How to Travel to Copenhagen from canada on points

city, copenhagen, denmark-3525093.jpg

You can easily travel to Copenhagen from Canada on points.

Copenhagen effortlessly blends its rich history with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find iconic landmarks like the colorful Nyhavn waterfront, the impressive Rosenborg Castle, and the world-famous Little Mermaid statue.

The city is known for its excellent bike-friendly infrastructure, making it easy to explore its charming streets and neighborhoods. Copenhagen also boasts a thriving food scene with delicious Nordic cuisine, and you can’t miss trying the traditional open-faced sandwiches called smørrebrød. The locals are known for their friendliness and the city exudes a laid-back vibe that adds to its appeal. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through picturesque streets, Copenhagen has something for everyone.

Unfortunately, the cost of traveling to Copenhagen is expensive, and many Canadians simply view a vacation to this beautiful Danish city as out of their price range.

Fortunately, here in Canada, we have access to travel programs that can reduce the cost of your Danish vacation by upwards of 80%, leaving more money in your pocket, and more freedom to experience some of the world-class excursions that Copenhagen offers. 

In this post, we’ll show you how you can travel to Copenhagen 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.

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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 Copenhagen.

Our theoretical stay will be 5 nights at the Residence Inn Copenhagen, 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 economy, and business class ticket to Copenhagen from Canada’s 3 major hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal).

flight to CPH
YVR- CPH
flight to CPH
YYZ – CPH
flight to CPH
YUL – CPH

Note: prices are subject to change

HOW TO TRAVEL TO Copenhagen FROM CANADA ON POINTS

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 Copenhagen

Aeroplan leverages dynamic pricing, meaning redemptions show a range of points for Air Canada flights. More popular flights cost more.

Air Canada operates seasonal (summer) flights from Toronto & Montreal to Copenhagen

flight to CPH
YVR – CPH
flight to CPH
YYZ – CPH
flight to CPH
YUL – CPH

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:

Aeroplan - NA to Europe

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 Copenhagen

Lufthansa Airlines

Lufthansa operates flights from Montreal, Toronto & Vancouver to Copenhagen, connecting through Germany

Lufthansa Airlines leverages the Aeroplan partner carrier award chart above, which in most cases means a cheaper flight. This is great for Economy class tickets with Lufthansa.

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

flight to CPH
YVR – CPH
flight to CPH
YYZ – CPH
flight to CPH
YUL – CPH

Lufthansa Airlines also flies out of several US Cities en route to Copenhagen:

  • Boston
  • New York
  • Philadelphia
  • Washington
  • Detroit
  • Chicago
  • Atlanta
  • Dallas
  • Austin
  • Houston
  • Denver
  • Los Angeles
  • San Fransisco
  • Seattle

Other Aeroplan Partners You Can Take to Copenhagen

  • Swiss flies out of Montreal to Zurich and on to Copenhagen
  • Austrian Airlines flies out of Montreal to Vienna, and on to Copenhagen
  • United Airlines flies out of Toronto to the Eastern United States, and on to Copenhagen
  • Scandinavian Airlines flies out of Toronto to Stockholm, and on to Copenhagen

Whether you’re flying economy or business class, you’ll need to focus on collecting Membership Rewards and Aeroplan points. There are 2 credit cards that we’ll be focusing on to get you to Copenhagen.

Note: credit card signup bonuses vary over the course of 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 at a 1:1 ratio

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
AMEX Platinum
Source: Americanexpress.com

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 Copenhagen

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.

Read our full review here

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
source: td.com

Read our review of 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 Copenhagen 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 with Aeroplan points.

EconomyRedemption ValueBusinessRedemption Value
Cash Fare$1,697$8,468
Aeroplan Points with Air Canada35,2004.65 cents/point155,8005.40 cents/point
Aeroplan Points with Partner Airlines40,0004.09 cents/point70,00012.01 cents/point
YVR – CPH

EconomyRedemption ValueBusinessRedemption Value
Cash Fare$1,358$8,330
Aeroplan Points with Air Canada29,7004.34 cents/point59,00014.00 cents/point
Aeroplan Points with Partner Airlines40,0003.23 cents/point70,00011.81 cents/point
YYZ – CPH

EconomyRedemption ValueBusinessRedemption Value
Cash Fare$1,312$8799
Aeroplan Points with Air Canada30,3004.08 cents/point59,80014.58 cents/point
Aeroplan Points with Partner Airlines40,0003.09 cents/point70,00012.46 cents/point
YYZ – CPH

As you can see, the best option to fly to Copenhagen from Canada on points is to leverage Air Canada’s partner airlines, especially if you can source a business-class ticket.

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 Copenhagen out of Vancouver Toronto and Montreal which connect through Amsterdam & Paris respectfully.

flight to CPH
YVR – CPH Economy
flight to CPH
YVR – CPH Business
flight to CPH
YYZ – CPH Economy
flight to CPH
YYZ – CPH Business
flight to CPH
YUL – CPH Economy
flight to CPH
YUL – CPH Business

Note: Air France also flies out of Ottawa & Quebec City

Note: KLM also flies out of Calgary & Edmonton

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 at a 1:0.75 ratio

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
    • Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane during peak operating times
    • $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
AMEX Platinum
Source: Americanexpress.com

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 Copenhagen with Flying Blue

Read our full review here

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 of time, 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 Residence Inn Copenhagen

22,950 SEK = 2,993.62 CAD

1. THE AMERICAN EXPRESS MARRIOTT BONVOY CARD

The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card is Marriott’s sponsored card in Canada. 

