Canadian Travel Hacking

Year: 2016

  • Top 3 things to do whilst in Quebec City

    Canada has long been a top choice for a holiday destination. The large country in North America is quite diverse in terms of its culture, landscape and points of interest. The city of Quebec is the only walled city found on the North American continent. It offers a wide range of cultural activities as well as attractions.

    quebec-815376_1920

    When visiting Quebec City, here are some of the most popular activities to enjoy.

    Casino de Charlevoix

    Consider having a night out at one of the casinos found in Quebec especially if you enjoy playing on online casino available from sites such as Gamblinginsider. With its close proximity to the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian mountains, the casino is a popular point of interest. The casino offers players more than 20 gaming tables and 800 slot machines. Included in the casino is a hotel which offers a spa, health club, golf course and two all season outdoor pools. In fact, the Casino de Charlevoix was the first casino in the city to also offer accommodations.

    Tour the Wall of Quebec

    Quebec City is enclosed within 4.6 kilometers of walls and gates. Consider taking a tour of these fortifications which includes the Citadel, a star shaped fort to protect the city. Tours are offered year round and the changing of the guard ceremony is a popular sight during the summer months. A new museum has also opened here, the Hall of Medals.

    Quartier Petit Champlain & Place Royale

    It was here in 1608, that explorer Samuel de Champlain founded his first settlement in Quebec City. Considered the cradle of French civilization in the Americas, a museum can be toured here. The oldest stone church in North America is another point of interest here. Built in 1688, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church remains a popular tourist destination and continues to be an active house or worship. In recent years, the church has underdone restoration efforts to restore its original French architectural design.

    When taking a holiday to Quebec City, consider these as possible activities to enjoy while in the old walled city.

  • Vancouver Hotels Offering $100-$175 AmEx Gift Cards (ends December 31, 2016)

    Book your stay now with beVancouver.com and they’ll give you a prepaid American Express Gift Card of up to $125 to reward your booking AND an additional $50 American Express Gift Card for every subsequent night you stay.

    be-vancouver

    It’s that simple … book your stay and they’ll give you up to $125 in American Express Gift Cards, book additional nights and they’ll add an extra $50 American Express Gift Card per night.

    Here is a link to the promotion.

  • Free 1000 Aeroplan Miles – “Myth or Truth?” quiz

    Take this easy quiz from Aeroplan and earn a cool 1000 Aeroplan miles for free!

    rewards

    Beats doing a test drive!

    Here is the link to the 1 -minute quiz.

  • Air Canada Launches Membership Program for Kids

    All Aeroplan members between the ages of 2 and 12 who reside in Canada or the United States qualify to become Skyriders. Take this opportunity to help make their flying experience extra special.

    ac_kids

    The Skyriders starter kit consists of various useful items all emblazoned with Pax cheerfully flying across them. Your kids will get a friendly introduction letter, a sturdy luggage tag and a logbook to keep a record of each one of their flights.

    This is fun for kids (I can’t wait to show my little ones their little flight book).

    Here is a link for more information.

  • Yet Another Class Action Suit – Air Canada / WestJet Baggage Fee

    I read this new article today about yet another class action suit for Air Canada / WestJet.

    A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Air Canada and WestJet “colluded to fix the price” and introduce a charge for a first checked bag fee within days of each other.

    The suit also plans to claim that the added charge has “unjustly enriched” the two airlines, because it comes with no extra service.

    “It doesn’t seem fair and it doesn’t seem right,” says Lorne Hoedel, a Regina resident and the lead plaintiff in the proposed lawsuit.

    When the fees came out, I was surprised how quickly Air Canada was able to respond with a new policy (unless they were working on implementing it in that time).

    Personally, I would love to see some of the extra fees go down on the regular ticket as I don’t pay for this fee anyways (I have the CIBC Aerogold Visa card – waives baggage fee).

    What do you think of this suit? 

    Here is a link to the story on CBC.

  • Earn 1,000 Free Aeroplan Miles by Signing-Up for Fairmont Hotels Loyalty Program

    When you enroll in Fairmont Hotels’ loyalty program by November 15, 2016, you’ll earn 1,000 Aeroplan miles.

