Canadian Senior Moment Weekend Roundup

Hello everyone! It feels like just yesterday we were bracing for the January deep freeze, but here we are in the back half of February. The days are noticeably longer now, and while the snow might still be piled high in many of our driveways, there’s a distinct “turning of the corner” in the air.

Here is your roundup for Saturday, February 21, through to Sunday, March 1.

Scams to Watch For: Mail, Phone, and Internet

• The “Package Collection” Fraud: Police are warning of a bold new tactic where scammers call pretending to be your bank. They claim your cards have been compromised and instruct you to package them up. They then send a ride-sharing driver (who has no idea they are part of a crime) to your house to pick up the package. Never hand over your physical cards to anyone.

• The “Grocery Rebate” Text: Many Canadians are receiving texts or emails about a “new” 2026 Grocery Rebate with a link to apply. This is a phishing scam. While there is a proposed “Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit” in the works, the government will never ask you to click a link or provide bank details via text to receive it.

• Urgent Intellectual Property Threats: Business owners and creators are being targeted by emails claiming to be from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), threatening that your business will be closed if you don’t pay an “urgent fee” immediately. These are fake; real government entities do not use high-pressure legal threats via unsolicited email.

Upcoming Events Province by Province

British Columbia

• Whistler: The Teck BC Championships (Cross-country skiing) run from Feb 20–22.

• Vernon: Catch the tail end of the Vernon Winter Carnival festivities through the weekend.

• Vancouver: The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival continues with various shows across the city.

Alberta

• Lac La Biche: The Winter Festival of Speed (Feb 27–28) features ice racing, snowmobile drags, and even a “charity chop” for those brave enough for the cold.

• Edmonton: Check out Penguins: A Love Story in 3D at the TELUS World of Science—great for a weekend outing with the grandkids.

Saskatchewan

• La Ronge: The Saskatchewan Cup (SK Cup 9 & 10) brings top-tier Nordic skiing to the community on Feb 28 and March 1.

Manitoba

• Winnipeg: The Festival du Voyageur continues through Feb 22. Don’t miss the snow sculptures and traditional pea soup at Parc du Voyageur.

Ontario

• Toronto: Celebrate the Chinatown Lunar New Year (Feb 21–22) with lion dances and traditional food.

• Fredericton: (Note for those near the border or visiting) The YFC Burger Battle kicks off Feb 28—a fun way to support local restaurants.

Quebec

• Gatineau: The OUA Nordic Skiing Championships take place Feb 20–22.

• Caraquet: The March Break celebrations begin on Feb 27 with family activities throughout the downtown area.

New Brunswick

• Perth-Andover: The Winter Freeze Fest (Feb 24 – Mar 1) features six days of music and community suppers.

• Woodstock: The Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing (Feb 20–22) is a high-octane must-see for sled enthusiasts.

Nova Scotia

Moncton/Southeast NB: The Hot Chocolate Festival continues through Feb 28—check local cafes for their signature “festival” pours.

Prince Edward Island

• Charlottetown: Music PEI Week begins on Feb 28 and runs through March 7. It’s the biggest annual celebration of the Island’s music scene with concerts and awards.

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• Charlottetown: If you’re looking for a laugh or some local culture, catch “Ledwell and Haines” at the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre on Feb 21, or the Cabane Fever folk music celebration that same night.

• Summerside: Throughout the month, the Eptek Art & Culture Centre is hosting a special painting series by Nan Ferrier called Somebody’s Child—well worth a visit.

Newfoundland & Labrador

1. Deer Lake: The Deer Lake Winterfest is in full swing from Feb 20–28. It’s a classic community celebration with outdoor skating, sliding, and plenty of hot chocolate.

2. St. John’s: The Rooms has a full slate on Feb 20–21, including a “Fish or No Fish” tour of NL wedding traditions and a screening of the NFB documentary Any Other Way.

3. Cow Head: Theatre Newfoundland Labrador is hosting the Winter Island Tour with Matthew Byrne & Sherman Downey on Feb 26—a great night of storytelling and music.

4. Labrador City: For any curious grandkids (or adults!), there is a free STEM “Science of Lipsticks” workshop at the Royal Canadian Legion on Feb 20.

Northwest Territories

• Yellowknife: The Snowkings’ Winter Festival starts on March 1. The famous snow castle opens its doors on the ice of Great Slave Lake for a month of music, art, and sliding. Leading up to it, you can catch the final Snowcastle Construction Tours on Saturday, Feb 21, to see how they build the massive structure.

• Yellowknife: At the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC), there is a Hairspray Sing-A-Long on Feb 26, followed by a performance by guitarist Brett Hansen on Feb 28.

• Hay River: The K’amba Carnival is typically held around this time (late Feb). It’s a wonderful celebration on the Hay River Reserve featuring Dene games, dog sled races, and talent shows.

• Fort Simpson: The Beavertail Jamboree kicks off on March 1, featuring traditional games and community feasts to welcome the approaching spring.

Inuvik

• Inuvik: The Western Arctic Char Summit takes place Feb 24–25 at the Midnight Sun Complex. It’s a major gathering of researchers and Indigenous leaders to discuss the future of Arctic char and Dolly Varden.

• Inuvik: For those who like to stay active, the Inuvik Ski Club is offering special cross-country ski rental packages from Feb 23–25. It’s a great chance to get out on the trails under the northern sky.

• Inuvik: Keep an eye out for the Far North Photo Festival events, which often have screenings or workshops in town during this last week of February.

Chuckles Corner

The Speeding Ticket

An 80-year-old woman gets pulled over for speeding. The officer walks up and asks, “Ma’am, do you know why I pulled you over?”

She looks him dead in the eye and says, “Is it because I’m the only one keeping up with traffic? Because everyone else is driving like they’re looking for a lost cat!”

Travel Deals for Seniors

• National (Quebec): Club Med Charlevoix is offering last-minute February/March “Sun & Snow” deals with instant credits up to $400 for those looking for a luxury winter staycation without leaving the country.

• International (Sun): Last-minute vacation packages to Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic are seeing significant price drops for departures before the end of February, with some “all-inclusive” trips starting under $1,200 per person.

• Cruises: Royal Caribbean has a “Signature Sale” ending February 22 featuring up to $600 in instant savings and 60% off the second guest for sailings departing later this spring—perfect for planning ahead.

We hope you find something fun to do in your neck of the woods this week. Stay warm, keep your “handshake” values close, but your digital guard up!

Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn,
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment