although asiamiles is gone as a transfer partner, British Air, Avios is still there. Avios points are usable on Cathay flights. So I went on the BA site and ran a query for a common Cathay fligh NYCt to Vancouver... this flight is really to Hong Kong, with that stop over in Vanoucver. Never really liked the flight as you get to Vancouver in the middle of the night, you lose the day (but this is another discussion)
But anyway, looking at the flight award breakdown, 25,000 avios and $77.34USD, not bad. I consider the 25,000 avios as $250USD. so would one be able to find a flight from NY to Vancouver for under $325.
Personally I would rather pay upwards of $425USD and get better flight times on the return leg, on another airline, aircanada or westjet if possible.
The flight times though Cathay on this flight are acceptable if you stay with a friend or family. if you are doing hotel or airbnb... if you pay for your stay.. you arrive at weird check in time, and leave every early... you blow a day of lodging having to leave at 10:55 PM, or check out in the afternoon and wonder what to do for half a day befoer the airport.
