Your Weekly Roundup

October 5, 2025 to October 12, 2025

Hello everyone,

As the vibrant fall colours reach their peak across Canada, it’s a wonderful time to get out and enjoy autumn festivals, harvest celebrations, and the crisp October air. This week, we’re sharing important benefits news affecting Canadian seniors, a comprehensive list of events from coast to coast, and travel opportunities to help you enjoy this beautiful season.

Chuckles Corner

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus

Senior News Spotlight:
OAS Benefits Increase for October

Good news for Canadian seniors! Old Age Security (OAS) benefits increased by 0.7% for the October to December 2025 quarter. This represents a 1.7% increase over the past year (from October 2024 to October 2025).

Here’s what this means for you:

• Ages 65-74: Maximum monthly OAS payment is now $727.67

• Ages 75+: Maximum monthly payment is $800.44 (includes the permanent 10% increase introduced in July 2022)

OAS payments are reviewed every quarter (January, April, July, and October) to ensure they reflect cost-of-living increases as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Remember: your monthly payment amount will never decrease if the cost of living goes down—it can only stay the same or increase.

Important reminder about OAS clawback: If your net world income exceeds $93,454 (for 2025), you’ll need to repay 15% of the amount over this threshold. The upper threshold is $151,668 for those aged 65-74, and $157,490 for those 75 and over.

Scam Alert: Be aware of ongoing telephone scams targeting seniors across Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador. Scammers are calling claiming to be from the provincial government, requesting personal banking information in exchange for money. The government would never request your banking information in exchange for money. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately without providing any information. Report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.

Upcoming Events Across Canada (Oct 5-13)

Here’s a look at interesting events happening in each province and territory.

British Columbia

Blue Mountain Apple Harvest Festival: Experience Thanksgiving weekend surrounded by fall colours, local apples, live music, and street performers. Explore the famous Apple Pie Trail and enjoy outdoor autumn adventures.

When: October 11-13 Where: Blue Mountain Village, BC

Alberta

K-W Oktoberfest: Though this legendary festival started in September, celebrations continue into early October. Enjoy traditional Bavarian culture with music, food, beer gardens, and the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade—Canada’s largest!

When: Ongoing through October 13 Where: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON (Note: This is Ontario’s celebration, but worth the trip for Western Canadians!)

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Farmers’ Market: Year-round vibrant market featuring harvest vegetables, local honey, fresh baking, and unique crafts from local artisans. Perfect for stocking up on autumn produce and supporting local makers.

When: Saturdays and Sundays Where: Saskatoon, SK

Manitoba

Winnipeg Farmers’ Market: One of Manitoba’s best community markets offering fresh local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and a wonderful atmosphere for a Saturday morning outing.

When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Where: Winnipeg, MB

Ontario

Pumpkinfest at Downsview Park: Perfect for Thanksgiving weekend! Enjoy unlimited midway rides, unlimited inflatable fun, pumpkin patches, local food trucks, and live entertainment. Great family-friendly event.

When: October 10-13 Where: Downsview Park, Toronto, ON

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest: Award-winning festival featuring a pumpkin growing contest (specimens often over 1,000 pounds!), vendors, food, live entertainment, and fall festivities. A charming small-town celebration.

When: October 4-5 Where: Port Elgin, ON

Elmvale Fall Fair: Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with midway rides, parades, homecraft exhibits, baked goods, farm animals, and the ever-popular tractor pull. A classic Ontario fall fair experience.

When: October 10-11 Where: Elmvale Community Arena, 14 George Street, Elmvale, ON

Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival: Running through October, this festival features live music, delicious food, family activities, and breath taking autumn displays. Explore the Kid’s Activity Zone, tackle the maze, try the pumpkin slingshot, and enjoy seasonal treats.

When: Through October 26, 2025 Where: Huntsville, ON

All Things To Music Festival: Two-day outdoor music event at Budweiser Stage featuring diverse line-ups. Saturday includes Reneé Rapp, Remi Wolf, and Chelsea Cutler. Sunday features Kacey Musgraves, Charlotte Cardin, and Valley.

When: October 4-5 (beginning at 12:30 PM each day) Where: Budweiser Stage, Ontario Place, Toronto, ON

Quebec

Montreal Farmers’ Markets: Experience the bounty of Quebec’s fall harvest at various markets across Montreal. Fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and the vibrant atmosphere of Quebec’s food culture.

When: Weekends through October Where: Various locations, Montreal, QC

New Brunswick

Fredericton Farmers’ Market: One of Atlantic Canada’s premier farmers’ markets, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. A Saturday morning tradition for locals and visitors alike.

When: Saturdays, 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Fredericton, NB

Nova Scotia

Truro Farmers’ Market: A Saturday morning classic! Enjoy the best of the harvest season with fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. Perfect way to connect with the community.

When: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Truro Farmers’ Market Square, Truro, NS

Live Music at The Nook and Cranny: Settle in for relaxing evenings of food, drinks, and live local acoustic artists. Check their Facebook page for the weekly artist lineup. A cozy, low-key night out.

