scotia travel

• Travel Insurance
• Scotia Travel Insurance Review [year]

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Scotia Travel Insurance Review 2024

Updated: Jan 8, 2024, 1:17pm

Scotia Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage in the event of a medical or travel emergency. And if you’re worried about testing positive for COVID while travelling, the COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan has you covered. There’s also robust travel assistance services, including a mobile assistance app and medical concierge. If you have any pre-existing conditions, the Individual Medical Underwriting Plan can help you get the coverage you need. While the cost is comparable to other plans, Scotia Travel Insurance offers a lot of value, unless you live in Quebec, as travel insurance is not currently offered there.

• Comprehensive coverage
• Robust travel assistance services
• TravelAid mobile assistance app
• Individual Medical Underwriting Plan
• Not available for Quebec residents
• Not able to customize coverage
• No plan upgrades or add-ons
• No CFAR coverage

Table of Contents

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The Bank of Nova Scotia, now operating as Scotiabank, became the first chartered bank in Canada in 1832. With assets of over $1.4 trillion as of October 2023, Scotiabank is one of Canada’s Big Six Banks. Scotiabank offers personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets services.

Scotia Travel Insurance, distributed by the BNS Insurance Agency Inc., is underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife) and First North American Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife. Manulife has appointed Active Claims Management Inc. (operating as Active Care Management) as the provider of all assistance and claims services.

Scotia Travel Insurance is currently not available for Quebec residents.

Here are the key types of travel insurance coverage offered in Scotia Travel Insurance plans:

• Emergency medical insurance: If you get ill or are injured on your trip, travel medical insurance can pay for emergency medical expenses, up to the coverage limits in your plan. These expenses can include doctor and hospital bills, medication and lab work, as well as medical evacuations, repatriation and arranging for a bedside companion if you are hospitalized.
• Trip cancellation insurance: If you cancel a trip for a reason listed in your travel policy, such as you or your travelling companion becoming ill, weather conditions cause a massive delay or you lose your job, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, non-refundable costs.
• Travel interruption or delay insurance: Trip interruption insurance can pay for a last-minute flight home in an emergency and reimburse money that you lose by cutting a trip short due to a covered reason, including non-refundable activities and hotel stays. If your flight is delayed , your insurance can cover the cost of incidentals, such as meals or accommodations, after a specified period of time, such as six, 10 or 12 hours.
• Baggage insurance: Baggage travel insurance can compensate you up to your policy limits if your luggage is lost or stolen. It will reimburse the depreciated value of your suitcases and what you packed. If your bags are delayed, it can reimburse you for the cost of the necessities you’ll have to buy to tide you over. It also extends to your personal belongings, if they are lost, damaged or stolen.
• Travel accident insurance. This coverage offers compensation in the event of accidental death or catastrophic injury from an accident during your trip. Flight Accident Insurance covers injury while you’re on a commercial plane, during a connection or in an airport. Travel Accident Insurance covers death or dismemberment, including the loss of limbs or eyesight, while in transit during your trip.

Scotia Travel Insurance offers three core plans for travelling outside of Canada, as well as a COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan.

All Inclusive: This is the most comprehensive plan offered by Scotia Travel Insurance. It includes coverage for unforeseen medical emergencies, trip cancellation and interruption, flight and travel accident coverage, and baggage loss, damage and delay insurance.

Emergency medical treatment includes:

• Hospital accommodation up to a semi-private room and/or treatment expenses in an intensive care unit or coronary care unit
• Treatment by a physician
• Private duty nursing
• Rental or purchase of a hospital bed, wheelchair, brace, crutch or other medical appliance
• X-rays and other diagnostic tests
• Prescription drugs
• Paramedical services, such as care from a chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, chiropodist or podiatrist, up to $70 per visit, maximum $700 per injury
• Ambulance transportation
• Emergency dental due to a blow to the face, up to $3,000 (up to $1,500 during your trip and up to $1,500 when you return home)
• Emergency dental due to pain, up to $300

Medical benefits also include coverage to bring someone to your bedside, expenses for meals, hotel accommodations and associated expenses if you are hospitalized and/or if a medical delay prevents you from returning home, repatriation expenses and return of your remains if you die.

Emergency Medical: If you’re only worried about medical emergencies while travelling, this benefit offers all of the medical coverage listed above.

Trip Cancellation/Interruption: This coverage option reimburses you for insured non-refundable travel expenses (such as hotels or prepaid excursions) if you have to cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip due to a covered reason. This benefit also includes baggage loss, damage and delay coverage, flight and travel accident coverage, and provides a specific benefit for a missed connection.

COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan: This plan helps protect you from unexpected emergency medical expenses and includes additional benefits for COVID-19-related expenses. Specifically, this plan pays up to $5 million for non-COVID-19-related claims and up to $5 million for COVID-19-related expenses if you are fully vaccinated, and up to $1 million if you are not. There are also interruption benefits if you need to self-isolate or quarantine.

We’ve highlighted the key benefits of Scotia Travel Insurance for the three core single trip plans to help you identify which coverage is the best fit for you.

The price of a Scotia Travel Insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip, your age, your answers to a medical questionnaire, if required, and the amount of coverage you choose.

You can reduce your premium cost by choosing a $500, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 deductible, or the amount you pay out before coverage kicks in, for the emergency medical insurance.

Here’s how each deductible option impacts your premium:

Scotia Travel Insurance offers the following coverage options:

• Companion, defined as two travellers travelling together
• Family coverage, defined as up to four adults under the age of 60 (parents and/or grandparents) and their dependent children travelling together

Here are some examples of the cost for Scotia Travel Insurance single trip plans for healthy travellers based in Ontario assuming a $0 deductible:

When you start the quote process, you are asked if you are new to Scotiabank or an existing Scotiabank customer. Depending on your answer, you will continue your quote on the Scotiabank web interface or the Scotia Insurance (BNS Insurance Agency) interface. However, using the above sample quote of the solo traveller visiting the UK, the premium costs are the same, as are the insurance policies.

CIBC Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $10 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $2,000

Related: CIBC Travel Insurance Review

BMO Travel Insurance

Emergency medical: $5 million Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $750

Related: BMO Travel Insurance Review

RBC Insurance

Emergency medical: Unlimited Cancel For Any Reason: No Baggage insurance (maximum): $1,000

Related: RBC Insurance Travel Insurance

Scotia does not offer additional add-ons, endorsements or upgrades for its travel insurance.

Yes, Scotia offers the Travel Companion Savings discount. When a travel companion also purchases any Scotia Travel Emergency Medical Plan, the premium is reduced by 5% for each traveller.

Yes. You can buy multi-trip annual insurance if you travel more than once a year for multiple individual trips. Scotia offers a Multi-Trip Emergency Medical plan for four, 10, 18, 30 or 60 days, or a Multi-Trip All Inclusive Plan for four, 10, 18 or 30 days.

Worldwide emergency travel assistance is available 24/7 by calling the Active Care Management Assistance Centre, Scotia’s appointed claims and assistance provider.

You can also get immediate access to the Assistance Centre via the TravelAid mobile app that includes features such as:

• Medical facility search by GPS
• International 911 lookup
• Travel tips
• Starting your claim process
• A direct link for immediate 24/7 medical assistance

When you have a travel emergency, depending on your coverage, the following support may be available:

• Verifying and explaining coverage
• Referral to a physician, hospital or other health-care provider
• Monitoring your medical emergency and keeping your family informed
• Arranging for return transportation home when medically necessary
• Arranging of direct billing of covered expenses (where possible)
• Assistance with lost, stolen or delayed baggage
• Assistance in obtaining emergency cash
• Translation and interpreter services in a medical emergency
• Emergency message services
• Help to replace lost or stolen airline tickets
• Assistance with obtaining prescription drugs
• Assistance in obtaining legal help or bail bond

The Assistance Centre also provides the following pre-trip services:

• Passport and travel visa information
• Health hazards advisory
• Weather information
• Currency exchange information
• Consulate and embassy locations

You must contact the Assistance Centre before receiving medical treatment or you may have to pay 20% of the eligible medical expenses. If you are unable to call, you must get someone to call on your behalf. For other insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation or interruption, you must call within 48 hours.

The insurer notes that if you choose to pay eligible expenses directly to a medical provider before prior approval, the reimbursement amount will be based on the “reasonable and customary” charges that the insurer would have paid directly to the provider. You will be responsible for any difference.

Scotia Travel Insurance also offers StandbyMD, a medical concierge service that provides telephone access to a physician who can assess your symptoms and provide treatment options, as well as house-call visits in 86 countries and 4,000 cities. In addition, when you travel to the US, StandbyMD offers the following services:

• Same-day coordination and delivery of lost or forgotten prescription maintenance medication, eye glasses, contact lenses and medical supplies
• Referral to medical specialists, chiropractors, dentists, walk-in clinics, urgent care centres or more than 50,000 hospitals for evaluation and treatment
• Physician co-ordination to an emergency room and, whenever possible in select cities, will “fast track” you through the emergency room

In general, a pre-existing condition is defined as any sickness, injury or medical condition that existed before the start of your coverage, whether or not diagnosed by a physician, that you showed signs or symptoms of or received medical attention for.

With a Scotia Travel Insurance policy, any pre-existing conditions must be stable for three or six months, depending on your age and health status, before the start of your policy to be eligible for coverage.