    To get the deal, you must sign-up through this link.

    1000-bonus-aeroplan-miles

    Fairmont President’s Club, a recognition program designed with your individual travel preferences, passions and interests in mind. We are committed in providing benefits and privileges that offer convenience and access to what you want when you travel.

    Membership is complimentary and your Fairmont President’s Club experience begins the moment you arrive at any of our hotels with a private reception desk offering express check-in and checkout and continues during your stay with complimentary high-speed internet access and local calling, Fairmont Fit, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf Clubs at select hotels, exclusive savings at Willow Stream Spas, Fairmont Store and so much more.

    Talk about some easy miles to acquire (beats having to do a test-drive)!

    Thanks Rewards Canada!

  • Canadians: Save 25% on 4-Day or Longer Tickets and Enjoy All 4 Disney Theme Parks

    Finally a deal for Disney (although our current exchange is terrible)!

    multi-day-tickets-sliver

    Here are the conditions:
    -Tickets (unless upgraded with Park Hopper or Water Parks & More Fun Options) are valid for admission to one theme park per day.
    -Tickets and any options purchased must be used within 14 days of first use.
    -Items are priced for Canadian Residents only. Savings compared to the price of the same ticket sold at the Theme Park Ticket Window.
    -All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Water parks subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures.
    -Tickets will be sold as exchange certificates, which must be redeemed at the theme park Main Entrance for admission.
    All Guests must present a valid Canadian passport to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use.
    -Residents of Canada who are not Canadian citizens must bring valid passport and valid proof of Canadian residency.
    Offer is valid for advance purchase only and is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows.

    To take advantage of this special offer, you must purchase your tickets in advance between September 16, 2016 and February 28, 2017.

    Be sure to book enough days to explore all the excitement at all 4 theme parks!

    The best part? You can use these discounted tickets at any time during 2016, 2017 and beyond—they won’t expire!

    Here is a link to the promotion.

  • How to Join Air Miles Canada Class Action Lawsuit

    It is incredible what is happening with Air Miles Canada at the moment.

    This week, JSS Barristers, a Calgary law firm, filed a class action lawsuit against LoyaltyOne, the company that owns and operates the Air Miles rewards program in Canada.

    head-logo

    The proposed class includes persons, resident anywhere in Canada, with a positive Dream Rewards Miles balance at any time on or after December 28, 2011.

    You do not need to take any positive steps to join the lawsuit. If you fall within the proposed class, you are automatically a member of the class, unless you expressly choose to opt out.

    I personally collect Air Miles when I get a good offer or with regular shopping but I don’t go out of my way to collect them.

    Here is my Transactions to show where I use my miles. I would avoid Dream Miles like the plague as it take so long to collect.

