Good morning, friends!
We hope you are keeping warm. As we turn the calendar from January to February this weekend, the winter carnival season is officially kicking into high gear across the country. Whether you are brave enough to venture out into the snow or prefer to watch the festivities from a warm window with a hot tea, there is plenty happening.
Here is your update on the latest scams to watch for, events across the country, and travel deals for seniors.
🚨 SCAM ALERT: The “Grandparent Scam” Goes Digital
Police are reporting a new evolution of the “Grandparent Scam.” While the old version involved a frantic phone call, the “2.0” version is quieter and deadlier.
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The Text Message Trap: Scammers are now using text messages or social media (Facebook/Instagram) messages that appear to come from your grandchild’s real account or a “new number” because they “lost their phone.”
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The Homeowner Threat (NOSI): In Ontario and spreading elsewhere, be wary of door-to-door sales for home equipment (furnaces, water softeners). Scammers are using these contracts to place “Notices of Security Interest” (liens) on seniors’ homes without their clear knowledge, which can cost thousands to remove.
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Advice: If you get a “help me” message, call your grandchild or their parents on a known number immediately. Never reply to the text directly.
📅 Coast-to-Coast Events (Jan 30 – Feb 8)
British Columbia
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Victoria: The Dine Around & Stay in Town festival continues this week. Dozens of local restaurants are offering set-price menus ($35-$65) until Feb 8.
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Provincial: February 1 marks the start of Black History Month. Watch for opening ceremonies and events at local museums and community centres across BC.
Alberta
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Calgary: Sweet tooths rejoice! The YYC Hot Chocolate Fest kicks off Feb 1. Participating cafes across the city will be competing for the title of “Best Hot Chocolate.”
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Calgary: Sports fans can catch the Calgary Roughnecks vs. Saskatchewan Rush at the Saddledome on Friday, Jan 30.
Saskatchewan
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Saskatoon: Nature Saskatchewan is hosting a presentation on “Befriending Urban Birds” (Jan 29/30) and upcoming birding field trips at Pike Lake (Feb 7).
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Regina: Check local listings for Winterruption events as the city gears up for its annual winter festival season.
Manitoba
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Winnipeg: The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is hosting “Guided Snowshoe Adventures” starting Jan 31. A beautiful way to see the park if you can handle the cold!
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Winnipeg: The “Nine Perspectives” art exhibition featuring rural and northern Manitoba artists opens Jan 30 at 210 Princess Street.
Ontario
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Ottawa: The capital’s biggest party, Winterlude, kicks off its 48th edition this weekend (Feb 6–8)! Expect ice carving, the Snowflakes Kingdom, and plenty of BeaverTails.
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Toronto: “Skate by the Lake” continues at the Harbourfront Centre—free skating with a stunning view of the icy lake.
Quebec
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Quebec City: Bonhomme is back! The world-famous Carnaval de Québec (Quebec Winter Carnival) officially begins. The “Village Nordik” at the Port of Quebec is also open for ice fishing and skating.
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Gatineau: The Snowflake Kingdom (part of Winterlude) opens with snow slides and family fun starting late this week.
New Brunswick
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Fredericton: The FROSTival is in full swing (Jan 22 – Feb 8). Look for outdoor skating parties and the “Dine Around Freddy” deals.
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Saint John: It’s the final weekend for “Winterlicious Chop Chop” (ends Feb 1), where Uptown restaurants offer special discounted plates.
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Moncton/Riverview: The Riverview Winter Carnival runs Jan 30 to Feb 8, featuring sledge hockey and maple sugar events.
Nova Scotia
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Dartmouth: The Downtown Dartmouth Ice Festival takes over Portland Street this weekend (Jan 30 – Feb 1). Watch live ice carving demonstrations and enjoy the street party.
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South Shore: The famous Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl begins Feb 1! Restaurants from Barrington to Peggy’s Cove will be serving up their best lobster rolls all month.
Prince Edward Island
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Charlottetown: WinterDine is entering its final week (ends Feb 8). It’s your last chance to grab those 3-course dinner specials at participating downtown restaurants.
Newfoundland & Labrador
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St. John’s: The Rooms is hosting a special “Sharing Our Cultures” multimedia display (Jan 30-31) showcasing work by youth from diverse backgrounds.
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St. John’s: Jazz lovers can catch “Jazz Nights” at the Battery Cafe this Friday, Jan 30.
Yukon & Northwest Territories
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Whitehorse, YT: Cinema lovers, get ready! The Available Light Film Festival kicks off its 2026 season on Friday, Feb 6. It’s Canada’s largest film festival north of 60°, featuring over 100 films and live events.
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Yellowknife, NWT: Embrace the dark days at the Still Dark Festival (Feb 5–8). This unique event in downtown Yellowknife celebrates the “beauty of the long northern nights” with light installations, music, and art.
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Yellowknife, NWT: Coffee lovers should head downtown this Saturday (Jan 31) for the first-ever PercUp Coffee Festival, celebrating northern coffee culture.
✈️ Travel Deals for Seniors (Valid until Feb 8)
☀️ Air Canada Vacations: “Bye-Bye Winter” Sale If you are looking to book a trip for late winter or spring, this is the one to watch this week.
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The Deal: Save up to 40% off sunny packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
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Deadline: You have until February 8 to book (travel dates valid through April 30).
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Bonus: Select resorts are offering extra Aeroplan points for members.
🏖️ Sunwing: The “March Break” Head Start Even if you aren’t traveling with grandkids, this sale is a good opportunity to lock in a price before the March rush drives costs up.
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The Deal: Savings of up to $1,700 per couple on packages to Cancun, Punta Cana, and Jamaica.
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Deadline: Book by February 8.
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Why act now? Prices for March travel historically jump after this first week of February.
🚂 VIA Rail 65+ Discount (Ongoing) A reminder that VIA Rail’s 20% discount for seniors (65+) is available for travel in the Quebec City–Windsor corridor on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you are planning a visit to family in Ontario or Quebec this month, mid-week travel is your best friend.
Stay warm and safe out there!
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders, Canadian Senior Moment
**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.