According to Scotia, a medical condition is considered stable when all of the following are true:

• There has not been any new treatment prescribed or recommended, or changes to the existing treatment, including a stoppage in treatment.
• There has not been any change in medication, or any recommendation or starting of a new prescription drug.
• The medical condition has not become worse.
• There has not been any new, more frequent or more severe symptoms.
• There has been no hospitalization or referral to a specialist.
• There have not been any tests, investigation or treatment recommended, but not yet complete, nor any outstanding test results.
• There is no planned or pending treatment.

Travellers aged 59 and under are not required to complete a health questionnaire and are automatically assigned a Rate Category A.

Travellers aged 60 or over are required to complete a health questionnaire to determine your eligibility and rate category, either B or C.

Your rate category determines the period of the stability requirement for coverage of any pre-existing medical condition(s).

For policyholders assigned a Rate Category A, Scotia will not pay any expenses related to:

• Any pre-existing condition that is not stable in the three months before your coverage begins
• Any heart condition that has not been stable in the three months before your coverage begins or you’ve taken any form of nitroglycerin for angina pain
• Any lung condition that has not been stable in the three months before your coverage begins or you’ve required treatment with oxygen or prednisone

For policyholders assigned a Rate Category B or C, Scotia will not pay any expenses related to:

• Any pre-existing condition that is not stable in the six months before your coverage begins
• Any heart condition that has not been stable in the six months before your coverage begins or you’ve taken any form of nitroglycerin for angina pain
• Any lung condition that has not been stable in the six months before your coverage begins or you’ve required treatment with oxygen or prednisone

Scotia Travel Insurance also offers an Individual Medical Underwriting Plan for travellers of any age who would like their pre-existing medical conditions covered with no stability requirements. When you call and speak to an insurance representative, you will need to answer questions regarding your medical condition(s). The cost will vary according to your health needs and circumstances. If you do not answer all questions truthfully and accurately, in the event of a claim, you may not be eligible for coverage.

In addition to pre-existing condition exclusions, there are a number of scenarios not covered by travel insurance and it’s critical to know what not to do before you make a claim. The following are general exclusions to coverages provided by Scotia Travel Insurance:

• Covered expenses that exceed the “reasonable and customary” charges where the medical emergency happens
• Diagnostic tests, including MRIs, CAT scans, ultrasounds, biopsies, or any surgery (with exceptions) that are not approved in advance
• Any non-emergency, investigative or elective surgery, such as cosmetic surgery, chronic care or rehabilitation
• Continued treatment once your medical emergency has ended
• An emergency resulting from mountain climbing requiring specialized equipment, rock climbing, parachuting, skydiving, hang-gliding or any other air-supported sporting device, participating in a motorized speed contest, your professional participation in a sport, snorkeling or scuba-diving when that sport, snorkelling or scuba-diving is your principal paid occupation
• Self-inflicted injuries, unless the injuries are related to a mental health illness
• Committing or attempting to commit a criminal act
• Non-compliance with recommended or prescribed therapy or treatment
• Any loss, injury or death related to intoxication, the misuse, abuse, overdose or chemical dependence on medication, drugs, alcohol or other intoxicant
• Any loss resulting from a minor mental or emotional disorder
• Your routine prenatal care, pregnancy, childbirth or complications from either in the nine weeks before or after your expected due date, or a child born on the trip
• For insured children under the age of two, any medical condition related to a birth defect
• Any emergency that occurs or recurs after you’ve been advised to return home and you chose not to
• Death or injury sustained while piloting an aircraft, learning to pilot an aircraft or acting as a member of the crew
• Any act of terrorism or medical condition sustained in a country, region or city with a Government of Canada Level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel) or Level 4 (avoid all travel) is in effect before your coverage began
• Any act of war, noting that limited coverage exists with respect to an act of terrorism

There may be additional exclusions specifically for medical, trip cancellation/interruption/delay and baggage coverage.

To be eligible for Scotia Travel Insurance you must be:

• A resident of Canada and covered under a government health insurance plan
• At least 30 days old

In addition, the following makes you ineligible for Scotia Travel Insurance:

• Your physician has advised you not to travel at this time.
• You have a terminal illness or metastatic cancer.
• You require kidney dialysis.
• You have used or been prescribed home oxygen in the last 12 months.
• You have had a bone marrow, stem cell or organ transplant (with an exception for corneal transplants).

You can file a claim 24/7 by visiting the TravelAid mobile app, online at the Active Care Management claims portal (the insurer’s assistance and claims service provider), by email or by phone.

Claims must be reported within 30 days of the occurrence and you must submit your proof of claim within 90 days of the claim or the service provided. Your reimbursement will be paid out within 60 days, after your proof of claim and all documentation has been received. Completed claims forms and required documents can be submitted online, by email or by mail.

If you are making an emergency medical claim, documentation may include (but is not limited to):

• Original itemized receipts for all bills and invoices
• Proof of payment by you and any other benefits plan
• Medical records, including complete diagnosis by the attending physician or documentation by the hospital that must support that the treatment was medically necessary
• Proof of the accident if you are submitting a dental claim
• Proof of travel
• Your historical medical records, if required

For a trip cancellation/trip interruption/trip delay claim, you may be asked to provide:

• A medical certificate completed by the attending physician and stating why travel was not possible as booked, if the claim was for medical reasons
• A report from the police or other responsible authority documenting the reason for the delay if your claims is due to a misconnection
• Complete original unused transportation tickets and vouchers
• Original passenger receipts for the new tickets you had to purchase
• Original receipts for the travel arrangements you had paid in advance, and for the extra hotel, meal, telephone and taxi expenses you may have had
• The entire medical file of any person whose health or medical condition is the reason for your claim
• Any other invoice or receipt supporting your claim

If you are making a baggage insurance and personal effects claim, you may need to provide:

• In the event of theft, burglary, robbery, malicious mischief, disappearance or loss of an item covered under this insurance, you must obtain written documented evidence from the police, or if the police are unavailable, the hotel manager, tour guide or transportation authorities as proof of loss, damage or delay
• Damaged items for appraisal as the insurer covers the actual cash value of your property when it is damaged
• Proof that you owned the items and receipts for their replacement

If you are making an accident insurance claim, you may need to provide:

• A police, autopsy or coroner’s report
• Medical records
• A death certificate

Scotia Travel Insurance FAQs

Does scotia travel insurance pay for medical costs upfront.

According to the company, “The Assistance Centre has existing relations with certain medical providers all over the world to ensure medical emergency situations are handled as smoothly as possible. Our Assistance Centre will communicate with your medical provider, arrange direct billing where possible and coordinate payment of the emergency service received.”

Does Scotia Travel Insurance offer coverage extensions?

Yes. Your coverage is automatically extended for up to 72 hours if your return home is delayed due to a transportation issue. If you or your travelling companion are hospitalized, your coverage is extended for the period of hospitalization, plus up to five days after discharge. If you or your travelling companion are too sick to travel on your return date but do not require hospitalization, your coverage is automatically extended for up to five days.

If you want to stay longer on your trip, you can extend your coverage if you apply before the expiry date of your policy as long as there has been no event that has resulted or may result in a claim, and there has been no change to your health.

Does Scotia Travel Insurance require a medical questionnaire?

Yes. Travellers aged 60 or over are required to complete a health questionnaire to determine your eligibility and rate category.

Does Scotia Travel Insurance have any age restrictions?

Yes. You must be a minimum of 30 days old and no maximum age.

When does my coverage with Scotia Travel Insurance begin?

In general, if you purchase cancellation coverage, it begins the day you buy your policy and ends the day when you make a claim or leave on your trip. Your medical and interruption coverage, if purchased, begins when you leave home. Your delay coverage begins once an insured risk prevents you from returning home as scheduled.

Does Scotia Travel Insurance offer a free look period?

Yes. You have 10 days after purchase to review and return the certificate for a full refund, as long as you have not left on your trip and a claim has not been incurred.

Can I get a refund with Scotia Travel Insurance?

Refunds and cancellations are not available for any all inclusive plans, the Trip Cancellation/Interruption plan or the Multi-trip Emergency Medical plan.

If you’ve purchased an Emergency Medical plan, you can cancel your insurance prior to leaving on your trip. If you return home early, you can cancel your remaining coverage (less a $25 fee) provided:

• There has been no claim reported or initiated.
• You have not been provided with any assistance services.
• You have mailed your written request with proof of your return home.

Fiona Campbell is a Staff Writer for Forbes Advisor Canada. She started her career on Bay Street, but followed her love for research, writing and a good story into journalism. She is the former editor of Bankrate Canada, and has over 20 years of experience writing for various publications, including the Globe and Mail, Financial Post Business, Advisor’s Edge, Mydoh.ca and more.

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Travel Insurance is currently not available for Quebec Residents.

New to Scotiabank?  

Click on the link below to select your plan

Already a Scotiabank customer?

Click on the link below to select your plan as a Scotiabank customer.

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Travel Insurance

The plan if things don’t go as planned

Top reasons to pack Scotia Travel Insurance

Consider a plan with All Inclusive coverage

Save on premiums if you only travel within Canada

Choose a plan that suits the way you travel

Emergency medical coverage includes 24-hour Medical Concierge benefit

Which insurance plan is right for you?

Travelling Canadians

Knowing you’re protected makes every journey more rewarding.

• Get up to $10 million CDN in emergency medical insurance
• Choose the coverage that suits you best: COVID 19 Pandemic Travel, Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation/Interruption or All Inclusive Plans.
• Get further savings if you are a family

Student Plans

Medical insurance coverage for those studying abroad or within Canada.

• Up to $2 million CDN in emergency medical insurance
• Great for Canadian students studying in another province or country
• Ideal for international students studying in Canada
• If your school has medical insurance requirements, a Student plan may meet these requirements

Visitors to Canada

Explore Canada knowing you and your loved ones are protected.

