🚨 Scams to Watch For
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The “Bank Courier” Fraud: This is the most urgent warning for January. Scammers call impersonating your bank, claiming your account is compromised. They then send a fake “courier” directly to your home to pick up your physical bank cards or PIN information. The Fix: A bank will never send a courier to your house; hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
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Fake “Package Pending” Texts: You may receive a text from an unknown number regarding a “missed delivery” with a link to “reschedule”. These links lead to sites designed to steal your credit card info for a small “redelivery fee.
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CRA “Carbon Rebate” Interac Scams: Scammers are sending emails and texts using the official CRA logo, claiming you are owed a refund. They offer an Interac e-Transfer link for “faster processing”. Remember: The CRA never sends links via text or first-contact email; real refunds are only sent by cheque or direct deposit.
🇨🇦 Upcoming Events Province by Province
British Columbia
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Sidney: The 20th Annual LEGO Brick Exhibit continues at the Sidney Museum—a perfect spot to take the grandkids to see the community creations.
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Vancouver: The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival kicks off on Jan 22, featuring experimental theatre and dance across various city venues.
Alberta
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Edmonton: The Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival (Jan 17–18) celebrates Ukrainian, French-Canadian, and Indigenous cultures with ice sculptures and freezer races on Alberta Avenue.
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Calgary: Jubilations Dinner Theatre starts their new musical tribute, Let It Be Beatles, on Jan 17.
Saskatchewan
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Saskatoon: Winterruption SK (Jan 21–25) offers free outdoor festivities at W.E. Graham Park alongside ticketed music and comedy shows.
Manitoba
- Winnipeg: The Winnipeg New Music Festival begins on January 24th. This world-class event at the Centennial Concert Hall features contemporary orchestral works and is a highlight for the city’s arts community.
- Winnipeg: Throughout this week, you can also visit the “Zoo Lights Festival” at Assiniboine Park Zoo, which typically runs through late January, offering a stunning light display and winter activities for all ages.
- Brandon: Check the local community calendars for the “Winter Wellness” skating and snowshoeing events often hosted at Riverbank Discovery Centre during the mid-January weekends.
Ontario
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Niagara-on-the-Lake: The Icewine Village (Jan 17–25) transforms Queen Street into a winter wonderland with local tastings and sculptures.
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Toronto: The Toronto International Boat Show (Jan 17–25) at the Enercare Centre is the “biggest boat sale of the year” for those already dreaming of summer.
New Brunswick
- Fredericton, NB: Local community centres are hosting “Winter Warm-up” skating sessions and library workshops throughout the week.
Nova Scotia
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Sydney, NS: Cheer on the final rounds of the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship at Centre 200 through Jan 18.
Newfoundland & Labrador
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Grand Falls-Windsor: The Winter Heritage Series often has small, local exhibits or “coffee and memory” sessions at the local museum.
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Corner Brook: Check out the Civic Centre for local “Seniors’ Skate” or curling club socials, which are the social lifeline of the town during January.
Prince Edward Island
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Summerside: The College of Piping often hosts smaller ceilidhs or “kitchen parties” that are much more intimate than the big Charlottetown shows.
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Montague: Look for local Church Hall Suppers. January is prime time for community fundraisers that offer a great meal and a chance to catch up with neighbours.
✈️ Senior Travel Deals
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Air Canada Senior Fares: Air Canada offers reduced pricing on select domestic and international routes for travellers 65+. These aren’t always visible online, so it’s best to call directly to confirm “senior-specific” rates for your route.
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Marriott & Best Western Discounts: Seniors (62+) can save up to 15% at Marriott properties, while Best Western offers 10% off for those 55+.
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Amtrak/VIA Rail Cross-Border: For those heading south, travellers 60+ are eligible for a 10% discount on cross-border rail services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail.
We hope this list gives you plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the winter air—or at least a good excuse to start planning your next escape! We’ll keep working on those site improvements so you can focus on the fun stuff.
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment