You can easily travel to Brussels from Canada on points. Diving into the heart of Europe, Brussels is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history, delectable cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Nestled in the heart of Belgium, this city is a treasure trove for explorers seeking an eclectic mix of experiences. From the iconic Atomium to the charming Grand Place, Brussels exudes an undeniable charm that appeals to both history enthusiasts and foodies alike.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone, whether you’re strolling through the historic streets of the Sablon district or indulging in some retail therapy at Avenue Louise.
Known as the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels boasts an international flair while still retaining its distinct Belgian character.
Indulge in mouthwatering waffles, sample a variety of beers at local pubs, and savor world-class chocolates – these are just a few of the culinary delights that await you.
Moreover, the city’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to explore the renowned museums, such as the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. Whether you’re fascinated by political institutions, fascinated by Art Nouveau architecture, or simply yearning for a charming European getaway, Brussels stands as a welcoming hub that promises a delightful experience.
Brussels is more than a destination; it’s a captivating mosaic of experiences waiting to be discovered.
Unfortunately, traveling to Brussels is expensive, and many Canadians view a vacation to this beautiful Belgian city as out of their price range.
Fortunately, here in Canada, we have access to travel programs that can reduce the cost of your Belgian vacation by upwards of 80%, leaving more money in your pocket, and more freedom to experience some of the world-class excursions that Brussels has to offer.
In this post, we’ll show you how you can travel to Brussels from Canada on points, and the different ways to earn and use your travel points to ensure you’re getting MAXIMUM value on your redemption.
- FLIGHT CASH VALUE
- HOW TO TRAVEL TO brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS
- FLIGHT OPTION #1: FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS WITH AIR CANADA USING AEROPLAN
- FLIGHT OPTION #1.B: USING AEROPLAN PARTNER AIRLINES TO FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS
- WHICH CREDIT CARDS DO YOU NEED TO FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS with aeroplan
- FLYING TO Brussels WITH AEROPLAN – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
- FLIGHT OPTION #2: FLY USING AIR FRANCE FLYING BLUE MILES
- WHICH CREDIT CARDS DO YOU NEED TO FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS USING AIR FRANCE/KLM
- HOTEL OPTION #1: MARRIOTT BONVOY POINTS
- WHAT CREDIT CARDS DO YOU NEED TO STAY 5 NIGHTS IN brussels ON POINTS
- Flying to Brussels from Canada on Points – FINANCIAL SUMMARY TABLE
- Conclusion
- What to do In Brussels
- TRAVEL TO EUROPE ON POINTS
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Our Theoretical Vacation
For this exercise, we’ll be booking a 5-night, 6-day vacation focusing on a stay in downtown Brussels
Our theoretical stay will be 5 nights at the aloft Brussels, a 4 Star hotel operated by Marriott.
We’ll show an itinerary for 1 individual. If you are traveling with someone, your traveling companion can use the same credit cards suggested below to earn even more points.
FLIGHT CASH VALUE
Below, we can see the cash value of an Air Canada economy, and business class ticket to Brussels from Canada’s 3 major hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). Air Canada offers seasonal flights to Brussels from Toronto & Montreal
Note: Prices are subject to change
HOW TO TRAVEL TO brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS
FLIGHT OPTION #1: FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS WITH AIR CANADA USING AEROPLAN
Read >>> Your Complete Guide to Aeroplan
Aeroplan (and Air Canada) is the most popular travel currency in Canada, so it only makes sense that we determine the amount of Aeroplan points required for our flight to Brussels
Aeroplan leverages dynamic pricing, meaning redemptions show a range of points for Air Canada flights. More popular flights cost more.
Note: redemptions are subject to change
FLIGHT OPTION #1.B: USING AEROPLAN PARTNER AIRLINES TO FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS
While dynamic pricing can be terrible, the good news is that Aeroplan has several partner airlines that only require a fixed number of points.
All Aeroplan partner flights to Europe are subject to this award chart:
While this seems like an easy way to redeem your points, there are a limited number of award seats made available by partner airlines, and certain airlines only release economy-class award space.