• Flexible covered amounts available
• Emergency medical insurance for those up to 85 years old
• Available for singles, couples and families 1
• Great for visitors coming to Canada for an extended period

Helpful tools and resources

Packing for Your Vacation

Once you have chosen your destination, the next question is "what should I pack?".

Plan a Trip

Usually travel involves months of planning but sometimes it can be a spontaneous, last minute decision. Make sure you are prepared.

Protecting Your Home While You’re Away

Before heading out, deter intruders with this collection of tips and suggestions.

Need advice selecting a plan?

Frequently asked questions, why does any canadian travelling out of country need travel insurance if a traveller gets sick when travelling, won't their government health insurance plan pay for their medical expenses.

Please refer to the Government of Canada website for their recommendation on this matter:  https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/travel-insurance

Is medical travel insurance necessary when travelling within Canada?

Government health insurance plans do have limits on the reimbursement of the emergency medical expenses incurred while in another province. For example, air and ground ambulance costs, emergency dental treatment and prescription drugs might not be covered outside your province of residence. For maximum protection, purchase additional medical coverage even while travelling within Canada.

In the case of a medical emergency I am supposed to call the Assistance Centre. What if I don't get a chance to do that - will I still be covered?

We ask you to call our Assistance Centre ( 1-877-372-2988 ) so that we can confirm your enrolment under the plan, and, with the healthcare provider, manage the benefits in accordance with your policy. By calling the Assistance Centre, you may avoid out-of-pocket expenses. If you do not call the Assistance Centre, you will have to pay 20% of the medical expenses normally covered under this insurance. If it is medically impossible for you to call, please have someone call on your behalf. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Assistance Centre has been notified.

Can coverage be extended during my trip?

If you are already on your trip, you can extend coverage by calling Customer Service provided there has been no claim, no injury, sickness, or symptom has occurred that would give rise to a claim, or a change in your health. In addition, you must request the extension before your coverage expires and pay the appropriate premium. If you have a medical condition or pending claim, approval of the extension of your coverage is subject to approval.

If you have a Multi Trip Plan,  you must top up your coverage before you leave home by purchasing an Emergency Medical Top-Up plan for the additional number of days beyond the duration provided by your Multi Trip.

COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan [To be kept within the Travelling Canadians section] 

What is covered if I need to quarantine at location, duration of coverage, maximums?

Scotia Travel Insurance offers a COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan, which offers coverage in the event of quarantine outside of Canada. Coverage is for expenses such as your additional and unplanned commercial hotel and meal costs. You may receive:

1.            Up to $200 per day to a maximum of $2800 per person; or

2.           Up to $400 per day to a maximum of $5600 per family if you purchase family coverage.

These amounts are in Canadian dollars and coverage is provided for up to 14 days. 

Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan provide coverage with an “avoid non-essential travel" advisory, and if yes what happens if the Government changes it to a “avoid all travel"?

If on your departure date, an “avoid non-essential travel advisory” is in place for your destination, and your emergency or medical condition is unrelated to the travel advisory, you may submit your claim. Note: For claims due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) the “avoid non-essential travel advisory” does not apply.  Claims relating to treatment for Coronavirus (Covid-19) that you experience on a cruise, may be submitted if you are fully vaccinated. 

If the advisory changes to “avoid all travel”, and you departed prior to the date the travel advisory changed, you will continue to have medical coverage for COVID-19 and related complications for the full duration of your trip. Treatment for Coronavirus (Covid-19) that you experience on a cruise, may be submitted if you are fully vaccinated.

Are Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests that are required in destination or prior to returning home covered under the Pandemic Plan?

No, PCR tests, vaccines, immunizations, visas, passports, and other travel requirements are the responsibility of the traveller and are not covered under the COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan.

Is there trip cancellation coverage prior to departing Canada within the COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan?

The COVID-19 Pandemic Plan does not have any trip cancellation coverage. This plan includes emergency medical benefits and trip interruption benefits. You may also consider purchasing a Trip Cancellation/Interruption Plan. 

Does Manulife, the underwriter of the Scotia Travel Insurance program, pay upfront for medical, and/or quarantine benefits?

In the event of a medical emergency, insured individuals must contact The Assistance Centre, who will arrange direct billing of covered expenses, where possible. If you choose to pay eligible expenses directly, the Assistance Centre will reimburse you subject to the terms and conditions of the coverage. 

Can coverage be extended during my time abroad?

If you already have coverage, simply call Customer Service. You may be able to extend your coverage, as long as:

a. your period of coverage does not extend beyond 365 days;

b. you remain eligible for insurance under this plan;

c. we have received the extension requests prior to the expiry date of your existing polcy issued by us; and

d. there has been no change between single or family coverage.

For policy extensions, no losses or expenses or benefits will be paid for any illness or injury which first appeared, whether diagnosed or not, or for which treatment may or may not have been received, prior to the effective date of the extension of coverage under this policy.  If you have a medical condition or pending claim, approval of the extension is subject to the approval.

Hospital and medical bills can easily run into thousands of dollars. Would I need to pay up front if I had an accident while travelling?

As outlined under your plan, it is essential that you contact our Assistance Centre prior to receiving medical treatment. The Assistance Centre has existing relationships with certain medical providers all over the world to help ensure emergency situations are handled as smoothly as possible. Our Assistance Centre will communicate with your medical provider, arrange direct billing where possible and coordinate payment for the emergency service received.

What is the maximum number of coverage days under this policy?

Under this policy, the maximum number of coverage days is 365 days. Upon expiry of a policy that has been in effect for 365 days (366 days in a leap year), you may purchase another student policy for the following term if you are eligible for coverage.

Why do I have to call the Assistance Centre prior to receiving any medical treatment?

The Assistance Centre will explain coverage, monitor care, pre-approve treatment and confirm enrolment to the service provider and explain the coverage to healthcare providers to help ensure that medical services are provided in accordance with the benefits of your policy.

How can an applicant fill out an application if he/she is not in Canada or available to complete the application?

To apply for coverage, an applicant or someone on his/her behalf may complete and sign the Visitors-to-Canada application. If someone other than the applicant completes the application, that person must ensure that he/she has full authorization to apply on behalf of the application and full knowledge of the applicant’s health information to complete the application accurately. Any incorrect statements on the application may make the policy null and void.

Are refunds available?

A refund is available if you cancel the policy at any time before the effective date of insurance (minimum $25.00). When you obtain Canadian government health insurance plan coverage from a Canadian province or territory, or return home before the scheduled return date as per the confirmation, and no claim has been initiated or reported or assistance services have not been provided, refunds are available for the unused days of the trip (minimum $25.00).

We ask you to call our Assistance Centre so that we can confirm your enrolment under the plan and, with the health care provider, manage the benefits in accordance with your policy. By calling the Assistance Centre, you may avoid any out-of-pocket expenses. If you do not call the Assistance Centre, you will have to pay 20% of the medical expenses normally covered under this policy. If it is medically impossible for you to call, have someone call on your behalf. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Assistance Centre has been notified. See your policy for details.

Nova Scotia Tours & Vacations

This picturesque province will have you spellbound with its never-ending shorelines, magical lighthouses, and peaceful national parks. 

Turn your dream of exploring Canada’s east coast into a reality with our Nova Scotia tours and holidays. Full of coastal towns with plenty of whale-watching spots to get lost in, infinite seafood to fill up on, and over one hundred historic lighthouses to marvel at, this maritime destination offers outdoor adventure and extraordinary scenery for a trip you’ll never forget. Whether you want to immerse yourself in this province’s natural beauty, explore colorful fishing villages or treat your tastebuds to the sugary alcohol this region is known for, a journey through Nova Scotia is guaranteed to be one of your favorites. 

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The Maritimes: Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to Nova Scotia?

There are plenty of ways to get to Nova Scotia including driving along the Trans-Canadian Highway and connecting with the Nova Scotia Highway 104, flying into Halifax Stanfield National Airport from various destinations within Canada, and catching public transport including ferry, bus, and train services. 

How do I get around Nova Scotia?

Getting around Nova Scotia is super easy if you're traveling with a car or able to rent one from the airport once you've landed.

Without a car, getting to and from different places in Nova Scotia becomes more difficult with no clear public transportation system that will take you to the popular/tourist locations.

There are bus and shuttle companies that operate day tours from places such as Halifax to Lunenburg, as well as public transport systems within the larger cities themselves that are reliable and efficient.  

What's the weather like in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia's weather features four distinct seasons throughout the year: warm to hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

The shoulder seasons of fall and spring also experience typical weather patterns such as mild to warm temperatures and frequent rainfall. 

When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia has something to offer in every season but the most popular time to travel to this maritime province is in summer when events and festivals are frequent and the weather's warm enough to lay out on its beaches.

The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring are also a great time to visit the region with fewer crowds, more availability, and lower accommodation prices than in the height of summer.

Some of the best things to do during these seasons are hiking and surfing. 

What do I pack for a trip to Nova Scotia?

What to pack for a trip to Nova Scotia is largely like packing for any other destination but it does depend on what time of the year you're traveling in.

Temperatures rarely get that high in summer so packing dresses, t-shirts, and shorts will do the trick.

If you're traveling in winter make sure you rug up with waterproof jackets, coats, lots of layers, and thick socks.

Regardless of the season you're traveling in, you should always pack sunscreen, a reusable drink bottle, a backpack or day bag, and a camera. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Nova Scotia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

That welcoming atmosphere — combined with over 100 beaches, picturesque lighthouses, fresh seafood, and endless rugged coastline — makes visiting Nova Scotia an exciting (and underrated) destination in Eastern Canada.

