Hello to all our friends and readers. We are standing on the doorstep of the Victoria Day long weekend! For many of us, this is the official “green light” to get those tomato plants in the ground and fire up the barbecue. Whether you call it May Two-Four or the Victoria Day weekend, we hope you have a relaxing stretch of days ahead.
Scam Alert: The “Grandparent” Emergency Call
A very serious and high-pressure scam has been circulating across Canada this month, with police issuing fresh warnings from Ontario to the Maritimes.
The Trap: You receive a call from someone pretending to be your grandchild. They often sound muffled or claim they have a “cold” to explain why their voice sounds different. They tell you they’ve been in a car accident or arrested and need “bail money” or “legal fees” immediately. In a scary new twist, some scammers are actually sending “couriers” to victims’ homes to pick up cash in person, or asking for wire transfers to buy gold bars.
The Fix: Never act under pressure. If you receive a call like this, hang up and call your grandchild or their parents directly on the phone number you have saved for them. Remember: the police and courts will never ask for bail money in the form of cash collected at your door, gift cards, or wire transfers. If someone tells you “don’t tell anyone,” that is the biggest red flag of all.
Upcoming Events Across Canada
British Columbia
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Victoria: The legendary Victoria Day Parade returns on Monday, May 18. Additionally, the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival runs May 16–17 at Topaz Park, featuring pipe bands and traditional heavy events like the caber toss.
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Nanaimo: The Vancouver Island Exhibition Grounds is hosting a Spring Vintage and Collectibles sale this weekend—a perfect spot for treasure hunters.
Alberta
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Calgary: Heritage Park officially opens its Historical Village for the season on Saturday, May 16. If you’re visiting with family, the “Day Out With Thomas” event also wraps up its final weekend on May 16–17.
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Edmonton: The Muttart Conservatory is featuring their “Spring Awakening” display. For those looking for a peaceful stroll, the pyramids are in full bloom, and the University of Alberta Botanic Garden has also begun its seasonal “Spring Blossoms” walks.
Saskatchewan
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Saskatoon: The Western Development Museum is hosting “Coffee with the Curator” this Wednesday, focusing on pioneer-era woodworking tools. It’s a wonderful chance to see behind the scenes of the museum’s research.
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Moose Jaw: Enjoy a guided historical trolley tour of the city’s famous murals and “Little Chicago” history—a great way to see the sights without too much walking.
Manitoba
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Winnipeg: The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is showcasing exotic Mediterranean plants. Look for “Toddler Tuesdays” starting May 19 if you have little ones in tow, or join the Sustainability Tour on May 16 to learn about the building’s unique design.
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Brandon: The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is offering “Hangar Talks” regarding Manitoba’s role in WWII aviation, a fascinating look at our local history.
Ontario
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Ottawa: The Canadian Tulip Festival reaches its grand finale this weekend, ending on Monday, May 18. Head to Commissioners Park to see the million tulips one last time before they are tucked away for the year.
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Stratford: Spring matinee performances are now running at the Stratford Festival; look for The Importance of Being Earnest starting May 19.
Quebec
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Montreal: The Botanical Garden is hosting a “Bonsai and Penjing” exhibit in the Japanese Garden, 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 Luskville Falls, or visit the Museum of History for their new guided architecture tours.
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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Fredericton: Officers’ Square is hosting a Victoria Day concert on Monday afternoon—bring a folding chair and enjoy the local brass bands.
Nova Scotia
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Truro/Valley: The Farmer’s Market is in full swing. This is the week to pick up hardy seedlings for your garden or grab a fresh coffee and catch up with neighbors.
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Wolfville: The “Magic Wine Bus” has resumed its seasonal tours through the Annapolis Valley vineyards for those looking for a scenic afternoon.
Prince Edward Island
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Charlottetown: Beaconsfield Historic House is hosting a “Victoria Day Social” on Monday afternoon with Victorian-style lemonade and cookies.
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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, especially from the heights of Signal Hill.
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Corner Brook: The Rotary Arts Centre is hosting a spring tea and craft social for local seniors on May 21.
The Territories
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Whitehorse, Yukon: The SS Klondike is now open for the season! A tour of this grand old sternwheeler is a must-do while the spring air is still crisp.
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Yellowknife, NWT: The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has a new exhibit on Dene craftsmanship and traditional clothing that is well worth a visit.
Travel Deals for Seniors
National
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VIA Rail: Seniors (65+) save an extra 10% on Economy Plus and Sleeper Plus fares. Traveling the “Ocean” line through the Maritimes in May offers beautiful views of the spring greenery.
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Fairmont Hotels: Many 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 shore excursions.
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European River Cruises: Look for “Solo Traveler” specials on the Rhine for late May; several lines are waiving the single supplement fee right now for last-minute bookings.
Stay safe out there, both on the road and on the computer. We hope your long weekend is filled with good weather and even better company.
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
