Few coffee rituals spark as much anticipation as peeling back the rim of a Tim Hortons cup. For its 40th anniversary, Roll Up the Rim returns on February 23, 2026 (Vancouver CityNews, Canadian local news), blending the classic physical roll with digital play through the Tim Hortons app.

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Start Date: February 23, 2026 ·
End Date: March 22, 2026 ·
Edition: 40th Anniversary ·
Play Methods: Physical cup rim and Tim Hortons app ·
Prize Count: Over 30 million ·
Official Name: Roll Up To Win®

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact value and number of grand prizes (e.g., car and vacation winners)
  • Detailed free-play rules beyond “no purchase necessary”
  • Whether all Tim Hortons locations have equal cup supplies
3Timeline signal
  • Feb 23, 2026: Contest launches (Vancouver CityNews)
  • Mar 22, 2026: Contest ends (cup rolls while supplies last) (Vancouver CityNews)
  • Apr 3, 2026: Digital rolls must be revealed (Vancouver CityNews)
  • May 4, 2026: Major cup prize claim deadline (Vancouver CityNews)
4What’s next
  • Watch for cup supplies at participating locations
  • Download the Tim Hortons app to start earning digital rolls
  • Claim any winning rolls and major prizes before deadlines

The contest details show a dual-path structure for players.

Attribute Value
Contest Name Roll Up To Win® (Roll Up the Rim)
Start Date February 23, 2026
End Date March 22, 2026
40th Anniversary Yes
Play Methods Physical cups and Tim Hortons app
Prize Count Millions
No Purchase Necessary Entry Available via app

What are the dates for Roll Up the Rim?

When does the contest start and end?

  • The official contest period runs from February 23 to March 22, 2026, as confirmed by Vancouver CityNews (local news outlet).
  • Digital rolls earned through the app must be revealed by April 3, 2026 (Vancouver CityNews).
  • Major prizes won on physical cups must be claimed by May 4, 2026 (Vancouver CityNews).

The implication: three distinct deadlines create a staggered claim window that rewards attentive players.

What does “while supplies last” mean?

Physical cup rolls are available only as long as participating Tim Hortons locations have promotional cups in stock. The Tim Hortons official news release (national coffee chain) notes that cup roll period closes once cups are depleted; customers are advised to check in-restaurant for availability.

When is Roll Up the Rim 2026 Canada?

  • The contest is open across Canada. Key dates apply nationwide: February 23 start, March 22 end, April 3 digital reveal deadline, May 4 major prize claim deadline.
  • Eligibility: Canadian residents aged 13+ (14+ in Quebec) (Vancouver CityNews).
The upshot

With both physical and digital deadlines spread over three months, players who don’t claim prizes promptly risk losing them. Mark your calendar for the April 3 digital roll deadline.

Is Roll Up the Rim coming back in 2026?

Will Roll Up the Rim ever come back permanently?

Yes – and not just for 2026. Tim Hortons confirmed that physical rim rolls are returning as a permanent feature of all future Roll Up To Win contests (Vancouver CityNews). The 2026 edition marks the permanent revival of the physical cup game alongside the existing digital platform.

What is the 40th anniversary celebration?

  • The 2026 contest is the 40th iteration of Roll Up the Rim, first launched in 1986 (Vancouver CityNews).
  • To mark the milestone, the brand is offering over 30 million prizes – more than in typical years – including grand prizes like 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric vehicles and all-inclusive resort vacations (Vancouver CityNews).
Why this matters

For Canadian coffee drinkers who missed the physical ritual, the permanent return means the tactile experience of rolling a rim is no longer a one-off nostalgia play. It’s now a fixture of the loyalty program.

What is Roll Up To Win®?

How does roll up the rim work in 2026?

  • Roll Up To Win® is the official program name (formerly known as Roll Up the Rim to Win).
  • Players can either fold back the rim of a physical promotional cup to see if they’ve won, or play digitally through the Tim Hortons app by scanning eligible purchases or using free-play entries (Tim Hortons official news release).
  • Each play gives a chance to win instant-win prizes (e.g., free coffee, donuts) or grand prizes (e.g., a Volkswagen ID. Buzz).

What is the difference between physical and digital play?

The trade-off between methods suits different player habits.

Play method How to play Key details
Physical cup rim Purchase an eligible beverage/food item; roll the rim tab on the cup Available while supplies last; winners claim prizes in-store or by mail for major items
Digital via Tims Rewards app Scan app when purchasing eligible items; earn digital rolls automatically No purchase necessary for entry; digital rolls must be revealed by April 3, 2026
Bonus digital rolls Use reusable cup with eligible purchase; buy Tims at Home products; open a Tims Mastercard Extra rolls for loyalty actions; 50 bonus rolls for new Mastercard account (Tim Hortons official news release)

The catch: physical play delivers instant gratification, while digital rolls accumulate and must be revealed before the deadline. Both paths offer the same prize pool.

How do I play Roll Up To Win® without making a purchase?

Does Tims still accept roll up the rim?

Yes – in fact, Tim Hortons has expanded the free-play entry method for digital rolls. According to the Tim Hortons official news release, players can earn digital rolls on eligible purchases, but also have the option to play without any purchase by using the app’s free-play mechanism (details in official rules).