Outside the capital city of Halifax, Nova Scotia is dotted with tiny fishing villages and coastal towns. Drive further north, and you’ll hit scenic Cape Breton Island which comes alive with vivid fall foliage each year along its Cabot Trail. In short, Nova Scotia is a province perfect for road trips.

Another bonus: Nova Scotia doesn’t see nearly as many tourists as the country’s larger cities, making it a somewhat off-the-beaten-trail destination that’s much more affordable than many of the more popular cities in Canada.

This travel guide to Nova Scotia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this beautiful east coast province!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Nova Scotia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Nova Scotia

1. Hike the Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail is easily the most popular hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It stretches 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) through thick forest and then along the coast to reach a viewing platform overlooking the ocean. It’s a breathtaking walk on which you might even encounter moose. The hike is suitable for all levels and takes between 1.5-3 hours. Make sure to bring your own water, good shoes, and clothing layers as the weather can change quickly. The most popular time to visit is July, August, and September but many people come to see the autumn leaves change in October. Park admission is 8.50 CAD.

2. Tour the Alexander Keith’s Brewery

Alexander Keith is a legend in Nova Scotia. He opened his brewery in 1820, became mayor of Halifax, and was so wildly popular that Halifax throws a massive birthday party for him on the waterfront every October. Today, the 200-year-old brewery is one of the oldest in North America. Take a tour of the Halifax brewery to learn more and sample some of the limited edition beers at “Stag’s Head” pub at the end of the tour. Tours are 29.95 CAD.

3. Hang out in Halifax

Halifax is Nova Scotia’s cool capital city. It’s home to half a dozen universities so it has a lively nightlife, a thriving music scene, and countless trendy restaurants and craft breweries. Stroll the waterfront boardwalk, grab a lobster roll, and spend the evening at a local pub. Take the ferry over to Dartmouth across the harbor, known as ‘Halifax’s Brooklyn’ and check out the live music at New Scotland Brewing Company. The city has a youthful, arty vibe and is worth visiting for a couple of days.

4. Visit Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

There are some 170 lighthouses in Nova Scotia, but Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is the most famous. Once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. It’s a quintessential red-topped lighthouse standing on a rocky shore overlooking the Atlantic. Walk around and enjoy the ocean views and snap some photos. Beware: rogue waves are common, even on calm days. It’s possible to reach the lighthouse via bus and taxi but it is much easier by car.

5. Drive the Cabot Trail

Other things to see and do in nova scotia, 1. go tidal bore rafting in shubenacadie.

The Shubenacadie River’s rapids in the Bay of Fundy are powered by the highest tides in the world. One minute you’re floating down a peaceful river keeping an eye out for bald eagles and other wildlife and the next minute the river turns into a raging, foaming mass of rapids. When the tide changes twice a day, the tidal bore temporarily reverses the flow of the river, resulting in this wild river ride. A four-hour tour includes the guided rafting excursion, safety flotation gear, extra mud sliding on request (yes!), and post-rafting showers for when you need to clean up. Make sure to bring an extra clean change of clothes as well as a towel. A four-hour rafting trip starts at 95 CAD.

2. Go whale watching

In the summer and fall, 12 species of whales visit the waters around Nova Scotia, including pilot whales, minke whales, giant humpbacks, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale. There are tons of whale-watching tours to choose from in the area, with most operating outside of Halifax. Mariner Cruises takes you out for a 2.5-hour boating tour for 50 CAD departing from Westport on Brier Island, while larger groups like Lunenburg Whale Watching Tours start at 70 CAD.

3. Enjoy summer on the water

Summer is short in Nova Scotia, so when the weather is nice and the sun comes out, Nova Scotians hit the water to go sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Surfing is also big here, with Lawrencetown Beach being one of the more popular areas to find the biggest waves. Go swimming at Melmerby Beach or take a kayak around Kejimkujik National Park. Kayak rentals cost around 25 CAD for two hours or 32 CAD for the entire day.

4. Wander the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens

Spanning 17 acres of greenery, these historical gardens overlook a tidal river valley and include an enormous rose collection (best seen in July) as well as an 18th-century Governor’s Garden and a 19th-century Victorian Garden. You can check out the reconstructed 1671 Acadian House or grab a coffee and light lunch at The Elm Tree Café (seasonal). It’s 16 CAD to visit except November to April when there is only a suggested donation of 5 CAD as the Gardens are not maintained during the winter months.

5. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site

This museum in Cape Breton is host to a rich collection of artifacts and documents chronicling the life and career of Bell, the inventor of the telephone. The collection was accumulated by his family during their time here in Baddeck, Cape Breton. In the parlor, you can see Bell’s personal effects, like his favorite jacket, notebook, and walking stick. You can also take a behind-the-scenes “White Glove Tour” of the artifact storage facilities. The site is open May-October and admission is 8.50 CAD (13 CAD for the white glove tour).

6. Explore the Highland Village Museum

Over the centuries, the Canadian Maritimes have been heavily influenced by Scottish and Irish immigration. This outdoor pioneer museum and Gaelic culture experience highlights that history. The 43-acre site overlooking Bras d’Or Lake includes historic buildings like three frame houses, a mill, and a forge. You can take part in a traditional céilidh dance, hear Gaelic singing, and even practice a little of the language yourself. It’s open from June to October and costs 11 CAD.

7. Tour the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

This museum depicts Nova Scotia’s maritime history with exhibits on boatbuilding, World War II convoys, the Titanic, and the Halifax Explosion (a huge disaster that happened in 1917, when two ships carrying ammunition ran into each other and destroyed much of the city). It’s a very comprehensive overview of the region’s history. Admission is 5.15 CAD from November-April and 9.55 CAD from May-October.

8. Visit nearby New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island

These two provinces are close to Nova Scotia and can be visited as day trips (or multi-day trips) if you have your own vehicle. Don’t miss New Brunswick’s Fundy National Park to see the world’s highest tides. In P.E.I., you can soak up some tranquility on the sea (and eat lots of seafood) and visit the Anne of Green Gables house.

9. Explore Lunenburg

Lunenburg is one of the most colorful towns you’ll ever come across. With its narrow streets and colonial 18th- and 19th-century buildings painted in bright hues of pinks, oranges, and greens, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the past. There are still tall ships in the harbor and even an operational blacksmith hammering away on the waterfront. The harbor is home to the famous Bluenose II, a replica schooner of the original Bluenose boat that’s featured on the Canadian dime (ten-cent coin). The Bluenose was a famous fishing/racing schooner that went undefeated in her 18-year run and is an iconic part of Canadian history.

10. Tour the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

If there’s just one museum you visit in Halifax, make it this one . Pier 21 was the immigration point for one million newcomers to Canada between 1928 and 1971. You’ll learn about 400 years of Canadian immigration history through first-person stories, archival photos, artifacts (including trunks and personal treasures), and digital documentation. Exhibits are incredibly interactive and you can even research your family’s pre-1935 immigration records from all ports of entry in North America. Admission is 15.50 CAD.

11. Relax in Kejimkujik National Park

For a taste of Maritime nature, come to this national park to paddle, hike, camp, and relax. Here you’ll find ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs), canoe routes, and coastal wilderness punctuated with sandy beaches and wildlife. To learn more about the Mi’kmaq people who traditionally have called the region home, join a storytelling session, take a guided petroglyph tour, or participate in a canoe-building workshop. Admission to the park is 6.25 CAD.

For more information on other destinations in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Nova Scotia Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels are virtually non-existent in Nova Scotia. The only exception is Halifax. A bed in a 4-6-person dorm costs 30-35 CAD per night. A private room costs about 78-90 CAD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available around the province starting at 27 CAD per night. This gets you a basic plot without electricity for two people.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start around 105 CAD per night for a place outside of Halifax. Within Halifax, most budget hotels start at around 130 CAD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker. Prices are lower during the off-season.

Airbnb is available all around Nova Scotia. Private rooms start around 50-75 CAD per night, though they average double (or even triple) that price. An entire home/apartment costs around 100 CAD per night, though they average closer to 160 CAD (200 CAD in Halifax). Book early to find the best deals.

Food -In Nova Scotia, seafood is king. Be sure to try scallops and oysters, wild blueberries, lobster, and donair (thinly sliced beef in a pita with a sauce that’s similar to kebab; it’s the official food of Halifax). Also, be sure to sample more general Canadian staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

You can find cheap street food eats like donair for around 7 CAD (go to Johnny K’s), or a small pizza on Halifax’s “Pizza Corner” (an intersection at Blowers Street and Grafton Street full of pizza places) for less than 10 CAD.

A fast food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 12 CAD. A lobster roll at an inexpensive restaurant is about 20 CAD, while lobster poutine is closer to 18 CAD. A bowl of pasta (such as scallop carbonara) costs around 20 CAD. A beer to go with it is about 7 CAD while a glass of wine starts at 9 CAD.

A meal at a higher-end restaurant costs about 40 CAD for a steak or duck entree without a drink, while lobster is closer to 55 CAD.

If you cook for yourself, expect to spend 50-65 CAD on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Some recommended places to eat include No. 9 Coffee Bar (Lunenburg), The Barn Coffee & Social House (Mahone Bay), The Economy Shoe Shop (Halifax), McKelvie’s Restaurant (Halifax), and The Wooden Monkey (Halifax).

