Happy Saturday!
The holidays are winding down, but the fraudsters (and the travel agents) are just revving up. This week, we are looking at the terrifying rise of “AI” voice scams, where to catch the last of the holiday lights, and how to get a discount on the train.
Let’s get into it.
🚨 SCAM ALERT: The “Voice Clone” Grandparent Scam
If you read one thing today, make it this. The old “Grandparent Scam” (where someone calls pretending to be your grandchild in jail) has evolved.
Police across Canada are reporting a sharp rise in AI Voice Cloning. Scammers can now take a 3-second audio clip of your grandchild’s voice from social media (TikTok or Instagram) and use Artificial Intelligence to make it “say” anything.
-
The Scam: You get a call. It sounds exactly like your grandson. He is crying. He says he’s in trouble and needs money wired immediately.
-
The Difference: In the past, the connection was “bad” to hide the voice. Now, the voice is crystal clear and accurate.
-
The Defense: Establish a “Safe Word” with your family today. If someone calls claiming to be your grandchild in trouble, ask for the safe word. If they don’t know it, hang up and call their parents directly.
📅 Coast-to-Coast Events (Jan 3–11)
British Columbia & Alberta
-
Calgary: It’s your last chance to see the ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo, which wraps up its season this Sunday, Jan 4.
-
Calgary: If you prefer indoor entertainment, the Broadway hit “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” opens at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium starting Jan 6.
-
Vancouver: The winter season is in full swing at Grouse Mountain with skating and snowshoeing open daily.
Manitoba
-
Winnipeg: The Jets are busy at home this week! They host the Vegas Golden Knights (Jan 6), Edmonton Oilers (Jan 8), and LA Kings (Jan 9) at the Canada Life Centre.
-
Brandon: Get ready for a night of art and lights—Wheat City Nuit Blanche takes over downtown Brandon on Saturday, Jan 10.
-
Winnipeg: Need a laugh? Comedian Paul Rabliauskas is performing live at the Park Theatre this Saturday, Jan 3.
Ontario & Quebec
-
Niagara Falls: This is the final weekend for the Winter Festival of Lights. If you haven’t seen the 3 million lights along the parkway, you have until Monday, Jan 5.
-
Montreal: The “Luminothérapie” outdoor art installation is lighting up the Quartier des Spectacles—free, bright, and perfect for a winter walk.
New Brunswick
-
Saint John: The Imperial Theatre is hosting Wolf Castle with the Olympic Symphonium on Friday, Jan 9, followed by the NB Youth Orchestra on Sunday, Jan 11.
-
Moncton: Hockey fans can catch the Moncton Wildcats facing off against Gatineau this Wednesday (Jan 7) and the Newfoundland Regiment on Saturday (Jan 10).
-
Fredericton: Catch the UNB Men’s Hockey team in action against McGill this Saturday, Jan 3.
Prince Edward Island
-
Charlottetown: The Islanders are defending home ice against the Halifax Mooseheads on Friday, Jan 9, and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens on Sunday, Jan 11.
-
Summerside: Head to Credit Union Place this Saturday (Jan 3) to cheer on the Western Capitals as they take on the Valley Wildcats.
Newfoundland & Labrador
-
St. John’s: It’s a double-header weekend at the Mary Brown’s Centre! The Newfoundland Regiment (QMJHL) hosts the Gatineau Olympiques on Saturday night (Jan 3) and again for a Sunday matinee (Jan 4).
-
St. John’s: If you love dinner theatre, Spirit of Newfoundland is extending the holiday fun with Grinch, Dressing & Gravy running Jan 3 through Jan 5.
-
St. John’s: For some traditional tunes, catch the Irish Session at the Newfoundland Embassy on Saturday afternoons (Jan 3 & 10).
Nova Scotia
-
Cape Breton: The 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship is happening right now. Catch the future stars of Team Canada in action this week.
-
Halifax/Dartmouth: Keep your eyes peeled for the “Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival” coming up later this month (Jan 30).
✈️ Travel Deals for Seniors
🚂 The “Canada Strong” Rail Pass (VIA Rail) This is a rare one. Parks Canada and VIA Rail have teamed up for the Canada Strong Pass. Until January 15, 2026, you can get discounted travel on VIA Rail (and free admission to Parks Canada sites). If you have been thinking of booking a spring train trip to visit family, check the VIA website before the 15th to lock in the lower rate.
☀️ Last Minute Sun (Departing Jan 4–11) If you are sick of the snow already, the “January Lull” is the cheapest time to fly. We found these deals departing from major Canadian hubs this week:
-
Cuba (Varadero/Cayo Coco): 7-day all-inclusive packages are dropping as low as $1,100–$1,300 CAD for departures this week.
-
Mexico (Puerto Vallarta): A bit pricier, but 3-star all-inclusive deals are popping up around $1,400 CAD for mid-January dates.
(Note: Prices change hourly, so check with your travel agent!)
Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t send money to strangers!
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders, Canadian Senior Moment