    My Statements for Last Twelve Months

    Date Description Reward Miles Bonus
    10 Sep 16 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES +200
    03 Sep 16 BROADMEAD 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    03 Sep 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    27 Aug 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    21 Aug 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99186504645 -95
    20 Aug 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +8
    13 Aug 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    06 Aug 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    31 Jul 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92750334002 -50
    30 Jul 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    30 Jul 16 BROADMEAD 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +4
    30 Jul 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    25 Jul 16 REXALL COOK ST BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +5
    23 Jul 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    23 Jul 16 JAMES BAY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    25 Jun 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92738244802 -2
    18 Jun 16 HILLSIDE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    11 Jun 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    11 Jun 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99172561435 -285
    07 Jun 16 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    04 Jun 16 SWCB UNIVERSITY HEIG 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    04 Jun 16 QUADRA BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +5
    04 Jun 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    28 May 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    21 May 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    16 May 16 IRIS STANDARD OFFER +33
    16 May 16 IRIS 10 X AM ON PURCHASE +297
    08 May 16 850 LANGFORD PKY VIC 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 May 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 May 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92727723790 -190
    07 May 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92727723808 -190
    04 May 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99165219892 -95
    03 May 16 BONUS REWARD MILES +50
    30 Apr 16 HILLSIDE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    02 Apr 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    28 Mar 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99158747214 -475
    22 Mar 16 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +500
    19 Mar 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    12 Mar 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    06 Mar 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99155123401 -190
    05 Mar 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    05 Mar 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99154934170 -285
    27 Feb 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    22 Feb 16 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +500
    20 Feb 16 QUADRA BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +4
    20 Feb 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    13 Feb 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    10 Feb 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99150678896 -665
    06 Feb 16 JAMES BAY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    06 Feb 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    03 Feb 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99149562763 -570
    02 Feb 16 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 -1
    30 Jan 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    30 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99148996384 -190
    29 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99148646187 -190
    22 Jan 16 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +500
    16 Jan 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    13 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99145849768 -570
    09 Jan 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99144771278 -190
    31 Dec 15 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    31 Dec 15 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    26 Dec 15 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +4
    26 Dec 15 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +4
    26 Dec 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89142411951 -475
    26 Dec 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89142499659 -475
    25 Dec 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM +3
    24 Dec 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89142168064 -475
    23 Dec 15 APPLE.COM AIRMILESSHOPS.CA PURCH BONUS +25
    22 Dec 15 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    22 Dec 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +1,500
    19 Dec 15 QUADRA BONUS REWARD MILES +400
    19 Dec 15 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    19 Dec 15 HILLSIDE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +6
    13 Dec 15 TILLICUM MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    12 Dec 15 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES +200
    12 Dec 15 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    11 Dec 15 GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE BONUS REWARD MILES +50
    26 Nov 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89135949421 -95
    22 Nov 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +1,000
    14 Nov 15 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    08 Nov 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89133275753 -1,140
    07 Nov 15 REXALL TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    03 Nov 15 APPLE.COM 1 REWARD MILE FOR EVERY $20 +51
    31 Oct 15 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    26 Oct 15 Dream Reward CONF# 82655500070 -3,800
    22 Oct 15 CUSTOMER INSIGHTS MYLCBO REGISTRATION +30
    22 Oct 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +1,000
    10 Oct 15 PARKSVILLE BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +4
    10 Oct 15 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +200
    10 Oct 15 PARKSVILLE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 Oct 15 Dream Reward CONF# 82655500062 -1
    03 Oct 15 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +25
    24 Sep 15 Current balance preference 100%AIR MILES CASH 0%DREAM

    Full Disclosure: I redeem my Dream Miles for anything but travel because I am not a fan of their award chart. I am also not a fan of their redemption catalog (fluctuating prices) and not enough discounts for elite members (I am Oynx). 

    Here is a link to the class action.

  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card Signup Bonus: 30,000 Aeroplan Miles, Annual Fee Rebate for First Year (Ends Dec 2, 2016)

    I found a new application link for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.

    TD-A-AC_Infinite_E_07Nov13

    This is a nice little bonus.

    • Welcome Bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles with your first Purchase
    • 10,000 Aeroplan Miles when you keep your Account open and active for 90 days after Account approval
    • 5,000 Aeroplan Miles when you add an Authorized User to your Account by December 2 (Authorized User must call and activate their Card by January 16, 2017)
    • Annual Fee Rebate for the first year (Primary Cardholder only) – that’s $120 in savings!

    This is a great card to get for the high sign-up bonus.

    Here is my Aeroplan Miles guide (that will show you some great redemptions in this program).

  • $520 for Air Canada Maple Leaf Access (Minister Charges Taxpayers for Access)

    I wish Minister Philpott knew about travel hacking and the benefits of some our credit cards before charging Canadian taxpayers for Air Canada Maple Leaf Access.

    I still don’t know why politicians charge for elite privileges like limo services or first class flights. These shouldn’t be used by MPs.

    Spokesman Andrew MacKendrick told The Canadian Press on Monday that Philpott intends to repay the $520.

    In a statement, Philpott said she has already directed her department to review all of her expenses, vowing to fully reimburse any other filings found to be inappropriate.

    “I apologize and we will take steps to ensure this does not happen again,” she said.

    Here is a link to the story from Canadian Press.

    What are your thoughts when politicians charge taxpayers for these extra perks? 

    I understand that many travel a lot more than the average person and need to provide good service to their constituents, but there is a level of expectation needed.