Backpacking Nova Scotia Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Nova Scotia, expect to spend about 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transit to get around, and doing mostly free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add another 10-15 CAD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 180 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for a few meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities like rent a kayak, visit museums, and day trips to a nearby province.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, rent a car, drink more, eat out for most meals, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Nova Scotia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Nova Scotia can be an affordable destination if you budget properly. It gets more expensive during peak summer season and early fall (everyone comes to see the leaves change color). Here are some of my ways to save money in Nova Scotia during your visit:

• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host in Halifax. This way, you not only have a free place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – Walking tours are a great way to get familiar with a city and its culture. Halifax Free Walking Tours offers daily informative walking tours in the summer. In the off-season, tours are available by request. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Look for free events – Many of Nova Scotia’s events and festivals are free, including Halifax’s Busker Festival in July. Many towns (like Pictou) also have free summer concerts in public spaces. Check the Tourism Nova Scotia website for more info!
• Go camping – If you want to camp, use novascotia.goingtocamp.com to find available campsites around the province. A two-person site costs around 27-35 CAD.
• Look for the happy hours – The Ultimate Happy Hours website lists all the happy hour drink and food specials around Halifax. They update with new info frequently!
• Get the Museum Pass – If you plan on visiting lots of museums, the Nova Scotia Museum Pass lets you pay one price to access any of the province’s museum sites. It’s valid for 12 months and costs 47 CAD.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia doesn’t have many hostels and most of the existing ones are in Halifax. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• HI Halifax Heritage House Hostel
• Halifax Backpacker
• Bear on the Lake Guesthouse

How to Get Around Nova Scotia

Public transportation – Halifax is the only major urban center in Nova Scotia and locals depend on a public bus system to get around. Halifax’s public buses can take you all around the inner city and into the suburbs, but the downtown area is very walkable. Fares are 2.75 CAD.

You can take the MetroX bus from the airport to downtown St. John’s for 4.25 CAD (exact change required). There’s also a ferry connecting downtown Halifax to Dartmouth for 2.75 CAD.

Bus – Taking the bus is the best way to get around Nova Scotia if you don’t have a car. Maritime Bus connects most towns in the province. A two-hour trip from Halifax to Lunenburg is 26 CAD, while Halifax to Mahone Bay takes an hour and costs 20.25 CAD. Halifax to Sydney (Cape Breton) costs 72 CAD and takes 6 hours.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Taxi – Taxis are not cheap here. Their base rate is 3.75 CAD, and it’s an additional 1.70 CAD per kilometer afterward. Prices add up fast so I’d avoid them if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Halifax, but the city is easily walkable so I’d skip the ridesharing if you can.

Car Rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 30 CAD per day for a multi-day rental. If you want to take advantage of all that Nova Scotia has to offer, this is your best option. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is at its busiest in the summer, with the best weather occurring between June and August. Temperatures often exceed 25°C (78°F). Keep in mind that accommodation prices are higher during this time, but tourist attractions are never overly crowded compared to elsewhere in Canada.

Both early fall and late spring are also excellent times to visit. The weather is warm, you can do all the outdoor exploration you want, and the tourist season isn’t in full swing. This is the best time to drive Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail. The fall colors are particularly pretty.

Winters in Nova Scotia are cold and wet, with temperatures ranging between from -17-0°C (0-32°F) from December to March. If you come during this time, be prepared for all weather types and dress in layers because it is cold. Keep in mind that many businesses shut down for the winter (mostly outside of Halifax). In short, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you’re here for winter sports and activities.

How to Stay Safe in Nova Scotia

You don’t have to worry much about crime in Nova Scotia — it’s incredibly safe to visit. Your greatest risk is petty crime like pickpocketing, but even that is super rare. Overall, I really wouldn’t worry about crime here. Getting hurt hiking is more likely to happen than any crime!

Like much of rural Canada, Nova Scotia has ticks that carry Lyme Disease. If you’re hiking, try to wear long sleeves or pants, or stick to well-trodden trails. Check yourself for ticks after spending time in nature.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more information, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs in the city.

If you’re visiting in the winter, make sure you keep an eye on the weather — especially if you’re driving a car. Road conditions can change rapidly.

Hurricanes can occasionally make it up to the Maritimes, so keep an eye on them if you’re visiting during hurricane season (June-November).

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Nova Scotia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Nova Scotia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Canada and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How to use Scene+ points to reduce travel costs

by Anne Betts | Mar 21, 2024 | Travel Hacking | 32 comments

Updated March 21, 2024

What’s the best use of Scene+? Is Scene+ a useful program for travelling the world on miles and points? How does Scene+ work and what are the ways to use Scene+ points to reduce travel costs ? How does it measure up against the former Scotia Rewards program? How does it compare to other fixed-point reward programs? These questions and more hopefully will be answered in this guide to Scene+.

Table of Contents

Scene+ loyalty program

How to earn scene+ points, current scene+ credit card offers, other scene+ credit cards, what’s the best use scene+ points, 1. scene+ travel, how to redeem using ‘apply points to travel’, what qualifies as a travel purchase , refundable bookings, 1. several ways to earn scene+, 2. enhanced earning on travel purchases, 3. convenient system to cancel refundable bookings, 4. discounted annual fee, 5. no forex fee, 6. one-tier redemption value, 7. twelve months to redeem points, 8. excellent online redemption process, 9. access to rebates on credit card applications, 10. user-friendly scene+ app, 1. no way to extract greater value, 2. limited number of travel expenses, 3. points can’t be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs, 4. a rocky transition to the new program, 5. cineplex booking fee, final verdict.

Scene+ is the result of a merger between two former programs: Scotiabank’s Scotia Rewards and Cineplex’s SCENE with an effective date of December 13, 2021. In June 2022, grocery giant Empire joined as a third partner with a plan to replace Air Miles with Scene+ as its loyalty program.

Scene+ is a third-party program  operated by Scene Limited Partnership (owned by Scotia Loyalty Ltd., a subsidiary of The Bank of Nova Scotia), Galaxy Entertainment Inc. (a subsidiary of Cineplex Entertainment LP), and Empire Company Ltd., the parent company of stores that include Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, IGA, FreshCo, Needs,Thrifty, and Lawtons Drugs.

As such, Scotiabank no longer has an in-house loyalty program. This means that Scene+ points earned on Scotiabank credit cards reside in a third-party account. If the credit card that earned Scene+ points is cancelled, the points remain in the member’s Scene+ account, pooled with points earned on other Scotia banking products or a Scene+ Membership Card.

However, there are rules regarding activity. A Scene+ account may be closed, and points forfeited, without any earning or redeeming activity during any 24-consecutive-month period. But a member with a Scene+ Scotiabank product (a credit card or debit card in good standing) is exempt from account closure.

The Scene+ program offers several earning opportunities. These include:

• sign-up bonuses associated with credit cards that earn Scene+ points
• everyday spending on a choice of seven credit cards earning Scene+ points
• purchases using a debit card associated with Scotiabank’s banking packages (Preferred Package, Ultimate Package, Private Banking, Student Banking Advanced Plan, Getting There Savings Program for Youth)
• purchases at partners such as *Empire stores (e.g., Sobeys and Safeway) and  Home Hardware
• movie and entertainment purchases at Cineplex theatres or online at the Cineplex store
• cashback in points by shopping through the rebate portal, Rakuten
• dining at partners that include East Side Mario’s, Harvey’s, Kelsey’s, Montana’s, and Swiss Chalet 
• booking hotel stays and car rentals through Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia)
• purchases of games and eats at Playdium and The Rec Room

Another advantage of the merged program is that it’s possible to double-dip on earning at partner locations when using a Scene+ credit card and Scene+ Membership Card. Dining purchases at Swiss Chalet, for example, earn one point for every $3 spent and five points per dollar with the dining multiplier on the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. Special offers increase the earning power.

It pays to check your Scene+ account on a regular basis for current offers from Scene+ partners.

*Empire stores include Sobeys, Sobeys Liquor, IGA, Safeway, Safeway Liquor, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry, and Needs Convenience. In the Atlantic, Scene+ points can be earned at Lawtons Drugs that’s owned by Empire.

And of course, Scotiabank customers using select Scotiabank credit cards can ‘double dip’ by paying for purchases with a Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points. At Empire grocery stores, the multipliers are higher.

• Scotiabank Gold American Express Card earns 6 points per dollar
• Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card earns 3 points per dollar
• Scotiabank American Express Card earns 3 points per dollar

The latest promotion on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card sees a return of an annual fee waiver in the first year (a saving of $150). The sign-up bonus is

• an attractive 30,000 Scene+ on spending $1,000 in the first three months
• an unattractive 10,000 Scene+ points on spending $40,000 each year

Besides having worldwide acceptance as a Visa card, attractive features of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite include

• an accelerated earning rate of x3 at Empire stores
• accelerated earning rates of x2 on eligible grocery, transit, ride share, dining, and entertainment (applicable worldwide)
• no foreign transaction fees (2.5%)
• complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership and six lounge visits per year

The offer is available until July 1, 2024. Applying through the Great Canadian Rebates portal sweetens the deal with a $30 rebate.

The current promotion on the popular Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is in effect July 1, 2024. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an annual fee waiver in the first year. The annual fee is $120, or $79 for seniors, that can be offset by applying through a rebate portal. The current rebate at Great Canadian Rebates is $125.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card earns:

• 20,000 Scene+ on a $1,000 spend in the first three months
• additional 20,000 Scene+ on a $7,500 spend in the first year
• 6 Scene+ per dollar spent at Empire grocery stores
• 5 Scene+ per dollar spent on groceries (at grocery stores other than Empire), dining, food delivery, and entertainment
• 3 Scene+ per dollar spent on gas, transit, and select streaming services
• 1 Scene+ per dollar spent on everything else  

There’s no FOREX (foreign transaction) fee on purchases in a foreign currency.

