Hello to all our friends and readers. As we get into the heart of May, the blackflies might be starting to stir, but so is the garden! It’s a busy time of year for those of us who enjoy getting our hands in the dirt.
Scam Alert: The “Scareware” Trap
We’ve recently dealt with a very persistent scam that we want to warn you about. You may see a window pop up claiming your computer has a “Trojan” or a “Virus,” often using names like McAfee, Mozo, or Appnippon.
The Trap: If you click the “X” to close these pop-ups, they often trigger a “loop” that opens even more windows or redirects you to different browsers. The Fix: Do not use your mouse to close these. Instead, use your keyboard: press Alt + F4 to close the window, or use Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open your Task Manager and “End Task” on your browser. If you didn’t install the program yourself, any “warning” it gives you is a fake.
Upcoming Events Across Canada
British Columbia
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Victoria: The Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour (May 10) offers a rare chance to visit private gardens while enjoying live music.
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Nanaimo: The Vancouver Island Exhibition Grounds is hosting a Spring Vintage and Collectibles sale this weekend.
Alberta
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Calgary: Heritage Park has officially opened for the season—the “Gasoline Alley” museum is a great spot to stay cool if the prairie sun gets too hot.
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Edmonton: The Muttart Conservatory is featuring their “Spring Awakening” pyramid display, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
Saskatchewan
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Saskatoon: The Western Development Museum is hosting “Coffee with the Curator” on Wednesday, focusing on pioneer-era woodworking tools.
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Moose Jaw: Enjoy a guided historical trolley tour of the city’s famous murals and “Little Chicago” history.
Manitoba
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Winnipeg: The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is showcasing exotic Mediterranean plants in full bloom throughout the week.
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Brandon: The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is offering “Hangar Talks” regarding Manitoba’s role in WWII aviation.
Ontario
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Ottawa: The Canadian Tulip Festival begins! Head to Commissioners Park to see over a million tulips—best viewed on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
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Stratford: Spring matinee performances are now running at the Stratford Festival; a great time for seniors to grab tickets before the summer rush.
Quebec
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Montreal: The Botanical Garden is hosting a “Bonsai and Penjing” exhibit, showing off trees that have been carefully tended for decades.
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Gatineau: Take a drive through Gatineau Park to see the spring runoff at the Luskville Falls.
New Brunswick
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Sackville: The Waterfowl Park is currently a hive of activity with spring migrations; the boardwalks are excellent for easy-access birdwatching.
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Saint John: The City Market remains a wonderful Saturday morning tradition for fresh local finds and a chat with the vendors.
Nova Scotia
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Truro/Valley: The Farmer’s Market is in full swing. If you’re looking for hardy seedlings for your garden, this is the week to pick them up.
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Wolfville: The “Magic Wine Bus” has resumed its seasonal tours through the Annapolis Valley vineyards.
Prince Edward Island
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Charlottetown: The Confederation Centre of the Arts is hosting a local heritage gallery talk this Thursday afternoon.
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Summerside: Enjoy a spring walk along the Harbourfront Boardwalk—the breeze off the water is refreshing this time of year.
Newfoundland and Labrador
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St. John’s: Keep an eye on “Iceberg Finder”—this week marks the beginning of the prime viewing season along the coast.
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Corner Brook: The Rotary Arts Centre is hosting a spring tea and craft social for local seniors on May 14.
The Territories
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Whitehorse, Yukon: The Beringia Interpretive Centre is hosting “Ice Age” films every afternoon—a fascinating look at the North’s ancient history.
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Yellowknife, NWT: The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has a new exhibit on Dene craftsmanship and traditional clothing.
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Iqaluit, Nunavut: The Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre is organizing a community “Spring Shoreline” walk to observe the changing sea ice.
Travel Deals for Seniors
National
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VIA Rail: Seniors (65+) save an extra 10% on Economy Plus and Sleeper Plus fares. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Rockies by rail, May offers the best scenery with snow still on the peaks.
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Fairmont Hotels: Many Canadian locations offer a “Senior Moments” rate (age 55+) with up to 20% off room rates for mid-week stays in May.
International
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Holland America: Known for being senior-friendly, they are currently offering “Have It All” packages for Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver, including gratuities and shore excursions.
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European River Cruises: Look for “Solo Traveler” specials on the Rhine and Danube for late May; several lines are waiving the single supplement fee right now.
Stay safe out there, both on the road and on the computer. We hope your week is filled with good weather and even better company.
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
