Your Weekly Roundup OCTOBER 12-19, 2025

Hello everyone,

As autumn colours reach their peak and Thanksgiving weekend arrives, this is a wonderful time to gather with loved ones and enjoy the harvest season across Canada. This week, we’re sharing important updates on staying safe from scams, exciting events happening from coast to coast, and travel opportunities to help you enjoy this beautiful fall season.

Chuckles Corner

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Senior News Spotlight: Stay Informed About Your Benefits

As we shared last week, OAS benefits increased by 0.7% for the October to December 2025 quarter. If you haven’t checked your My Service Canada Account recently, now is a good time to verify your payment amounts and ensure your direct deposit information is current.

Important reminder: Always access your government accounts directly by typing the official website address into your browser, not by clicking links in emails. This brings us to our scam alert…

Scam Alert: Grandparent Scam Remains a Serious Threat

The “grandparent scam” continues to target Canadian seniors, with scammers now using social media, text messages, and phone calls to reach victims. Here’s how it works:

You receive a message claiming to be from a grandchild (or other loved one) who is in trouble—perhaps arrested, in a car accident, or stranded abroad. The caller may say “Do you know who this is?” hoping you’ll say a name they can then use. They urgently request money, often insisting “Don’t tell Mom or Dad—they’ll be so mad!”

New variation: Scammers are now using AI technology to clone voices, making the caller sound exactly like your grandchild.

Protect yourself:

Always verify by calling the person directly at their known phone number
Ask questions only the real person would know
Never send money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards
It’s okay to hang up and call back
Remember: A real emergency usually involves multiple family members, not secrecy

If you receive such a call, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, even if you weren’t victimized. Your report helps protect others.

Upcoming Events Across Canada

(October 12-19)

British Columbia

Vancouver Canucks Home Opener: Hockey fans, the Canucks take on the Calgary Flames in their home opener. Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, but tickets are still available for upcoming games this week. When: Thursday, October 9 and ongoing home games Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC

VanDusen Botanical Garden Fall Festival: Explore autumn highlights including sugar maples, ginkgo trees, and the stunning Autumn Stroll. Family-friendly entertainment and transformed maze. When: Weekends through Sunday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver

Vancouver Farmers Markets: Multiple neighbourhood markets continue through late October, offering fresh fall produce, artisan goods, and local crafts. Check your local market for specific days. When: Various days through October Where: Multiple locations across Vancouver

Alberta

Calgary Farmers’ Markets: Fall harvest continues at markets across Calgary. Perfect for stocking up on seasonal vegetables, baking, and supporting local vendors. When: Weekends through October Where: Various locations, Calgary

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon Farmers’ Market: Year-round vibrant market featuring harvest vegetables, local honey, fresh baking, and unique crafts from local artisans. When: Saturdays and Sundays Where: Saskatoon, SK

Manitoba

Winnipeg Farmers’ Market: One of Manitoba’s best community markets offering fresh local produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts. When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Where: Winnipeg, MB

Ontario

Applefest, Bowmanville: This tremendously popular annual street festival celebrates all things apple. Four city blocks showcase local apple growers offering freshly picked apples and other goodies. When: Saturday, October 18, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: Historic Downtown, Bowmanville How much: Free

Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival, Huntsville: Running through October 26, featuring live music, delicious food, family activities, and breath taking autumn displays. Explore the Kid’s Activity Zone, tackle the maze, try the pumpkin slingshot. When: Through October 26, 2025 Where: Sandhill Nursery, Huntsville, ON

Toronto Blue Jays Playoffs: The Jays are in the 2025 playoffs! Check the schedule for exciting October baseball. When: Ongoing through playoffs Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto Cost: Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Farmers Markets Toronto: Multiple markets continue through late October:

St. Lawrence Market: Saturdays, 5:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Withrow Park: Saturdays through October 18, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wychwood Barns Park: Saturdays through October 25, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Trinity Bellwoods: Tuesdays through October 28, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Quebec

Festival du nouveau cinéma de Montréal: Entertaining film buffs through October 19, screening over 200 features and short films from around the globe, plus panel discussions, workshops, and tech-focused events. When: Through October 19 Where: Various venues, Montreal, QC

Montreal Farmers’ Markets: Experience the bounty of Quebec’s fall harvest at various markets across Montreal. Fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods. When: Weekends through October Where: Various locations, Montreal

New Brunswick

Fredericton Farmers’ Market: One of Atlantic Canada’s premier farmers’ markets, offering fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. When: Saturdays, 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Fredericton, NB

Nova Scotia

Celtic Colours International Festival, Cape Breton: Autumn is the time when the sounds of fiddles, pipes, and voices echo across Cape Breton Island. Over 250 local, national and international musicians, dancers, singers, and storytellers appearing at venues across Cape Breton. When: October 10–18 Where: Various venues across Cape Breton Website: celtic-colours.com

Nocturne: Art at Night, Halifax and Dartmouth: Art and energy take to the streets of Halifax and Dartmouth with this outdoor celebration of creativity. When: October 16–19 Where: Halifax and Dartmouth, NS