Like most banks, Scotia offers a banking package where the annual fee on a credit card can be waived every year. For more information see the  Ultimate Package bank account.

In addition to the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, the other Scene+ credit cards are:

• Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
• Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card
• Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
• Scotiabank American Express Card
• ScotiaGold Passport Visa Card
• SCENE Visa Card
• SCENE Visa Card for Students

What’s the value of a Scene+ point?

Scene+ can be redeemed for Apple and Best Buy merchandise and gift cards, dining, movie tickets, and Scotiabank credit card account credits. Unless there are special offers, these types of redemptions are at a lesser value than when redeemed for travel.

The exception is at participating grocery stores where 1,000 points can be redeemed for $10 off grocery purchases. This is a value of one cent per point.  

Travel redemptions are consistently valued at one cent per point (i.e., 10,000 points = $100). This applies to Scene+ Travel bookings, and those booked independently through other providers.

Much like the former Scotia Rewards Program, there are two ways to redeem points for travel. An advantage over the former program is that the minimum threshold of 5,000 points ($50) no longer exists.

Scene+ Travel replaces the former in-house Scotia Rewards Travel Service. The new service under the auspices of Expedia operates in much the same way as ExpediaForTD, the portal for members of the TD Rewards program. Points can be redeemed against any travel booked via the portal.

Charge the full amount to your credit card, or against the points balance in your account. Or, use the part-points-part-charge option.

2. ‘Apply Points to Travel’

This operates much the same way as it did under the former Scotia Rewards Program. It’s for bookings with travel providers other than Scene+ Travel.  

Charge a purchase to your credit card and wait for it to post to your account. Points can then be redeemed against the purchase. This includes taxes, booking fees, airport fees, and travel insurance premiums.

A cardholder has 12 months from the posting date of the purchase to apply the points.

Log into your Scene+ account and navigate your way to  > Rewards > Travel (under Spend your points) > Apply Points to Travel

A drop-down menu will list the credit cards attached to your Scene+ account. Clicking on each credit card will reveal any purchases coded as travel in the period you select.

For example, in my case, all travel purchases charged to my Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card in the last 90 days appear as a list. They include a visa for Turkey, airport bus, hostel accommodation, transit card purchase and initial load, train ticket, scooter account top-up, and a drink at a hotel. 

I can redeem Scene+ points for specific charges by selecting each one. The Summary box to the right shows me my selected charges, the total number of points I’ve chosen to redeem, the monetary value of those points, and the remaining points in my Scene+ account.

Clicking the Continue button takes me to a confirmation page, and the information that the monetary value of my redemption will be credited to my credit card account in two to three days. A confirmation email with the same information is received within seconds.

To be eligible for redemption, the charge needs to be recognized as a travel purchase with merchant codes or identifiers set by the Visa network as:

• airlines and air carriers, airports, flying fields, and airport terminals
• lodgings, hotels, motels, resorts, trailer parks, and campgrounds
• passenger railways, bus lines, steamship, and cruise lines
• travel agencies and tour operators
• automobile rental agencies, and motor home/recreational vehicle rentals

These were the same identifiers previously used by the Scotia Rewards Program.

Based on previous experience, I’ve found that charges for passenger railways, bus lines, and tour operators could be inconsistently included or excluded as candidates for redemption.

For example, Queensland Rail travel between Brisbane and Maryborough West in Australia was eligible as a travel redemption. A journey of a similar distance with Irish Rail between Dublin and Galway wasn’t.

Also, when a purchase is coded as entertainment, it’s excluded from the list of travel charges. This has an impact on tours. For example, tours of Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol and Belfast Titanic were coded as entertainment. As a result, they didn’t appear on the list of eligible travel redemptions. Admission to Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral for a self-guided tour wasn’t coded as entertainment, but it appeared on the list of possible travel redemptions.

Another observation concerned dining purchases if they were purchased at a hotel or while travelling by train. They appeared as travel purchases on my account and were therefore eligible as a travel redemption.

There are many reasons to make refundable bookings. One issue to consider is whether you prefer to be refunded in points or cash if you need to cancel.

If you book through Scene+ Travel and make a booking using points, your cancelled booking will be refunded in points rather than cash. If you prefer a cash refund, you should book through a platform other than Scene+ Travel (e.g., Expedia) using your Scotiabank credit card and prepay in full. Once the charge posts to your account as a travel purchase, use the ‘Apply Points to Travel’ feature and select the transaction for redemption. The points value of the charge will be deducted from your Scene+ points balance and the cash value of the charge will post to your account within a few business days.

Then, cancel the refundable booking. I find the online process at Expedia using the Virtual Assistant is user-friendly and efficient. The charge will be refunded to your credit card account within five business days.

Ten attractive features of the Scene+ program

When combined with Scotiabank’s best features, the Scene+ program offers several advantages.

In addition to opportunities to earn points with Scene+ partners, Scotiabank has seven credit cards in the Scene+ family. Several of them offer points multipliers for various types of category spending.

The best points multiplier is on spending using the popular Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. It earns 5 points per dollar on groceries, dining, and entertainment and 3 points on gas, daily transit, and select streaming services. (The multiplier increases to 6 points per dollar at Empire grocery stores.)

Only purchases in Canadian funds are eligible for the points multiplier, but there have been reports of cases where the multiplier has been applied while travelling abroad. In my view, t he best use of the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is to use it exclusively for the x5 multiplier (x6 at Empire grocery stores). Even for gas, purchase gas gift cards at a grocery store for the x5 or x6 multiplier, and gift cards of other merchants you support. 

For moviegoers, the Scene Visa Card (or the Scene Visa Card for Students) may be useful as a no-fee ‘forever card’ to build and anchor a person’s credit history. It earns x5 on purchases at Cineplex theatres or at cineplex.com, but its value to someone without a lengthy credit history is that it could help elevate a credit score and a person’s credit worthiness. 

Scene+ credit cards earn 3 points per dollar (pre-taxes and fees) on hotel and car rental bookings at Scene+ Travel. The occasional offer such as x10 points on hotel bookings in the fall of 2022 boost earning efforts. This is in addition to the points earned on the respective credit card.

Refundable bookings at Scene+ Travel are conveniently and efficiently processed by Expedia’s Virtual Agent. Clicking on the Customer Support link at the bottom of the confirmation email takes you to your Scene+ account login and then to the Virtual Agent where you’ll be prompted to enter your itinerary number or the last four digits of the credit card used for the booking. Once the Virtual Agent locates the booking, one click cancels it and an email arrives within seconds confirming the cancellation. 

Scotiabank offers discounted annual fees for seniors. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card has a fee of $79 (as opposed to $120). The ScotiaGold Passport Visa Card’s fee is $65 (compared to $110).  

Scotiabank is to be applauded for being the first of the big-five banks to offer a no-FOREX-fee credit card to its Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card. I suspect that dropping the 2.5% fee cuts into a lucrative profit margin but clearly it’s been worth it. Otherwise, Scotia wouldn’t have added this feature to the popular Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. Needless to say, it came with an annual fee increase from $99 to $120 and the downgrading of several benefits.

To help you decide if a no-FOREX-fee credit card is the best credit card to have while travelling abroad, see Is a no-FOREX-fee credit card always the best choice for international travel?

Unlike other programs (e.g., TD Rewards), there’s no loss of value between using Scene+ Travel and other travel providers. The flexibility to book travel with any provider without any devaluation of points means cardholders can search for the best deal and use a vendor of their choice.

Dealing directly with a provider can be beneficial. In the case of flight delays and overbooked or cancelled flights, it’s my experience that service is better if the booking was made directly with the airline. For hotel bookings, it’s usually necessary to have booked directly with the hotel’s booking service to earn loyalty points and other loyalty program benefits.

(For AirBnB bookings, if you’re chasing Avios points, consider booking through the British Airways Executive Club portal to earn x3 Avios points on each pre-tax £1/€1/$1 spend on accommodation or experiences, plus what you earn on your credit card of choice.)  

Having 12 months to use the ‘Apply Points to Travel’ route means you don’t need to have the points when you book. You can accumulate the necessary points using the welcome bonus and points multipliers with your Scene+ credit card, and then redeem them when it’s to your advantage.

The online system for post-purchase redemptions is user-friendly and efficient.

Scotiabank regularly uses affiliate partners that offer rebates on approved credit card applications. For example, the Great Canadian Rebates (GCR) rebate of $150 on the popular Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is very appealing.

Offers are loaded on the app and the Scene+ membership card is within easy reach to take advantage of earning opportunities. Tapping on an account holder’s points total reveals points-earning activity by date and credit card, with multipliers. A quick glance reveals if points and multipliers have been correctly applied.

The Scene+ app mirrors essential account information available at the Scene+ site.

  Five shortcomings of the Scene+ program

Unlike CIBC Aventura, RBC Avion Rewards, and American Express Membership Rewards, at the present time, Scene+ doesn’t have a flight reward chart where it’s possible to extract a value greater than one cent per point.

For more information on the CIBC Rewards (Aventura) program, see When travelling the world on miles and points, is the CIBC Aventura program worth it?

The system of merchant codes and travel identifiers is mostly restricted to flights, accommodation, transit, car rentals, cruises, and travel packages. Attractions, tours, and sundry travel purchases are mostly excluded. In this respect, TD Rewards can be redeemed for a broader range of travel expenses.

For more information on the TD Rewards program, see: When travelling the world on miles and points, is the TD Rewards program worth it?

There are no conversion partners where it might be possible to extract a greater value than one cent per point on travel redemptions.