THERE ARE A FEW PARTNER AIRLINES YOU CAN LEVERAGE FOR YOUR TRIP TO BRUSSELS
Lufthansa Airlines
Lufthansa Airlines has flights from Vancouver, Toronto, & Montreal which connect through Germany en route to Brussels.
Unfortunately, Lufthansa only releases award space for business class flights 14-20 days in advance of the flight. While waiting for award space to open up may be difficult when planning a vacation, it usually provides the best use of your points in terms of value
When flying Lufthansa to Europe from Canada, redemptions will vary from 30,000 – 40,000 Aeroplan points for Economy, and 60,000 – 80,000 Aeroplan points for business class.
Note: redemptions are subject to change
Lufthansa also flies out of several US Cities:
- Boston
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Washington
- Detroit
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Dallas
- Austin
- Houston
- Denver
- Los Angeles
- San Fransisco
- Seattle
Other Aeroplan Partners You Can Take to Brussels
- Swiss flies out of Montreal to Zurich and on to Brussels
- United Airlines flies out of Toronto to the Eastern United States, and on to Brussels
- Brussels Airlines flies out of New York & Washington directly to Brussels
WHICH CREDIT CARDS DO YOU NEED TO FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS with aeroplan
Regardless of whether you’re flying economy or business class, you’ll need to focus on collecting Membership Rewards and/or Aeroplan points. There are 2 credit cards that we’ll be focusing on to get you to Brussels
Note: credit card signup bonuses vary over the year. Please check for the latest signup offer
1. The American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is a great way to earn Membership Rewards, which can be transferred to Aeroplan
The $799 annual fee (which comes with a $150 rebate through GreatCanadianRebates) is offset by the following perks & benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 70,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
- 30,000 MR points upon making a purchase between months 14-17 of cardmembership
- Earn Rate:
- 2 MR points per dollar spent on travel, groceries & dining
- 1 MR point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $5,000,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $3,000
- Hotel Burglary insurance – up to $1,000
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- $200 annual travel credit
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane during peak operating times
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park at Pearson Airport
- $200 annual dining credit
- $100 Nexus rebate
- Instant Gold status at Marriott Bonvoy & Hilton Honors
- Special discounts for cardholders
- Lounge Access
- Priority Pass (+1 guest)
- Plaza Premium Lounges (+1 guest)
- Delta Sky Club
- Airspace Lounges (+2 guests)
- Centurion Lounges
- SwissPort Lounges (+1 guest)
While the $799 annual fee seems daunting initially, the 100,000 Membership Rewards is a great sign-up bonus, more than enough to get you to Brussels
Canadians will have to make a personal decision as to whether or not the $799 (minus the $200 travel credit & $200 annual dining credit) annual fee is worth spending after year one.
You can also earn Membership Rewards through several other personal credit cards including:
2. TD AEROPLAN VISA INFINITE
You can earn Aeroplan points with co-branded credit cards. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is a great way to earn FREE Aeroplan points.
The cost for the card is $0 for the first year, and then $139 annually, & comes with the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- 20,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $5,000 in the first three months
- 10,000 Aeroplan points on renewal after spending $7,500 in the first year
- Total of 40,000 Aeroplan points
- Earn Rate:
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on food, beverage, gas & travel
- 1 Aeroplan point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $1,000,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $5,000
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- First bag free on Air Canada flights
- Preferred pricing when redeeming Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights
- $100 NEXUS credit
- Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 you spend on the card
While this card isn’t as strong as some of American Express’ top cards, we live in a world where AMEX isn’t accepted at many retail locations in Canada. As a result, it’s good to have a solid visa in your wallet as well. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite provides a great, FREE way to earn a large amount of Aeroplan points, and it can be a great backup to the high annual fee cards in the market. the 40,000 Aeroplan points will get you a free economy ticket with Air Canada.
