Using points for trip to Edmonton via Toronto

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I’m looking to travel with my wife to Edmonton next September (2025). We are considering using Virgin via Toronto and would like to spend a few days in Toronto before we continue to Edmonton.
I currently have 53,500 Flying Club points but with over 20,000 Hilton I could convert those to get 3,000 so I will have about 57,000 in Oct when the flights become available. I am very close to getting a Companion Voucher and could pay off the remainder of a Cruise in advance to achieve enough spend on my Credit Card.
I am thinking we could use West Jet for the Toronto to Edmonton leg as they are a Code share with Virgin.
So can I;
1) Buy tickets with a transfer that includes a few days in Toronto (I would like this as insurance if West Jet foul up on the way back, Virgin are responsible for the Toronto to UK portion)
2) How many Flying club points will I need. I think its 55k, but can I use them for Toronto to Edmonton ?
3) I think I read Toronto was a summer route for Virgin will they therefore be operating in September
4) Could I use a companion ticket for the above
5) Is there a better way to achieve this, that I have overlooked.

Many thanks in advance.

[aq.1988]

I’m sure someone else with more knowledge will be along to answer your questions, but do not convert your Hilton points to Virgin for such a poor return. You can simply buy the points you need, and they regularly have bonuses for buying, as well as regular redemption discounts.

[marks7389]

Unfortunately, West Jet are not a Sky team member and, so far as I’m aware, Virgin points redemptions are not possible.

So if you want to book a Virgin redemption to Toronto, the onward Edmonton flights will have to be booked separately and you will be responsible for making the connection both ways.

You can only use the companion voucher on Virgin flights in any case.

I would imagine September will be OK. Points requirement will depend on which cabin you want to fly in and whether the dates are standard or peak. The redemption chart is here:

https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/us/en/flying-club/spend-points/reward-flights.html