Big-box gyms in Montréal are raising annual fees for 2026. Couple plans face the same hikes as individual memberships. Auto-renewal notices will arrive soon. You need to know the cancellation windows before you get charged.
This article covers what the 2026 fee increases mean for couple plans. It explains how auto-renewal works under Quebec law. It gives you the exact dates to cancel without penalty.
What are the 2026 annual fee hikes at Montréal big-box gyms?
Most big-box chains add an annual fee on top of monthly dues. For 2026, several chains are increasing that fee by $10 to $25 per person. Couple plans pay the fee twice. That means an extra $20 to $50 per year for the household.
For example, a couple plan at a major chain might see the annual fee rise from $49.99 to $59.99 per person. That is a $20 increase per couple. The hike often appears in the fine print of your renewal notice.
You can see a full breakdown of annual fee increases at Montréal gyms for 2026 on our site.
How do auto-renewal notices work for couple plans?
Quebec's Consumer Protection Act requires gyms to send a renewal notice between 30 and 60 days before the contract renews. The notice must state the new annual fee and the deadline to cancel. For couple plans, both members are usually on one contract. One notice covers both people.
If the gym fails to send the notice on time, the contract does not renew automatically. You can walk away without penalty. But if you receive the notice and do nothing, the contract renews for another year. The annual fee is charged on the renewal date.
What is the cancellation window for a couple plan in 2026?
You have 30 days from the date you receive the renewal notice to cancel. That is the legal minimum in Quebec. Some gyms give a longer window, but 30 days is standard. For couple plans, one person can cancel for both if they are the primary account holder.
If you miss the 30-day window, you may still cancel under certain conditions. For example, if you move more than 30 km from the gym, you can cancel without penalty. Medical reasons also work. But you must provide proof.
Our guide on how to cancel under Quebec law explains the steps in detail.
Which big-box gyms in Montréal are raising annual fees for 2026?
Three major chains have confirmed increases. Éconofitness is raising its annual fee from $39.99 to $44.99 per person. Nautilus Plus is going from $49.99 to $54.99. World Gym is adding a new $25 "facility enhancement fee" on top of the existing annual fee.
These numbers come from internal notices sent to members in late 2025. They are not yet public on all websites. Always check your own renewal notice for the exact amount.
How much will a couple plan cost in total after the 2026 hike?
Let's use a typical example. A couple plan at Nautilus Plus costs $89.99 per month for two people. The annual fee is $54.99 per person, so $109.98 total. In 2025, the annual fee was $49.99 per person, so $99.98 total. The hike adds $10 per year per couple. Not huge, but it adds up over time.
At Éconofitness, a couple plan is $69.99 per month. The annual fee goes from $39.99 to $44.99 per person. That is a $10 increase per couple. World Gym's new facility fee adds $50 per couple per year.
Those small increases matter. They are often the reason people start looking at pay-per-use gyms. You can read about that shift in our article on how annual fee hikes push couples to pay-per-use gyms.
What does Quebec law say about annual fee increases?
Under the Consumer Protection Act, a gym cannot increase the annual fee without giving you proper notice. The notice must be in writing. It must state the new fee and the date it takes effect. If the gym increases the fee by more than 10% without notice, you can cancel without penalty.
For 2026, most hikes are under 10%. That means the gym only needs to send the standard renewal notice. You still have the 30-day cancellation window. But you cannot cancel just because the fee went up. You must cancel within the window or meet another legal condition.
How do I cancel a couple plan before the annual fee is charged?
Send a written cancellation notice before the deadline. Email is fine if the gym accepts it. Registered mail is safer. Keep a copy of the notice and proof of sending. If you cancel within the 30-day window, the gym cannot charge the annual fee.
For couple plans, both members should sign the cancellation notice. That avoids any dispute about who authorized the cancellation. If one person is the primary account holder, their signature may be enough. Check your contract.
Our step-by-step guide on cancelling before the 2026 annual fee walks you through the process.
What happens if I miss the cancellation window?
You are locked in for another year. The annual fee will be charged. You can still cancel later, but only for a legal reason. Moving, medical issues, or job loss are the most common. You must provide documentation. The gym may charge a cancellation fee, usually $50 to $100 per person.
Some gyms offer a "buyout" option. You pay a lump sum to end the contract early. That lump sum is often equal to 20% of the remaining contract value. For a couple plan, that can be several hundred dollars.
Are there any exceptions for couple plans in 2026?
Yes. If one member of the couple has a medical condition that prevents exercise, the whole plan can be cancelled. The gym cannot force the other member to stay. You need a doctor's note. The cancellation takes effect within 30 days of the notice.
Also, if the gym closes or moves more than 10 km from its original location, you can cancel. That applies to all plans, including couple plans. The gym must refund any prepaid fees, including the annual fee.
How do I prove I cancelled within the window?
Keep a copy of your cancellation notice. Note the date you sent it. If you email, save the sent message. If you mail, use registered mail with a tracking number. The gym must acknowledge receipt within 10 days. If they do not, contact the Office de la protection du consommateur.
The OPC can mediate disputes. They can also fine gyms that violate the law. In 2025, the OPC fined two Montréal gyms for improper renewal notices. That is rare, but it happens.
What should I look for in my 2026 renewal notice?
Check the annual fee amount. Compare it to last year's fee. Look for any new fees, like a "facility enhancement fee" or "maintenance fee." Those are often hidden in the fine print. Check the cancellation deadline. It must be at least 30 days from the date you receive the notice.
If the notice is missing any of these details, it may be invalid. You can challenge the renewal. Contact the gym first. If they do not fix it, contact the OPC.
What if my gym did not send a renewal notice?
Then your contract does not renew automatically. You are free to leave. The gym cannot charge the annual fee. If they try, dispute the charge with your credit card company. You can also file a complaint with the OPC.
This is a common mistake. Gyms sometimes forget to send notices. Or they send them late. In either case, the law is on your side. Do not pay the annual fee if you did not receive proper notice.
Common questions
Can a gym increase the annual fee for a couple plan without notice?
No. Quebec law requires written notice at least 30 days before the increase. The notice must state the new fee and the effective date. If the gym fails to do this, you can cancel without penalty.
What is the standard cancellation window for a couple plan in Montréal?
Thirty days from the date you receive the renewal notice. Some gyms give 45 or 60 days, but 30 is the legal minimum. Check your contract for the exact window.
Do both members of a couple plan need to sign the cancellation notice?
It depends on the contract. If both are listed as account holders, both should sign. If one is the primary, their signature may be enough. Check the original agreement.
Can I cancel a couple plan if one person moves away?
Yes, if the move is more than 30 km from the gym. You must provide proof, like a lease or utility bill. The whole plan can be cancelled, not just one person.
What is the penalty for cancelling a couple plan early?
Usually a cancellation fee of $50 to $100 per person. Some gyms charge 20% of the remaining contract value. Check your contract for the exact amount.