You can read which other cards offer Aeroplan points here
FLYING TO Brussels WITH AEROPLAN – FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The average value of 1 Aeroplan point is 2.1 cents per point. We will hope to receive a higher value when redeeming Aeroplan points.
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare | $1,103 | $8,509 | ||
| Aeroplan Points with Air Canada | 73,400 | 1.58 cents/point | 292,000 | 2.93 cents/point |
| Aeroplan Points with Partner Airlines | 40,000 | 3.11 cents/point | 70,000 | 12.36 cents/point |
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare | $999 | $8,320 | ||
| Aeroplan Points with Air Canada | 34,800 | 3.06 cents/point | 282,400 | 2.96 cents/point |
| Aeroplan Points with Partner Airlines | 40,000 | 2.89 cents/point | 70,000 | 12.11 cents/point |
| Economy | Redemption Value | Business | Redemption Value | |
| Cash Fare | $1,105 | $8,326 | ||
| Aeroplan Points with Air Canada | 33,200 | 3.55 cents/point | 282,400 | 2.97 cents/point |
| Aeroplan Points with Partner Airlines | 40,000 | 3.09 cents/point | 70,000 | 12.08 cents/point |
As you can see, the best option to fly to Brussels from Canada on points is to leverage Air Canada’s partner airlines, especially if you can source a business-class ticket (which will take some travel flexibility on your end).
FLIGHT OPTION #2: FLY USING AIR FRANCE FLYING BLUE MILES
Read >>> Your Complete Guide to Flying Blue
In the world of points redemptions, you need a certain level of flexibility. Sometimes, you’ll be planning a vacation only to find out that there is no award availability on a particular flight, or that the number of points needed has increased drastically (especially in the case of Air Canada’s dynamic pricing).
That’s why it’s great to have another option.
We mentioned above the value of transferring your American Express Membership Rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Thankfully, Membership Rewards can also be transferred to Air France/Flying Blue miles at a 1:0.75 ratio.
KLM & Air France have flights to Brussels out of Vancouver Toronto and Montreal which connect through Amsterdam & Paris respectfully.
WHICH CREDIT CARDS DO YOU NEED TO FLY TO Brussels FROM CANADA ON POINTS USING AIR FRANCE/KLM
1. The American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is a great way to earn Membership Rewards, which can be transferred to KLM/Flying Blue
The $699 annual fee (which comes with a $150 rebate through GreatCanadianRebates) is offset by the following perks & benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 90,000 MR points upon spending $7,500 in the first three months
- Earn Rate:
- 3 MR points per dollar spent at grocery stores & at restaurants
- 2 MR points per dollar spent on travel and
- 1 MR point everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $5,000,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $3,000
- Hotel Burglary insurance – up to $1,000
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- $200 Annual Travel Credit
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane during peak operating times
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park at Pearson Airport
- $100 Nexus credit
- Gold Status at Marriott Bonvoy & Hilton Honours
- Lounge Access
- Priority Pass (+1 guest)
- Plaza Premium Lounges (+1 guest)
- Delta Sky Club
- Airspace Lounges (+2 guests)
- Centurion Lounges
- SwissPort Lounges (+1 guest)
While the $699 annual fee seems daunting initially, the 90,000 Membership Rewards will get you to Brussels in either Economy or Business Class
HOTEL OPTION #1: MARRIOTT BONVOY POINTS
Marriott Bonvoy points are the easiest hotel currency to collect in Canada. They also have the benefit of being a transfer partner of American Express. If you want to use points for your hotel stay, this is the easiest way to do it
If you’re traveling on points for an extended period, it’s you should leverage Marriott’s “Fifth Night Free” promotion, which can go a long way in enhancing the value of your vacation.
4 nights paid for with points = 5th night free.