Based on the comments in various miles-and-points forums, far too many people had negative experiences with the transition to the Scene+ program. Missing points, missing multipliers, and other anomalies have resulted in reports of people who, in frustration, stopped using Scene+ credit cards until such time as the glitches were resolved. While some issues have been addressed, not all problems have been resolved. Thankfully, Scene+ has a callback system based on a caller’s place in the callback queue.

Also, Scene+ is yet to expand its two-factor authentication to include email. Members with a physical SIM card and local number (or eSIM data-only package) while travelling abroad cannot receive a text or call to a Canadian number that temporarily doesn’t exist or is not in service. Unlike Aeroplan, I can receive an email to confirm my identity and log into my account to manage bookings. This isn’t possible with Scene+ and renders it less useful while travelling.   

In June 2022, Cineplex undermined the convenience of online bookings by introducing a non-refundable booking fee $1.50 per movie ticket. The fee is discounted for Scene+ members (to $1.00 per ticket), and waived for CineClub members enrolled in Cineplex’s monthly subscription service. It doesn’t apply to movie tickets purchased at the theatre.

1. The x5 points multiplier on groceries, dining, and entertainment (x6 at Empire grocery stores) helps make the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card a useful keeper card for many cardholders, and a strong earner of Scene+ points.

2. The addition of Empire is exciting news for Scene+ members who find value in the Scene+ program and now earn points on grocery and drug store purchases at stores under the Empire umbrella. The points boost from x5 to x6 on purchases at Empire grocery stores on the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is welcome news indeed.  

3. The flexibility in redeeming Scene+ for purchases from any travel provider with no loss in value makes it a very attractive fixed value program. In this respect, it has the edge on the TD Rewards Program that has a two-tier redemption structure.

4. The ease of redeeming points online is a welcome user-friendly feature. Having 12 months to do so adds to the appeal.

5. Scene+ points are handy for a variety of travel expenses such as budget flights or those that aren’t part of a primary airline alliance/frequent flyer program. They’re useful for ground transportation, ferries, and miscellaneous accommodation that are outside existing airline and hotel loyalty programs. When used strategically, they can play a beneficial role in reducing out-of-pocket travel expenses.

6. The program has excellent potential as one of several secondary programs in a diversified miles-and-points portfolio. As such, it can be used to complement frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs that are capable of generating a much greater value than one cent per point.

As far as I can see, the new Scene+ program is greater than the sum of its former parts. With no obvious signs of devaluation, it replaces Scotia Rewards as my favourite fixed-point program.

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. Do you collect Scene+ points? If so, what’s your experience with the program? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

Might you be interested in my other miles-and-points posts?

• When travelling the world on miles and points, is the CIBC Aventura program worth it?
• Is a no-FOREX-fee credit card always the best choice for international travel?
• Finding Aeroplan flights: a step-by-step guide
• Meeting Minimum Spend Requirements to travel the world on miles and points  
• Lounge and flight review of United Airlines’ Polaris experience
• Does the BMO Air Miles World Elite MasterCard deserve a place in your wallet?
• Travelling the world on miles and points. Is the TD Rewards program worth it?
• Why the Best Western loyalty program is good for travellers
• What is the best credit card for trip cancellation, trip interruption and flight delay insurance for trips on points?

Care to pin for later?

32 Comments

Hi Anne Great article on a card I do not have yet. One question. It says that the points credit may not show up for up to two statements. Does this mean interest is charged for those two months, then credited back or is the credit in the system but just not showing? I would hate to leave any balance on a card even when a credit will eventually come.

Hi John. The credit appeared on my account much faster, and there’s no interest involved. Here’s an example using the Spirit of Queensland train fare. I charged it to my credit card in January and the $371.38 charge appeared on my next statement. Each monthly balance is paid in full so by the time I took the train in March, it had already been paid. When I returned from Australia in April, I redeemed 37,138 points and the credit voucher for $371.38 appeared in my account within a matter of days. That put my credit card account in the black at the end of April, and each subsequent charge on my credit card was deducted from that credit. Had I chosen to close the account with a credit, I could have asked for a cheque, or had it transferred to my no-fee Scotia credit card. Does this help answer your question?

Anne, hi. I have the same question on how many days are taken from the date of post-purchase redemption request to a date of showing up in a credit card account. The UP-TO 2 statement periods is really scaring me. You said that it took only several days in your example. Based on your experience , is a week realistic?

Hi Seong. Thanks for dropping by. My experience involved just a few days. It’s my sense banks are over cautious with their “up-to” advertised long periods for points, refunds, buddy passes and the like to be posted. I should think a week is a reasonable expectation despite the stated two statement periods.

Hi Anne, as March 8 2023, the Apply Points to travel Button seems to be gone as an option to redeem existing points. The only way left is to purchase a new trip through their portal powered by Expedia!

Hi Anne, Although in theory the merger of ScenePlus and ScotiaRewards seems to be an excellent program, it is having some serious startup problems : missing points, missing multiplier points, as well as points double-posted including double-posted points for returns. Calculating an accurate points total is almost impossible. A month and a half after the merger the problems have not yet been resolved. Phoning in to rectify the points balance involves wait times of up to four hours plus. All of this for a points program that that involves annual fees. Disappointed? You bet.

Agreed, there have been lots of complaints, especially on multipliers. I’m fortunate in that my Scotia Rewards all converted to Scene+ but I’m taking a break from using Scene+ credit cards until there are reports that the glitches have been fixed. Some reports indicate a commitment to have it fixed sometime in February. Fingers crossed, as I quite like this as a secondary program.

Hello, Anne. Although the merger of ScenePlus and ScotiaRewards appears to be a great programme in theory, it has a number of major initial issues, including missing points, missing multiplier points, and double-posted points, including double-posted points for returns. It’s nearly impossible to calculate an exact point total. The issues have not been resolved a month and a half after the merger. Calling in to correct the points balance can take up to four hours or more. All of this for the sake of a points programme with annual payments. Disappointed? Yes, absolutely.

Hello, Anne. I have the same issue about how long it takes from the time a post-purchase redemption request is submitted to the time the funds appear in a credit card account. I’m terrified of the UP-TO 2 statement periods. In your example, you mentioned it just took a few days. Is a week realistic based on your experience?

A week was realistic with the former Scotia Rewards program. I’m yet to make a redemption from the new Scene+ program.

Hi Anne, thanks for the review. The lack of Forex fees is a big win for me and anybody who uses their VISA abroad. However I noticed that booking travel although is ‘powered by’ Expedia, doesn’t offer the same benefits as using Expedia directly. i.e. must book flights and hotels separately, no packages or package discounts are available. I even did a head-to-head comparison for an upcoming trip to Miami and found the Expedia website price cheaper than via Scene+ Travel, which is very frustrating.

Thank you for this breakdown Anne. I have the Scotia Gold Amex and waiting for the Scotia passport in the mail. Im have no experience in this program and my question is, do my points combine from both cards or do I end up with 2 separate Scene+ accounts?

Marlene, your points combine in the same Scene+ account. You’ll see your total points and a breakdown of the points from your feeder cards. Many people have experienced problems with points being posted correctly, including multipliers, so it’s a good practice to check your points during these early months of the new program.

Greetings, I have a Scotiabank Passport Infinite card I’ve been using in the United States but I don’t seem to be accumulating scene rewards points. Are US dollar spends eligible for points? Tried to connect with Scenes.ca but don’t have time to wait for the estimated 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Yes, the Passport Visa Infinite earns Scene+ on foreign purchases, both base points and the multiplier. It sounds like you’re one of several people experiencing glitches during the transition from Scotia Rewards to Scene+.

This was really helpful – thank you so much! I was struggling to find information on the new program and you’ve summarized it in a very user-friendly way.

Hello. Do you know if AirBnB bookings can be redeemed as part of the Points for Travel program? Is it considered an Eligible Travel Expense?

Hi Cathy. AirBnB is a recognized accommodation provider by the Visa network so it should appear on your list of eligible travel redemptions on your Scotiabank credit card account that earns Scene+ points.Good luck.

Unlike with Scotia Rewards, booking airfare through the new Scene+ system is a complete horror show. People assisting with bookings are incompetent and most do not have adequate English language skills.

I have had exactly the same experience. Very disappointing after receiving consistently excellent service through the previous program.

Where can I find the redeem Scene+ points for travel purchases already made button. I can see my points balance but can’t seem to find the button to redeem. Thanks

It should be in your Scotia account (not Scene+). Any purchases coded as travel should appear as eligible for redemption.

The apply points to travel is not operating at all like it used to with scotia rewards. I made several purchases in the last 6 months of airlines, hotels, taxis, etc. and none of them show up in the list for redemption. It’s really frustrating. Also I used to get double points with my card on any travel bookings before and now it’s just regular points. And living overseas it used to also allow me to get bonus points on restaurants/ entertainment that wasn’t exclusively in Canada. Now not..

Says you need to phone if you want to apply “partial” redemption, as it isn’t yet available in the app. But when you live overseas calling doesn’t work. Overall just a huge disappointment since switching.

Thanks a lot for your summary – so useful. I’ve had a Scotiabank visa infinite since earlier this year. My question is, I have about 60000 scene + points. I’ve incurred hundreds of dollars of travel expenses within the last 6 months. Is there any downside to simply using the “apply points to travel” option and cashing everything out? Am I missing out on any potential better use of the points? Doesn’t seem like it to me, but I’m new to this program, so just wanted to ask an expert. Thanks!