How do I enter via the app without a purchase?

  1. Download the Tim Hortons app and sign up for a Tims Rewards account.
  2. Navigate to the Roll Up To Win section – free-play entries are available there under “No Purchase Necessary.”
  3. Submit your entry (limit one free digital roll per day, per official rules).
  4. Reveal your digital roll by the April 3, 2026 deadline (Vancouver CityNews).

What are the free play alternatives?

  • Free daily digital roll via app (no purchase needed).
  • Bonus rolls for using a reusable cup (Tim Hortons official news release).
  • Three digital rolls per Tims at Home product purchase (submitted at timsathomepromotion.ca) (Tim Hortons official news release).
Bottom line: You can play without spending a cent. The app offers a free daily digital roll – but you must reveal it by early April. For frequent buyers, bonus rolls via reusable cups and Tims at Home products add even more chances.

What prizes are available in Roll Up the Rim 2026?

What is the price of a cup to play?

There is no fixed “contest price” – a participating cup costs whatever the menu price of the eligible item is (coffee, latte, sandwich, etc.). The Tim Hortons official news release lists eligible items: hot/cold beverages, sandwiches, wraps, and select food items.

How many prizes are there?

  • Over 30 million prizes available in 2026 (Vancouver CityNews).
  • Instant-win prizes include free coffee, donuts, and other menu items.
  • Grand prizes: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric vehicles and all-inclusive resort vacations (Vancouver CityNews).

What categories of prizes exist?

The prize ladder spans everyday treats to major giveaways.

Category Example prizes
Instant food/drink Free coffee, hot chocolate, donut, bagel
Instant merchandise Timbits, cookies, other snacks
Grand prizes Volkswagen ID. Buzz, all-inclusive vacation packages
Bonus rewards Extra Tims Rewards points, gift cards

The catch: exact odds and prize values are not fully disclosed. Players should check the official rules for detailed prize breakdowns.

Roll Up the Rim 2026 timeline

  • February 23, 2026 – Contest launches; physical cup rolls and app play begin (Vancouver CityNews)
  • February 24, 2026 – Official Roll Up To Win contest period begins per Tim Hortons news release (Tim Hortons official news release)
  • March 22, 2026 – Physical cup roll period ends (while supplies last)
  • April 3, 2026 – Digital rolls must be revealed (Vancouver CityNews)
  • May 4, 2026 – Major cup prizes must be claimed (Vancouver CityNews)
Bottom line: The contest window is just under a month for physical play, but digital players have until early April to reveal their rolls. Miss the deadlines and you forfeit your winnings.

What we know and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Contest start: February 23, 2026
  • Contest end: March 22, 2026
  • 40th anniversary edition
  • Physical rim roll returns permanently
  • App play available with no purchase necessary
  • Over 30 million prizes offered
  • Grand prizes include Volkswagen ID. Buzz and vacations

What remains unclear

  • Exact prize distribution (value of grand prizes, number of winners)
  • Detailed free-play entry rules beyond “no purchase necessary”
  • Whether all locations participate equally (supply variation)

Perspectives on the 2026 contest

“The Canadian coffee chain’s iconic contest returns on February 23 for its 40th anniversary.”

Vancouver CityNews (Canadian local news)

“We’re kicking off our Roll Up the Rim contest… chance to win one of millions of prizes.”

Tim Hortons Facebook post (brand social media)

“Roll Up The Rim returns as coffee chains rethink loyalty… The 2026 contest launches February 23.”

Yahoo Finance (financial news outlet)

For Canadian consumers, the message is consistent: the physical cup ritual is back to stay, and the app offers a parallel route to prizes. The 40th anniversary amplifies the stakes with higher prize counts and premium grand prizes.

Additional sources

chatelaine.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of the 40th anniversary for Roll Up the Rim 2026?

The 2026 contest marks 40 years since the promotion first launched in 1986. Tim Hortons is celebrating with over 30 million prizes and the permanent return of physical cup rolls.

Can I play Roll Up the Rim through the Tim Hortons app without buying a coffee?

Yes. The Tim Hortons app offers free digital rolls via its “No Purchase Necessary” entry mechanism. You can earn one free digital roll per day without buying anything.

How has the contest changed compared to previous years?

The 2026 edition brings back physical cup rolls permanently, after years of digital-only play. The dual-method approach (physical + app) is now standard for all future contests.

Is the physical rim roll available at all Tim Hortons locations while supplies last?

Most locations participate, but cup supplies vary. Check with your local Tim Hortons for availability. The official rules note that cup rolls end once cups are depleted.

What types of prizes are included in the millions of prizes?

Prizes range from instant wins (free coffee, donuts) to grand prizes like a 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric vehicle and all-inclusive resort vacations.

When is the deadline to claim a major physical cup prize?

Major cup prizes must be claimed by May 4, 2026, as stated by Vancouver CityNews.

What is the official name of the 2026 contest?

The official name is “Roll Up To Win®” (formerly Roll Up the Rim to Win).

For Canadian coffee lovers, the choice is clear: grab a physical cup while supplies last or play via the app for a free daily chance. The 40th anniversary edition offers more prizes than ever, but the deadlines are tight. Mark your calendar for March 22 (cup rolls end) and April 3 (digital rolls expire) – or risk missing out on a win.