If your goal is to use Bonvoy points for the entire duration of your hotel stay, staying 5 nights enhances your redemption by 20%. It’s something you should seriously consider if you’re going the points route
Below we can see the cash & points value of a 5-night stay at the aloft Brussels
aloft Hotels, part of the Marriott International brand, are known for their modern and vibrant design, as well as offering a unique and lively atmosphere. Here are some potential benefits of staying at an Aloft Hotel:
- Contemporary Design: Aloft Hotels are known for their modern and trendy design, featuring bold colors, open spaces, and stylish interiors. The contemporary atmosphere appeals to travelers looking for a fresh and unique hotel experience.
- Tech-Savvy Amenities: Aloft Hotels often incorporate cutting-edge technology into their amenities. You may find features like keyless entry, mobile check-in, and smart room controls, providing a convenient and efficient stay.
- Social Spaces: Aloft hotels typically have vibrant and social spaces. These areas are designed to encourage guests to mingle, socialize, and have a good time, making it an attractive option for those looking for a lively atmosphere.
- Fitness Facilities: Many Aloft Hotels offer well-equipped fitness centers, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines while traveling.
WHAT CREDIT CARDS DO YOU NEED TO STAY 5 NIGHTS IN brussels ON POINTS
1. THE AMERICAN EXPRESS MARRIOTT BONVOY CARD
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card is Marriott’s sponsored card in Canada.
The annual fee of $120 (reduced to $60 if you sign up through Great Canadian Rebates) is offset by the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 65,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- 3 Bonvoy points per dollar spent on eligible gas and travel purchases in the first 6 months (up to 15,000 points)
- Total of 80,000 Bonvoy Points
- Eaimagern Rate:
- 5 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent on Marriott Bonvoy properties
- 2 Bonvoy Points per dollar spent everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $500,000
- Car rental damage insurance
- Baggage delay insurance – up to $1,000
- Perks
- 15 Elite qualifying nights & instant Silver status within Marriott’s loyalty program
- Annual free night, up to 35,000 points
2. AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS EDGE
The American Express Business Edge card offers a strong signup bonus, along with strong everyday earnings.
The cost for the card is $99 ($24 with a $75 rebate through Great Canadian Rebates), & comes with the following benefits:
- Sign-up Bonus:
- 45,500 Membership Rewards upon spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- 1,000 Membership Rewards each month in which you spend $3,000
- 10 Membership Rewards on office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of cardmembership (up to 10,000 points)
- Total of 67,000 Membership Rewards
- Earn Rate:
- 3 Membership Rewards per dollar spent on eligible food & drink (groceries not included), office supplies, electronics & gas
- 1 Membership Reward for everywhere else
- Insurance:
- Car rental damage insurance
- You can be insured for eligible items charged to your American Express Business Edge Card for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of accidental physical damage or theft
- Automatically extend the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year
- Perks
- Occasional discounts on select products
HERE ARE A FEW CONSIDERATIONS YOU SHOULD MAKE FOR YOUR TRIP to Brussels
1. One of the best (and cheapest) ways to fly business class to Brussels is with Lufthansa Airlines (or Aeroplan’s other partner airlines). Unfortunately, Lufthansa only releases award availability for business class seats 14-28 days before departure. It can be stressful/difficult for people to wait until the last minute to book a flight. If you’re one of these people, you can always book a refundable economy ticket (either with cash or points), see if any business class seats open up on a Lufthansa flight, and then subsequently cancel your refundable ticket.
2. If you have Aeroplan elite status, this would be a great opportunity to leverage your e-upgrade credits for an Air Canada flight (if you can’t get on a partner airline), as the cost of business class Air Canada tickets can be extremely high given Aeroplan’s dynamic pricing.
3. If you’re focused solely on flying business class, you can book an Air France/KLM award flight up to a year in advance. As you can see from the Air France /KLM table, it is in your best interest to book the discounted (50,000,000 points) award flight. This will require some flexibility, as these discounted award flights are not offered daily
4. If are satisfied with economy bookings, the American Express Platinum and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite will be all that you need to fly to (and from) Brussels.
5. The American Express Platinum card will go a long way to elevating your trip experience by offering a wide variety of benefits including: lounge access, travel insurance, potential hotel upgrades with Marriott, and a $200 travel credit that can go towards a car rental.