Sign up here

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:
    • 50,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $1,500 in the first 3 months
  • Earning 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
Amex Bonvoy

Read our full review here

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
Amex business edge

Read our full review here

Here are a few considerations you should make for your trip:

1. One of the best (and cheapest) ways to fly business class to Copenhagen 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) Copenhagen.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY TABLE 

Credit CardsSign up Bonus1st Year Annual Fee (with GCR rebate)
TD (or CIBC) Aeroplan Visa Infinite40,000 Aeroplan Points$0
American Express Marriott Bonvoy50,000 Bonvoy Points$60
American Express Business Edge57,000 Membership Rewards (68,400 Bonvoy Points)$24
Total$84
Economy Ticket

Flying economy, you can fly to and from Copenhagen from Canada on Points, and stay 5 nights at the Residence Inn Copenhagen all for 84 + taxes & fees.

Credit CardsSign up Bonus1st Year Annual Fee (with GCR rebate)
American Express
Platinum
70,000 Membership Rewards (70,000 Aeroplan Points)$799
TD (or CIBC) Aeroplan Visa Infinite40,000 Aeroplan Points$0
American Express Marriott Bonvoy50,000 Bonvoy Points$60
American Express Business Edge57,000 Membership Rewards (68,400 Bonvoy Points)$24
Total$733
Business Ticket

Flying business, you can fly to and from Copenhagen from Canada on Points, and stay 5 nights at the Residence Inn Copenhagen all for $883 + taxes & fees.

CONCLUSION

Copenhagen is undeniably a gem among travel destinations, offering a delightful blend of history, modernity, and an overall sense of coziness.

From the charming canals of Nyhavn to the majestic Rosenborg Castle, the city paints a picturesque canvas that captivates visitors at every turn. What makes Copenhagen truly special is its bike-friendly infrastructure, encouraging exploration in a relaxed and eco-friendly manner.

The culinary scene, with its mouthwatering Nordic delights like smørrebrød, adds a flavorful touch to your travel experience. But beyond the sights and tastes, it’s the people of Copenhagen who make the city shine. The locals’ warm and welcoming demeanor creates an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or just someone seeking a laid-back escape, Copenhagen ticks all the boxes.

The city’s commitment to sustainability, evident in its green spaces and eco-friendly practices, adds an extra layer of appeal for conscientious travelers. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll not only uncover the city’s rich past but also witness its progressive present. So, pack your bags with a sense of adventure and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Copenhagen.

Whether you’re sipping coffee in a cozy café, pedaling along bike-friendly lanes, or marveling at historic landmarks, Copenhagen promises an unforgettable journey. With its unique charm and welcoming spirit, this Danish capital proves time and again that it’s not just a place on the map; it’s an experience waiting to be embraced.

By leveraging travel programs like Aeroplan, KLM/Flying Blue & Marriott Bonvoy, you can fly, and spend 6 days in Copenhagen for $1,000 or less. This can be a dream vacation, without the crazy travel costs.

WHAT TO DO IN Copenhagen

In Copenhagen, there’s a plethora of exciting activities to make your visit memorable. Start your exploration by taking a leisurely stroll along the iconic Nyhavn harbor, famous for its colorful buildings, vibrant atmosphere, and charming waterfront cafes. Renting a bike is a must, as Copenhagen is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure. Pedal your way through the city’s many bike lanes, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the refreshing outdoors.

Visit the historic Rosenborg Castle, a beautifully preserved Renaissance palace that houses the Danish Crown Jewels. Nearby, the picturesque King’s Garden offers a tranquil retreat for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon. Don’t forget to say hello to the iconic Little Mermaid statue, situated by the waterfront.

Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Copenhagen, each with its own unique character. The trendy district of Nørrebro is known for its multicultural vibes, cool street art, and eclectic shops. Meanwhile, the Latin Quarter, or Indre By, boasts historic charm with its narrow streets and historic architecture.

Indulge your taste buds in Copenhagen’s thriving food scene. Try traditional Danish dishes like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) or venture into one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants for a culinary adventure. The Torvehallerne food market is a foodie’s paradise, offering a variety of local and international delicacies.

For a dose of culture, explore the National Museum of Denmark or the impressive Glyptoteket, showcasing an extensive collection of art from ancient times to the modern era. If you’re interested in contemporary design, a visit to the Danish Design Museum is a must.

Cap off your day with a visit to the alternative commune of Christiania, an autonomous, artistic community that provides a unique glimpse into a different side of Copenhagen. Embrace the city’s laid-back atmosphere, and you’ll find that Copenhagen is not just a place to visit but an experience to savor.

Remember to check for any specific travel advisories or updates related to attractions, as conditions may change.

Here’s a video of how you can spend your time in Copenhagen by Youtuber Trailblaze Travels

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