Good day, Bill & Marilyn here! We hope you’re staying cozy as we head into the second full week of January. It’s been a busy start to the year for us, and we know many of you are keeping active even while the winter winds blow across the country.
Scam Alert: Protect Your Information
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The “Canada Post” Delivery Scam: Be wary of text messages or emails claiming you have a package held for a small “unpaid shipping fee.” These often link to a fake website designed to steal your credit card information. Canada Post will never ask for payment via text or email for an undelivered item.
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The CRA “Refund” Text: With tax season approaching, scammers are sending texts claiming you have an uncollected refund from the Canada Revenue Agency. The CRA does not send refunds via text or link to portals asking for your SIN or banking details.
Upcoming Events (January 10 – 18)
Alberta
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Edmonton: The Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival (Jan 10-11) celebrates winter through art, music, and “freezer races” on 118th Ave.
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Canmore: Check out the local Artisan Market on Jan 17 for handmade crafts and local preserves.
British Columbia
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Vancouver: Dine Out Vancouver Festival begins Jan 14. Many restaurants offer set menus at fixed prices—a great time to try something new.
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Penticton: The BC Winter Games start their local countdown with community events at the recreation centre on Jan 11.
Manitoba
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Winnipeg: The “Art of the Brick” LEGO exhibition continues at the RBC Convention Centre; it’s a wonderful, accessible indoor walk.
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Gimli: Local curling bonspiels are in full swing this week—stop by the club for some community spirit and a warm coffee.
New Brunswick
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Fredericton: Frostival kicks off later in the week (Jan 15), featuring outdoor skating and local music downtown.
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Sackville: Enjoy a quiet winter bird-watching walk at the Waterfowl Park, which remains accessible for most of the winter.
Newfoundland and Labrador
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St. John’s: The “Reel Downtown” winter film screenings are a great indoor escape on chilly afternoons.
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Corner Brook: Check the local library for “Senior Tea and Tech” sessions helping with new holiday gadgets (Jan 14).
Nova Scotia
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Halifax: The Halifax Mooseheads have home games this week at the Scotiabank Centre—great energy for a Saturday night out.
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Truro: Visit the Farmers’ Market on Jan 10 or 17 for local winter root vegetables and fresh baked goods.
Ontario
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Ottawa: Winterlude preparations are underway! Keep an eye on the Rideau Canal Skateway status as we head toward mid-month.
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Niagara Falls: The Winter Festival of Lights remains lit until Jan 18; it’s a beautiful drive-through or walk-through experience.
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Stratford: The “Lights On Stratford” winter lantern festival offers stunning displays in the downtown core.
Prince Edward Island
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Charlottetown: The Jack Frost Winterfest previews begin this week with community skating at the Founders’ Food Hall & Market.
Saskatchewan
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Saskatoon: The BHP Enchanted Forest drive-through light show at Forestry Farm Park is a perfect way to stay warm and see the sights.
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Regina: Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum for a quiet, indoor educational afternoon.
Travel Deals for Seniors
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National: VIA Rail continues to offer 10% off for those 60+ on the best available public fare in Economy class or Sleeper Plus class.
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International: Sandals Resorts is currently offering “Senior Recognition” discounts (up to 10% on top of existing promotions) for select Caribbean bookings made this month.
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Regional: Several Atlantic Canada hotels are offering “Staycation” rates for seniors during the mid-winter lull—check local listings in Moncton and Charlottetown for up to 15% off.
We hope this helps you plan a wonderful week ahead. Stay safe, stay warm, and remember to take a moment for yourself.
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders of 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.