It started with a front-row seat at a Drake concert in Toronto—an experience that seemed out of reach until Melissa discovered she could redeem her credit card rewards for exclusive event tickets. She didn’t use her points for a flight to Paris or a luxury hotel in Vancouver. Instead, she used them to feel the bass thump in her chest, scream lyrics with thousands of fans, and watch her favourite artist up close.
For many Canadians, credit card rewards have traditionally meant cheaper flights or hotel stays. While those are great options, the world of rewards has evolved. Today, your points can unlock much more—VIP experiences, culinary workshops, wine tastings, private museum tours, and even once-in-a-lifetime backstage passes.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Canadians can tap into their points to craft meaningful, bucket-list-worthy moments and how to make the most of their rewards using top-rated cash back credit cards and loyalty programs like Amex cash back options. Let’s go beyond the airport and the check-in counter—into a world of unforgettable experiences.
Beyond Airports and Hotels: Why Experiences Matter More
Let’s face it—most of us vividly remember moments rather than mere mileage. Think about it: a cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef can ignite passion and creativity in the kitchen. At the same time, a guided hike through the stunning landscapes of Banff with an expert naturalist offers a deep connection to nature and wildlife.
Similarly, having a front-row seat at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to experience the thrill of film premieres is an unforgettable experience that resonates far beyond the journey to get there.
These rich experiences forge connections and create lasting memories that shape our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, many Canadians are prioritizing experiential value over acquiring tangible goods or simply fulfilling basic services. This shift in consumer behaviour has not gone unnoticed; major loyalty programs have adapted by offering options that cater specifically to this desire for memorable experiences.
Now, you don’t need to be a frequent jet-setter to fully utilize your loyalty points. Instead, all that is required is a willingness to explore and know where to look for those exceptional experiences that will enhance your life and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. It’s all about curating moments that truly matter.
Which Credit Cards Offer Experiences as Redemption Options?
If you want your points to deliver more than flights and hotel discounts, you’ll need a card that partners with experiential platforms. Some of the best options in credit card rewards in Canada come from well-known issuers that offer curated events, entertainment access, and cultural immersion opportunities.
American Express is one of the front-runners in this category. Through Amex Experiences, cardholders can access exclusive presale tickets to concerts, theatre performances, film festivals, and dining events across Canada. Whether it’s Amex cash back or points earned through Membership Rewards, Amex users often get priority access to events before they’re available to the general public.
RBC, Scotiabank Scene+, and TD Rewards have also introduced experiential redemption options—from movie nights and spa retreats to sporting event packages. Depending on your card, you may also be able to redeem points for passes to national parks, seasonal festivals, or curated local adventures.
How to Redeem Points for Experiences in Canada
Once you’ve got the right card in your wallet, the next step is knowing how to use those points strategically. Here’s where things get interesting.
Many reward portals include an “experiences” or “entertainment” section. Instead of looking up flights or hotels, click on the lifestyle, entertainment, or events tab. You’ll often find:
- Tickets to sold-out concerts
- Entry to exclusive pop-up dinners
- Special access to film festivals
- Personal guided tours or escape room packages
- Private wine tastings or craft beer tours
For instance, Scene+ members can use points to book Cineplex VIP tickets or early access to movie screenings. RBC Rewards sometimes features seasonal events like the Calgary Stampede or Toronto’s Winterlicious.
Timing is key. Experiential rewards often have limited availability, and the best redemptions go quickly. Set alerts for your card issuer’s offers or check their rewards portal monthly.
Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Experiences
So you’ve found an experience worth redeeming—great! But how do you make sure you’re getting the most for your points?
First, compare the point cost to the cash value. If an event ticket costs 20,000 points or $100, you’re getting a value of $0.005 per point. That’s not bad, but some redemptions offer even better returns. Aim for $0.01 per point or more for higher value.
Second, look for bundled experiences. For example, a package might include not just entry to an event but also a meet-and-greet, complimentary food, or exclusive swag. These bundles amplify the value of your redemption and the experience itself.
Third, always redeem through official platforms to avoid scams or inflated point costs. Most major banks and card issuers have secure portals that ensure legitimate transactions.
And finally, don’t hoard your points. The reward economy changes often. What’s available today might be gone tomorrow. Use your points while they still offer top-tier value.
Amex Experiences: The Gold Standard in Experiential Rewards
If you’re looking for the most consistently impressive options in credit card rewards in Canada, Amex Experiences deserves a spotlight.
Whether you’re an Amex cash back user or a Membership Rewards collector, Amex’s platform offers access to:
- Advanced ticket sales for concerts and festivals (like Osheaga, Boots & Hearts, or Jazz Fest)
- Reserved seats at TIFF or Hot Docs
- Exclusive chef-led dinners at top restaurants
- Behind-the-scenes experiences at sports events
- Fashion show previews and luxury shopping nights
What’s unique is the combination of prestige and personalization. Amex often tailors offers based on your spending patterns or preferences, meaning the more you use your card, the more targeted the experience options become.
If you’ve got a cash back card that earns Amex Membership Rewards, you can even transfer points to event platforms or redeem them directly for VIP access—no plane ticket required.
The Role of Loyalty Portals: Scene+, Aeroplan, and More
In the Canadian market, more loyalty programs are leaning into experiences. Here’s a closer look at what some of the major platforms offer:
Scene+
Best known for movie tickets and dining, Scene+ has expanded to include experiences like private film screenings, travel excursions, and gift cards for foodie events. Points can be redeemed for immersive packages via Scene+ Travel or its event partners.
Aeroplan
Beyond flights, Aeroplan now offers “experiences by Aeroplan,” which includes auctions for VIP tickets, backstage passes, or access to elite travel packages. You can even bid your points against others for a chance at ultra-exclusive rewards.
TD Rewards and CIBC Aventura
While traditionally travel-focused, these programs sometimes promote local events, especially during seasonal promotions. Think holiday markets, ski passes, or even curated city adventures.
These portals work best when paired with top-rated cash back credit cards that earn points on categories like dining, groceries, or entertainment, where you’ll already be spending anyway.
Image Caption: From culinary classes to guided city tours, credit card points can fund unique experiences you’ll never forget.
Cash Back Cards That Still Offer More Than Just… Cash
It might seem like cash back cardholders get left out of the experience game, but that’s changing. Some of the top-rated cash back credit cards in Canada offer hybrid reward options. Here’s how:
- Some Amex cash back cards allow conversion to Membership Rewards, which opens the door to experiences.
- Certain Visa Infinite or Mastercard World Elite cards provide concierge services that offer experiential redemptions or priority bookings.
- Many cash back card portals also allow you to redeem cash toward purchases, so if an experienced provider accepts a credit card payment, you’re still covered.
The trick is flexibility. Choose a card that doesn’t box you into a single type of redemption.
Final Thoughts: Points That Spark Joy
The next time you check your points balance, don’t think, “Where can I fly?” Instead, ask, “What can I experience?”
Your credit card rewards in Canada are more than just numbers—they’re tickets to deeper stories, memorable nights, and conversations you’ll be having for years. Whether it’s a front-row concert, a guided hike, or a gourmet cooking class, your points can be transformed into something you’ll cherish.
In a world that moves fast and forgets easily, experiences last. And your credit card? It’s not just a payment tool. It’s a passport to joy, wonder, and adventure—without ever leaving Canada.
Where To Apply For The Best Canadian Credit Cards?
Great Canadian Rebates is an online platform that allows members to compare credit card options available in Canada and apply for the one that best suits their financial and lifestyle needs. It’s free to join, and Members can also choose from over 700 well-known merchants and take advantage of great rebates, deals, and discounts.