vegas entertainment. Performed at Luxor;
The Sphere: since opening in 2023, the Sphere has hosted artist residencies (U2, Eagles, Backstreet Boys, Kenny Chesney) and Darren Aronofsky’s immersive film Postcard from Earth. A one-of-a-kind sensory experience.

Trip to Las Vegas: Cirque du Soleil acrobats

Book your tickets in advance: the best performances sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during conventions.

Mastercard cardholders often get discounts on Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas.

As an official partner of Cirque du Soleil in Canada, Mastercard^® is proud to offer its cardholders access to preferred seating and other special offers for Cirque du Soleil touring shows in Canada as well as resident shows in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas – Where to stay?

Iconic Strip hotels

These hotels aren’t the most affordable, but they’re the city’s most iconic. To offset the cost, your travel points are your best allies. A good strategy: use a no foreign transaction fee card with a generous welcome bonus, like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card.

Bellagio: a chic hotel, famous for its fountain show and elegant suites;
The Venetian: an Italian-themed resort where you can ride a gondola along the indoor canals;
ARIA: a modern, elegant hotel in the heart of the Strip, integrated into Marriott Bonvoy via the Autograph Collection;
Wynn: a luxurious resort known for its high-end accommodations, restaurants, and golf course;
Fontainebleau Las Vegas: opened in December 2023, this new 67-storey hotel is inspired by the iconic Fontainebleau in Miami Beach.

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Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuation: $350Milesopedia first-year estimate First-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.; Milesopedia 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.
Welcome offer: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ^+* Card^MC, 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

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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* 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.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 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

Marriott Bonvoy in Las Vegas

Good news for program fans: MGM Collection is now integrated into Marriott Bonvoy. The collection now includes 18 destinations, including 13 on the Las Vegas Strip. You can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at these properties, and take advantage of the annual free night certificate offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card.

Here’s a selection of the best MGM Collection and Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Las Vegas:

Bellagio, a Luxury Collection Resort & Casino: the collection’s most prestigious Las Vegas property, classified as Luxury Collection;
ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection: a modern hotel in the heart of the Strip, with spacious suites and many signature restaurants;
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection: a trendy hotel with designer rooms, its casino, and around ten bars and restaurants;
W Las Vegas, W Hotels: a new collection property on the Mandalay Bay campus. Ideal if you want the W style with access to the resort’s amenities;
The Reserve at Park MGM, Autograph Collection: opened in December 2025 after the transition from the former NoMad, integrated into the Park MGM complex;
Park MGM, Tribute Portfolio Resort: a smoke-free hotel at Park MGM, ideal for those who want to avoid casino smoke;
Mandalay Bay, MGM Collection: at the south end of the Strip, with its famous pool beach;
Luxor, MGM Collection: the iconic black pyramid on the south Strip, a budget-friendly option within the collection;
The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa: a hotel one block off the Strip, no casino, with a full spa;
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa: a luxurious resort in the Summerlin suburbs, with a golf course and full spa;
Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel: a modern hotel just east of the Strip, with a rooftop pool.

Il est facile d’accumuler suffisamment de points pour quelques nuitées à Las Vegas. La Carte Marriott Bonvoy American Express et la Carte Marriott Bonvoy Entreprise American Express offrent des primes de bienvenue généreuses qui peuvent couvrir plusieurs nuits combinées.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
FeaturedMarriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offer Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026	Apply NowCompare
FeaturedMarriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offer Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026	Apply NowCompare

You can also transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 5 = 6 ratio (i.e., 1,000 Amex points = 1,200 Marriott Bonvoy points). This is worthwhile if you already earn Amex points with another card in the family.

MGM Rewards in Las Vegas

If you’re staying at an MGM Resorts hotel in Las Vegas, sign up for MGM Rewards in addition to Marriott Bonvoy. It’s free, takes two minutes, and really makes a difference to your stay.