Flying to Brussels from Canada on Points – FINANCIAL SUMMARY TABLE
| Credit Cards | Sign up Bonus | 1st Year Annual Fee (with GCR rebate) |
| TD (or CIBC) Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 40,000 Aeroplan Points | $0 |
| American Express Marriott Bonvoy | 70,000 Bonvoy Points | $60 |
| American Express Business Edge | 57,000 Membership Rewards (68,400 Bonvoy Points) | $24 |
| Total | $84 |
Flying economy, you can fly to and from Brussels from Canada on Points, and stay 5 nights at the aloft Brussels all for 84 + taxes & fees.
| Credit Cards | Sign up Bonus | 1st Year Annual Fee (with GCR rebate) |
| American Express Platinum | 90,000 Membership Rewards (90,000 Aeroplan Points) | $799 |
| TD (or CIBC) Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 40,000 Aeroplan Points | $0 |
| American Express Marriott Bonvoy | 70,000 Bonvoy Points | $60 |
| American Express Business Edge | 57,000 Membership Rewards (68,400 Bonvoy Points) | $24 |
| Total | $733 |
Flying business, you can fly to and from Brussels from Canada on Points, and stay 5 nights at the aloft Brussels all for $883 + taxes & fees.
Conclusion
Brussels is not just a destination; it’s a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. The city’s unique blend of historical charm, delectable cuisine, and a lively cultural scene makes it an ideal spot for any traveler.
Whether you’re wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Grand Place, indulging in a warm plate of Belgian waffles, or exploring the impressive Atomium, Brussels offers an enriching experience that caters to a diverse range of interests.
The friendly locals, known for their warm hospitality, add an extra layer of charm to this European capital. What sets Brussels apart is its seamless fusion of tradition and modernity, with iconic landmarks standing proudly alongside contemporary art installations.
The city’s international atmosphere, influenced by its role as the European Union’s capital, adds an extra layer of fascination. From the intricate details of Art Nouveau architecture to the bustling energy of local markets, Brussels invites you to immerse yourself in a tapestry of experiences.
By leveraging travel programs like Aeroplan, KLM/Flying Blue & Marriott Bonvoy, you can fly, and spend 6 days in Brussels for $1,000 or less. This can be a dream vacation, without the crazy travel costs
What to do In Brussels
Brussels offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests, ensuring a fulfilling experience for every visitor. Here are some highlights:
- Grand Place: Marvel at the stunning architecture of the central square, Grand Place. Lined with opulent guildhalls, the square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as the heart of Brussels.
- Atomium: Explore the futuristic Atomium, an iconic structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The spheres house exhibitions and panoramic views of the city.
- Manneken Pis: Visit the famous Manneken Pis statue, a quirky symbol of Brussels’ irreverent sense of humor. The small bronze statue of a little boy urinating is often dressed in various costumes.
- Art and Museums: Immerse yourself in art at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts or explore the Magritte Museum dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte. Additionally, the Musical Instruments Museum offers a unique collection in a stunning Art Nouveau building.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in Belgian delicacies like waffles, chocolates, and beer. Explore local markets such as Place du Grand Sablon, offering a tempting array of treats.
- European Quarter: Discover the European Quarter, where you can explore the European Parliament and other EU institutions. Take a guided tour to gain insights into European politics.
- Parks and Gardens: Relax in the beautiful parks like Parc du Cinquantenaire or Parc de Bruxelles. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amid greenery and historical monuments.
- Comics Art: Brussels is renowned for its comic strip art. Explore comic book murals scattered throughout the city, showcasing characters like Tintin and the Smurfs.
- Day Trips: Consider day trips to nearby attractions like Bruges or Ghent for a taste of medieval charm, or visit Waterloo to explore the historic battlefield.
- Shopping: Wander through shopping districts like Avenue Louise for high-end fashion or explore local boutiques in neighborhoods such as Saint-Géry.
Here’s a video of how you can spend your time in Brussels by Youtuber World Wide Hearts
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