Hi Jonathan. Unless there are special offers, I’m assuming travel redemptions at a penny a point offer the best return. The only downside I can think of to NOT using the points now against recent travel expenses is the possibility of a devaluation. I like to think that’s not likely in the near future given the need to attract members and build confidence in the Scene+ program.

My mother just got her visa infinite scene card in the mail and she is ready to collect points. After reading this I’m a little concerned. We planned on paying our travel agency with the card to earn points, but I’m starting to see that won’t work. Will we earn points for booking tours and whatnot when not using the travel portal? Do you earn points with every purchase?

Thanks for the help

Yes, you earn points with every purchase. So is it the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card? If so, the earning rate is 1 point for every $ spent, except it increases to 2 points per $ on groceries, dining, entertainment, and daily transit. So if you pay your travel agent $500, 500 points will be earned on the purchase. Does this help?

I just got a new Scene+ card from my local Foodland store. When I went to register it I was not happy that I was expected to enter a credit card number as well to complete the process. I found that very suspicious and unless I can be convinced that it is necessary I won’t bother with the card.

Scene is terrible to deal with, please if you are reading this DO NOT GET ANY SCENE CARD! I ordered a 100 dollar gift card that never came. I have called and emailed for months and they will not return my points, so I’m out 100 dollars. All banks have points now, go to one that works, scene is garbage.

It is March 2023 and Scene+ still is in a mess. It is unclear whether they give 3x points for flights and hotels (as they advertise) or 1 point for every dollar spent. Just got back from Europe where all travel and hotels were paid for using Scotiabank Infinite Passport card and only 1 point/$spent appears on statement. The call centre staff are, for the most part, absolutely useless. Why is it called Powered by Expedia? Do you have to book through Expedia?

Thanks for this information. I’ve been trying to confirm with Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card that even foreign purchases earn points (1 point per dollar). Is that your understanding? Purchases made around the world still earn points? Thank you!

Yes, the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite earns points on all foreign transactions. It also earns points on the multiplier categories. So if you use the card in any country on dining or groceries, it earns x2 points. If you link it to your Uber account, you’ll earn x2 on the ride-share category. All the best.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

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The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
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• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
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Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

I am very satisfied.

I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

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I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

The tour lived up to all expectations

I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

Everything was perfect and we are very satisfied with services and accommodations.

Loved my time in Russia

The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

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The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

Thank you for your help !!! was an unforgettable trip.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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7 most PRESTIGIOUS & EXPENSIVE districts in (and near) Moscow

1. Rublevka

Rublevka, simply put, is Russia’s “Beverly Hills”: home to rich, famous, and influential Russians who live in luxury, hidden behind tall fences and walls. Technically, it is located outside Moscow, some 10 kilometers to the west via the Rublevo-Uspenskoe Highway, yet the area, and its residents, are nonetheless an integral part of Russia’s capital.

Officially, there is no such an administrative unit as Rublevka. Instead, the name of the area is a social construction, popularised in mass culture as a synonym of being filthy rich, as it is one of the most expensive residential areas in the world. It is also a play of words as – you know it – the ruble is the Russian currency.

In Tsarist Russia, nobility built homes here, only to be replaced by dachas of Lenin, Stalin, and other state officials after the Bolshevik Revolution. In Soviet times, famous scientists, artists, and writers — including Mstislav Rostropovich, Andrei Sakharov, Dmitry Shostakovich — had dachas in Rublevka. Today, Rublevka is inhabited by oligarchs, multi-millionaires, and all-powerful figures. The Russian President’s official residence is in Novo-Ogaryevo – not far from Rublevka.

Although Rublevka is considered the most famous luxury residential area in the immediate vicinity of Moscow, there are many other elite villages and areas in the Moscow Region, most of which are located to the west of the capital.

2. Ostozhenka and the ‘Golden Mile’

The Golden Mile is an unofficial name for one of the most expensive residential areas in Moscow. It is a small piece of land where luxury real estate has been built. It is located between Ostozhenka Street and Prechistenskaya Embankment, a 10-15 minute walk from the Kremlin, with some of the buildings overlooking the Moscow River.

With prices up to $40,000 for a square meter, Ostozhenka is often listed among the most expensive streets in the world. Given that an average apartment there is around 240 square meters in size, the price tag for it can reach as high as $10 million or even more.

“[Before 1989], this area was abandoned, because of the planned construction of the Palace of the Soviets (which was to be built on the site of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour). The entire area was planned to be cleared to make possible the construction of a wide avenue leading to the Lenin Hills [currently known as Vorobyovy Gory],” says Alexander Skokan, an architect and a founder of the Ostozhenka Bureau.

However, the Palace of the Soviets was never built. Instead, luxury houses began to be erected there. Consequently, it may be hard to come by residents in this area, as most of the buildings have been bought for investment purposes.

3. Khamovniki

Khamovniki is the official name of a district located in central Moscow. It starts from Aleksandrovskiy Sad next to the Kremlin and spreads across to the Luzhniki Stadium and Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory) in the western part of the city.

Historically, this is where weavers used to live, who were known as ‘Khamovniki’ in the 17th century. Hence, the name of this historic district.

Today, Khamovniki is one of the most popular areas of the Russian capital among apartment buyers. Yet, it’s also one of the most expensive districts in Moscow, where one square meter of apartment costs approximately $11,000; a price tag far beyond the average in Moscow.

The Moscow River, multiple parks and numerous metro stations make this elite district ecologically clean and also easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Pre-revolutionary houses, Soviet buildings and modern projects are available on this stretch of land. Among others, one of Russia’s greatest writers Leo Tolstoy owned an estate in Khamovniki in 1882 (which is now part of his family estate).

4. Yakimanka

This is a neighboring district to Khamovniki, lying to the Southwest of the city center. Everyone who has ever been to Moscow knows Gorky Park, which covers most of the district’s territory. Yakimanka is one of the most stylish areas in Moscow and it is well known for its clubs, cocktail bars and cozy restaurants, as well as for the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Muzeon Park of Arts.

The district is also home to old factories built in the early 19th century. Most of these buildings have been rebuilt as offices. Elite real estate in this district may also cost up to $20,000 per square meter.

This is another historic and luxurious district, craved by anyone who dreams of settling in Moscow. It stretches from the Moscow Kremlin on the west to the Moscow River in the east, with New Arbat Avenue being its major artery. Here, the famous Spaso House , the residence of the U.S. ambassador to Russia since 1933, is located, as well as other historical landmarks .

As in many other districts in Moscow, Arbat has it all when it comes to real estate: pre-revolutionary houses, Soviet buildings and modern luxury apartment blocks. An average price tag for a square meter of real estate here is $10,000. Yet, naturally, you can find much more expensive housing than that in the area.

6. ‘Presnya’

The Presnensky district, as it is officially known, lies to the immediate north of the Arbat district. Although real estate here is generally not as expensive as in the above-mentioned districts, there are two especially affluent areas that make the average price tag skyrocket: Patriarch Ponds and the Moscow City business center, where the famous skyscrapers are located.

One square meter in one of the towers of the Moscow City business center can cost up to $20,000. Considering there are premium apartments that take a whole or even multiple levels, the final price can be extremely high.

7. Tverskoy, Meschansky, and Zamoskvorechye

Zamoskvorechye.

These three districts — two to the north of the Kremlin and one to the south — are all affluent areas of the city. The State Duma and the Governor-General Building (which today is the Moscow Mayor's Office), among other important buildings, are located in Tverskoy district.

These three districts are similar to each other in the sense that they lack vacant land to make major new development projects possible. Instead, a relatively small number of offers is on the market. The average price of one square meter of housing in these areas amounts to $7,300.

Click here to find out what to sightsee on Tverskaya street.

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The 7 Best New and Affordable Places To Travel in 2024

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Planning your 2024 vacation? If your wanderlust has you eager to go where you've never been, consider one of these new and affordable destinations for 2024.

Find Out: 8 Tips to Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy Read More: 5 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Most safari vacations offer rustic accommodations, and a stay at Angama Amboseli does mean you'll be sleeping in a tent. But you'll also be able to gaze on the majesty of African elephants in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. The resort celebrates the local indigenous community in its architecture and its culinary offerings.

For You: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That are a Waste of Money Try This: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Busan, South Korea

While the K-pop stars BTS may have put Busan on the map, an influx of new resorts keeps it there. A new Windham property joins many beachfront resorts on the Sea of Japan. Foodies will want to consider Busan as it will welcome a new Michelin guide this year.

Check Out: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean views and a thriving maritime economy have long been associated with Nova Scotia, but this seaport now boasts an emerging technology industry. The newly redeveloped waterfront area features the Queen's Marque, with restaurants, art galleries and a five-star hotel.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This Australian destination has rebuilt much of its lost in bushfires in 2020, and several new resorts will open this year. Cabn X is an affordable option, with small homes with a modern feel, and Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the fires, has been rebuilt and is now open.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR has long been known as an affordable Caribbean destination, but it is now being recognized for luxury as well. Several new resorts in Punta Cana will open this year, including the St. Regis Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, and a new W hotel. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and some only welcome adults.

Find Out: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Quito, Ecuador

Most travelers visit Quito on their way to the Galapagos Islands, but the Ecuadorian capital has undergone a recent renaissance that makes it a destination in and of itself. An expanded subway has reduced traffic congestion and made it easier for non-locals to get around. New shops, galleries and restaurants have much to offer visitors, and its weather is mild year-round.

Transylvania, Romania

Beautiful castles and a rich history will prove that Transylvania is known for more than just vampires. Try Bethlen Estates near many historical sites, including Dracula's Bran Castle, for luxury. For a retreat experience, Matca offers walking safaris and praying with monks, all with views of the Carpathian Mountains.

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