Truro Farmers’ Market: A Saturday morning classic! Enjoy the best of the harvest season with fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. When: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Where: Truro Farmers’ Market Square, Truro, NS

Live Music at The Nook and Cranny: Settle in for relaxing evenings of food, drinks, and live local acoustic artists. Check their Facebook page for weekly artist line-up. When: Evenings (check for specific times) Where: The Nook and Cranny Brew Pub, Truro, NS

Prince Edward Island

PEI Farmers’ Markets: Multiple markets across the island featuring the last of the fall harvest, fresh seafood, baked goods, local crafts, and friendly PEI hospitality. Don’t miss the famous PEI potatoes and preserves! When: Weekends Where: Charlottetown and various island locations

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s Farmers’ Market: A wonderful gathering place with a huge variety of local vendors offering prepared foods, fresh produce, unique art, and crafts. When: Saturdays Where: St. John’s, NL

Yukon

Yukon Arts Centre Gallery: Take a quiet afternoon to appreciate the work of northern artists. The gallery regularly features stunning exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art. When: Check website for gallery hours Where: Whitehorse, YT

Northwest Territories

Yellowknife Farmers’ Market: One of Canada’s most northern farmers’ markets! Local produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and northern delicacies. When: Check local listings Where: Yellowknife, NT

Nunavut

Iqaluit Community Events: Check with the local community centre for Thanksgiving weekend activities and gatherings. When: Various times Where: Iqaluit, NU

Travel Deals of the Week

VIA Rail – Autumn Train Travel for Seniors

Fall is the perfect time to experience Canada by train, with spectacular autumn colours along many routes. VIA Rail offers excellent opportunities for seniors:

Permanent Senior Discount: Seniors 60 and over save 10% on most VIA Rail fares year-round. Simply select “Senior (60+)” when booking and bring valid government-issued photo ID when boarding.

Discount Tuesdays: Currently on hiatus but returning soon! Sign up for VIA Rail emails to be notified when Discount Tuesdays return. When active, use code TUESDAY to save an additional 10-20% on select routes and travel classes.

CAA Members: Save up to 20% on VIA Rail tickets by entering your membership number when booking online.

Federal Retirees Members: Association members save 12.5% on most train tickets (Escape and Prestige Class excluded), including on top of seniors fares. Use discount code 810962 and extend the savings to up to three other passengers on the same itinerary.

Popular Fall Colours Routes:

Toronto to Ottawa/Montreal (stunning autumn foliage along the corridor)
The Great Western Way through the Prairies and Rocky Mountains
The Maritime Way for Atlantic Canada’s spectacular fall scenery

VIA Rail trains offer comfortable seating, onboard services, downtown-to-downtown travel, and the relaxation of watching Canada’s autumn beauty pass by your window—no driving stress required! https://www.viarail.ca

International Travel – Cruise Deals for Seniors

Air Canada Vacations – Flight & Cruise Packages

Save $100 per person off the flight portion of new bookings for Flight & Cruise packages to Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, or California. Valid for travel between January 1-September 30, 2026. Book by October 20, 2025. Minimum 7-night stay required. Plus, pay $0 flight deposit and flights are 100% refundable up to 24 hours prior to departure!

Norwegian Cruise Line – Earn Bonus Aeroplan Points

Earn 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points per person on new Flight & Cruise packages with Norwegian Cruise Line. Valid for balcony or higher stateroom categories, minimum 7-night stay. Travel between October 2, 2025 and October 31, 2026. Book by October 31, 2025.

Celebrity Cruises – Senior Rates

Travelers aged 55 and older qualify for exclusive senior rates on select sailings. At least one guest in your stateroom must be 55+ at booking time. Explore over 300 destinations worldwide with age-specific pricing. Current promotion: Get 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare, up to $400 in savings, plus a $100 savings bonus on select Caribbean sailings.

Princess Cruises – Family & Group Savings

Enjoy up to 40% off plus up to $200 instant savings on select sailings. Free 3rd and 4th guests on qualifying cruises make this perfect for traveling with family or friends. Book early for best selection and fares. Military veterans also qualify for up to $250 free onboard spending money.

General Cruise Savings Tips for Seniors:

Book early for best cabin selection and early-bird discounts
Travel in shoulder season (October-November, April-May) for lower prices
Consider last-minute deals if you live near a departure port and can be flexible
Join loyalty programs – most cruise lines offer perks for repeat passengers
Ask about AARP discounts – some lines offer up to 15% off
Combine discounts carefully – senior rates may not always stack with other promotions; ask your agent to compare

Popular Destinations for Fall/Winter 2025-2026:

Caribbean Cruises: Warm weather escape with multiple islands
Mediterranean: Off-season pricing with fewer crowds
River Cruises: European Christmas markets (November-December)
Hawaii: Perfect climate year-round
Mexico: Short, affordable getaways from West Coast ports

Do you know of a local event or great deal we missed? Share it in the comments below or email us to help out your fellow community members!

Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment

Your Weekly Roundup OCTOBER 12-19, 2025

Chuckles Corner

Senior News Spotlight: Stay Informed About Your Benefits

Scam Alert: Grandparent Scam Remains a Serious Threat