When: Evenings (check for specific times) Where: The Nook and Cranny Brew Pub, Truro, NS

Prince Edward Island

PEI Farmers’ Markets: Multiple markets across the island featuring the last of the fall harvest, fresh seafood, baked goods, local crafts, and the friendly PEI hospitality. Don’t miss the famous PEI potatoes and preserves!

When: Weekends Where: Charlottetown and various island locations, PEI

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s Farmers’ Market: A wonderful gathering place with a huge variety of local vendors offering prepared foods, fresh produce, unique art, and crafts. Experience Newfoundland’s vibrant local culture.

When: Saturdays Where: St. John’s, NL

Yukon

Yukon Arts Centre Gallery: Take a quiet afternoon to appreciate the work of northern artists. The gallery regularly features stunning exhibitions of both contemporary and traditional art from the territory.

When: Check website for gallery hours Where: Whitehorse, YT

Northwest Territories

Yellowknife Farmers’ Market: One of Canada’s most northern farmers’ markets! Local produce (yes, even in the North!), handmade crafts, baked goods, and northern delicacies. A unique cultural experience.

When: Check local listings Where: Yellowknife, NT

Nunavut

Iqaluit Community Events: Check with the local community center for Thanksgiving weekend activities and gatherings. Northern communities often have special events celebrating the harvest and changing seasons.

When: Various times Where: Iqaluit, NU

Travel Deals of the Week

VIA Rail – Explore Canada by Train

Planning a scenic fall colours trip? VIA Rail offers excellent opportunities for seniors to explore Canada by train:

Permanent Senior Discount: Seniors 60 and over save 10% on most VIA Rail fares year-round. Simply select “Senior (60+)” when booking and bring valid government-issued photo ID when boarding.

Discount Tuesdays: Book on Tuesdays using code TUESDAY to save an additional 10-20% on select routes and travel classes. These deals are capacity-controlled, so book early!

CAA Members: If you’re a CAA member, you can save up to 20% on VIA Rail tickets by entering your membership number when booking online.

Federal Retirees Members: Association members save 12.5% on most train tickets (Escape and Prestige Class excluded), including on top of seniors fares. Use discount code 810962 and extend the savings to up to three other passengers on the same itinerary.

Popular Fall Colours Routes:

• Toronto to Ottawa/Montreal (witness stunning autumn foliage along the corridor)

• The Great Western Way through the Prairies and Rocky Mountains

• The Maritime Way for Atlantic Canada’s spectacular fall scenery

VIA Rail trains offer comfortable seating, onboard services, downtown-to-downtown travel, and the relaxation of watching Canada’s autumn beauty pass by your window—no driving stress required! Book now for optimal fall colours viewing (peak season is mid-October in most regions).

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International Travel – Cruise Deals for Seniors

Air Canada Vacations – Flight & Cruise Packages

Save $100 per person off the flight portion of new bookings for Flight & Cruise packages to Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, or California. Valid for travel between January 1-September 30, 2026. Book by October 20, 2025. Minimum 7-night stay required. Plus, pay $0 flight deposit and flights are 100% refundable up to 24 hours prior to departure!

Norwegian Cruise Line – Earn Bonus Aeroplan Points

Earn 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points per person on new Flight & Cruise packages with Norwegian Cruise Line. Valid for balcony or higher stateroom categories, minimum 7-night stay. Travel between October 2, 2025 and October 31, 2026. Book by October 31, 2025.

Celebrity Cruises – Senior Rates

Travelers aged 55 and older qualify for exclusive senior rates on select sailings. At least one guest in your stateroom must be 55+ at booking time. Explore over 300 destinations worldwide with age-specific pricing. Savings vary by voyage length and accommodation category—check when booking for current offers.

MSC Cruises – Senior Discount

Passengers 65 and older receive 10% off select cruises. This permanent discount applies to eligible sailings across Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Emirates destinations. Book through MSC’s website or authorized travel agents.

Princess Cruises – Family & Group Savings

Enjoy up to 40% off plus up to $200 instant savings on select sailings. Free 3rd and 4th guests on qualifying cruises make this perfect for traveling with family or friends. Book early for best selection and fares. Military veterans also qualify for up to $250 free onboard spending money.

General Cruise Savings Tips for Seniors:

• Book early for best cabin selection and early-bird discounts

• Travel in shoulder season (September-November, April-May) for lower prices

• Consider last-minute deals if you live near a departure port and can be flexible

• Join loyalty programs – most cruise lines offer perks for repeat passengers

• Ask about AARP discounts – some lines offer up to 15% off for AARP members

• Combine discounts carefully – senior rates may not always stack with other promotions; ask your agent to compare

Popular Destinations for Fall/Winter 2025-2026:

• Caribbean Cruises: Warm weather escape with multiple islands

• Mediterranean: Off-season pricing with fewer crowds

• River Cruises: European Christmas markets (November-December)

• Hawaii: Perfect climate year-round

• Mexico: Short, affordable getaways from West Coast ports

Do you know of a local event or great deal we missed? Share it in the comments below or email us to help out your fellow community members!

Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment