Tim Hortons Roll Up the Rim 2026: Dates, Prizes, How to Play

There’s something about peeling back the rim of a Tim Hortons cup that feels like a small ritual. After years of tapping a phone screen, Canadians will once again get to roll that paper edge this February — permanently — starting February 23, 2026, under the revamped Roll Up To Win banner.

Start date: February 23, 2026 ·
Official name: Roll Up To Win ·
Prize types: food, beverages, merchandise, vehicles

Five key facts paint the full picture of the 2026 contest.

What is Roll Up To Win®?

Roll Up To Win is the official name of Tim Hortons’ annual contest, now in its 40th year. The brand retired the classic “Roll Up the Rim” moniker a few years ago when the promotion went digital, but the core mechanic remains the same: buy an eligible drink or food item, and you get a chance to win a prize.

Official contest name and branding

• The 2026 promotion is formally called Roll Up To Win (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
• “Roll Up the Rim” remains the colloquial name used by most Canadians.

How it differs from previous Roll Up the Rim

• Physical cup rims are back permanently, not just for a single year (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
• Digital rolls through the Tims app continue alongside the physical method (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).

What are the dates for Roll Up the Rim?

The 2026 contest runs for four weeks, with a clear start and end date already set by Tim Hortons.

Start date announced

• The contest officially begins on February 23, 2026 (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).

Expected duration and end date

• The in‑store purchase period ends on March 22, 2026 (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
• Digital rolls must be revealed by April 3, 2026 (Tim Hortons via CNW).
• Small‑prize redemption (coffee, donuts) must be completed by April 7, according to a report summarizing the rules (CNY News contest summary).

Is Roll Up the Rim coming back in 2026?

Yes — and this time it’s permanent. The announcement on February 18, 2026 confirmed that the physical rim roll would return and stay.

Official announcement of permanent return

• Tim Hortons issued a press release on February 18, 2026 stating the tradition would be revived (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
• A spokesperson told CP24: “We’re thrilled to share that Rolling Up The Rim of our cups is coming back – starting on Feb. 23 – and not just for this year, but for good.” (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).

Reasons for bringing back the physical rim roll

• The company cited customer feedback as the primary driver: the classic method was more popular than digital‑only (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
• Physical rolls are expected to be available while supplies last at participating locations.

How do I redeem a Roll Up To Win® prize?

Redeeming a winning cup or digital roll is straightforward, but the steps differ slightly depending on how you played.

1. Open the Tims Rewards app and reveal your digital roll (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
2. If you win a food or beverage prize, a coupon will appear in your app that can be scanned at any participating location.
3. Grand prizes (vehicles, vacations) are claimed through a separate process described in the official rules.

For physical cups:

1. Roll up the rim of your hot beverage cup (while supplies last).
2. If the message under the rim says “You Win,” present the cup at the counter to claim the prize (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).
3. Small prizes like coffee and donuts must be redeemed by April 7, 2026 (CNY News contest summary).

The implication: digital and physical methods converge on the same result, but the proof required differs.

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

Tim Hortons provides a no‑purchase entry method for those who want to play without buying a beverage. The official rules for 2026 haven’t been fully published as of the contest launch, but the method typically mirrors previous years.

Mail‑in entry method

• Hand‑print your full name, address, phone number, and email on a 3×5 card (Tim Hortons official contest rules (sample)).
• Mail the card to the address provided in the official rules (expected to be disclosed at contest start).
• Limit one entry per person per day.

Rules for no‑purchase participation

• Open to Canadian residents aged 13+ (14+ in Quebec).
• No proof of purchase required; the mail‑in method is valid for all prize draws (CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)).

The pattern: the mail‑in method ensures accessibility, but full details are pending official publication.

Timeline: Roll Up the Rim through the years

• 1986 — Tim Hortons introduces “Roll Up the Rim to Win.”
• 2020–2024 — Contest shifts to digital‑only due to the COVID‑19 pandemic.
• February 18, 2026 — Tim Hortons announces the permanent return of the physical rim roll (CP24).
• February 23, 2026 — Contest begins for the 40th anniversary (CP24).
• March 22, 2026 — Last day to earn rolls via purchase.
• April 3, 2026 — Deadline to reveal digital rolls.
• April 7, 2026 — Last day to redeem small prizes (reportedly) (CNY News).

The catch: relying on secondary sources for key dates adds a layer of uncertainty for players.

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s not

“We’re thrilled to share that Rolling Up The Rim of our cups is coming back – starting on Feb. 23 – and not just for this year, but for good.”

— Tim Hortons spokesperson, as reported by CP24 (Feb 18, 2026)

“We heard you, Canada,” the company stated in its official press release, framing the move as a direct response to customer demand.

— Tim Hortons via CNW

The 2026 return ends a five‑year hiatus of the physical rim, and the company’s decision to make it permanent signals a long‑term commitment to the tactile experience. For the millions of Canadians who line up each year for a medium double‑double, the choice is clear: cup or app, you’ll have a shot at winning — but only if you play within the four‑week window. For Tim Hortons, the risk is that digital‑only players may not return to in‑store purchases. But with the paper rim back, the bet is that nostalgia will outweigh convenience.

For those eager to participate, the official Roll Up the Rim 2026 details outline the start date, prizes, and redemption process.

Frequently asked questions