The 4 MGM Rewards Status Levels

Pearl: entry level, included upon registration
Gold: upgrades based on availability, dedicated check-in, priority lines
Platinum: all Gold benefits + dining and spa bonuses
NOIR: invitation-only level, with personal host and access to the most exclusive suites

Why It’s Worth It for a Las Vegas Trip

MGM Rewards benefits are especially relevant if you plan to enjoy the casino and hotel restaurants. You earn Tier Credits on three main activities:

Casino gaming (slots, tables)
Spending at restaurants, spas, and shops in MGM hotels
Paid nights at MGM Resorts properties

These Tier Credits then give you access to tangible benefits like Free Play at the casino, restaurant credits, room upgrades, and discounted show tickets (especially for Cirque du Soleil productions and residency concerts).

What to Remember Before Your Trip

Sign up at least a few days before departure to receive your digital card. Add your MGM Rewards number to all your reservations (hotel, restaurants, shows) as soon as they’re confirmed. It’s the only way to accumulate Tier Credits from your stay.

Notre guide sur les hôtels MGM à Las Vegas - MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Unsplash

Las Vegas: getting there with points

Aeroplan

How many Aeroplan points do you need in economy for a one-way flight departing from Montreal? According to Air Canada’s points predictor, plan on starting at 12,500 points to get to Las Vegas. Note that the exact threshold may vary by season and availability.

Aeroplan credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses. Depending on the number of people in your group, a single card may be enough to cover your flights. You can also check our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada before choosing.

All Aeroplan cards mentioned below include a free first checked bag for you and up to eight people on the same reservation. It’s a great way to offset the annual fee in a single family trip.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
FeaturedTD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$139 $0	Welcome offer Up to 50,000 points	Apply NowCompare
TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$599	Welcome offer Up to 100,000 points	Apply NowCompare
TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Platinum* Credit Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$89 $0	Welcome offer Up to 20,000 points	Apply NowCompare

Travel points rewards

With Aeroplan, always aim for a valuation of 2¢ per point. For flights within North America, it’s doable, but it depends on the cash price of the flight. Pricing varies widely by route and season.

Search on Google Flights. If you find a low fare with a stopover in Toronto, using Aeroplan doesn’t always make sense—unless you want to avoid the connection.

In that case, flexible travel points often become the best choice. Book the cheapest available flight, then redeem your points for a statement credit. For example, you can use your Aventura points to get a free flight to Las Vegas.

Fixed-value rewards are also interesting for North America. Several programs offer them: American Express, CIBC Aventura, RBC Avion Rewards, and many others.

Las Vegas – Getting around

Getting around Las Vegas is easy. Here are the most practical options during your stay.

Taxis: available outside most hotels and casinos. Fares can add up quickly, especially during peak hours;
Uber and Lyft: popular in Las Vegas and often cheaper than taxis. Pickup points are indicated at each hotel;
Las Vegas Monorail: fast and convenient for getting along the Strip. Seven stops in total, from MGM Grand to Sahara Las Vegas;
Vegas Loop (Boring Company): an underground tunnel network with Tesla vehicles, serving the Convention Center and several Strip hotels. The line expands every year;
Walking: popular on the Strip, but be prepared for long distances and extreme summer temperatures;
Car rental: useful if you plan to explore outside the city (Grand Canyon, Red Rock, Hoover Dam). Watch out for parking fees, which are charged at most major Strip hotels;
RTC public transit: the Westcliff Airport Express line goes directly to Harry Reid International Airport from downtown in about 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re coming to Las Vegas for the spectacular nature of nearby parks, a world-class show, or to try your luck at a casino, this four-day itinerary gives you a solid base to fully enjoy the city and its surroundings.

A trip to Las Vegas can be expensive, especially if you love Strip hotels and great restaurants. The good news: with a well-thought-out points-and-miles strategy, you can cover a big part of it. No foreign transaction fee travel credit cards, hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy, and Aeroplan or Aventura points can make a real difference on the final bill.