20 Best Places to Retire in Canada And Enjoy Your Golden Years (2024)

Retirement – The golden years of a person’s life. After a lifetime of hard work, responsibilities, and obeying a work schedule, you can finally hang up the hat and relax in your home.

More and more Canadians are choosing to retire in a different city in which they worked in, for a variety of different reasons.

If you have decided to relocate for your retirement, you might be looking for the best places to retire in Canada. 

Even if you have your own list of preferences for your place of retirement, this list can help. Taking a practical approach towards choosing your retirement city can ensure a happy and financially healthy retirement.

Top Things to Consider When Choosing a City to Retire

Best Places To Retire In Canada Infographics

You might have your own checklist of your retirement dreams. You may want to pursue a hobby that you didn’t find time for in your working life. Or you might just want to stay close to nature. But if you plan to move to another city, your personal preferences alone cannot shape your decision.

How much money you have saved up for your retirement would be the strongest factor influencing your dream retirement destination. When you’ve made your list of the best places to retire in Canada on a budget, then you can choose a place that’s a near-perfect fit for you. 

While each person will have different needs when they retire, there are a few things you must consider:

1) Cost of living 

Even if you are loaded with cash, the cost of living is a crucial factor to consider. An expensive place will deplete your savings faster and make your advanced years harder.

Cost of housing (rent/own place), food, transportation, medical care, cost of services, and, most importantly, the cost of doing things you dreamed of doing in your retirement (hobbies, vacations, fishing, etc.) are all important factors to consider.

2) Weather  

If you have certain chronic conditions, especially respiratory issues, you may not want to live in a humid city. Similarly, you don’t want to relocate to a place where it gets too cold, especially if you are used to milder weather.

A sunny place might be packing too much heat for your liking. So think well about the weather before making up your mind. Ideally, visit and city in your chosen city in different weather before deciding to move there.

3) Lifestyle

That’s more about personal preferences. If you’ve lived all your life in a bustling city, the quiet, calm, and “slow” life of small towns might get boring after a while, even if it seems appealing at first. You should also consider your major retirement employment and activities.

If your hobbies are home-bound and will turn you into a homebody, most cities might look the same to you. But if you are outgoing, like to travel, hike, or have other hobbies, you should pick your retirement city accordingly.

4) Population

Some people prefer the privacy of a big city, where you can spend years without knowing your neighbours. And more populous cities also mean more variety, more businesses, and a multitude of facilities, i.e., more options.

Others prefer to chat up their neighbours over the fence and like the feeling of being part of a close-knit small community. They prefer the quiet that comes with fewer people around the town. Which one you are will be a deciding factor in choosing your retirement city.

5) Property Tax Rates

When you retire on your savings, understand that it’s all that you’ll have. So take into account expenses like property taxes, which you’ll have to pay even if you can buy a place in your retirement city. Over the years, just property tax rates can yield a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.

6) Housing Prices

If you are planning to purchase a house, housing prices are one of the first things you should consider since this will have the most significant impact on your retirement savings.

If you are thinking about your home as an asset, price appreciation patterns would also be important to consider. Rent might also be influenced by high housing prices (in case you are planning to rent a place).

7) Doctor per 100,000 Population

As you age, proximity to medical facilities and professionals becomes just as important as proximity to friends and family. That’s especially true if you are already dealing with chronic medical conditions.

The concentration of doctors per capita is a less-than-ideal measure of how easily you will have access to medical care if you need it.

There are other factors to consider as well, like the crime rate in the neighbourhood you are moving into, proximity to malls, restaurants and farmers’ markets, and several other things.

Some of them are subjective, and some aren’t. In either case, if you are looking for the best places to retire in Canada on a budget, you have to do your research.

In this article, I’ve tried to lighten a little load for you. Even if you disagree with the choices, this list might add something to your thought processes, like new variables you might have ignored or a different perspective. 

Related reading: Retirement income sources in Canada

Best Places To Retire In Canada

Some of the best places to retire in Canada are stated below in order of population (smallest to largest). Make sure the city you choose to retire in offers the best balance when it comes to your retirement goals, your financial standing, access to facilities you’ll require as you age, and matches your quality of life.

1. Canmore, Alberta

Canmore, Alberta
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,307 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 15,990
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 26°C January: -5°C
  • Lifestyle: Active, golfing, sports, exclusive retirement community
  • Housing Prices: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.5%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 2,092

Canmore, Alberta is a wonderful place to live if you’re looking for an active retirement. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, skiing, rafting, and bird watching. Canmore has over 70 kilometres of trails, which provides ample opportunity to enjoy nature.

Additionally, it’s a great place to pick up a new hobby. Golfing is very popular in the summer, and curling picks up during the winter. There are several notable breweries as well, which is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Lastly, there are plenty of options when it comes to dining out. From small, quaint family diners to high-end dishes, you’ll find something to suit your unique tastes.

Canmore definitely has a more exclusive feel to it. That being said, there’s a growing retiree population here, so you’ll never feel outpaced. There will also be lots of opportunities to socialize during the city’s community events. It’s also a stone’s throw away from Calgary if you’re missing city life.

2. Halifax, NS

Halifax, NS
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,244 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 460,274
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 23°C January: 0°C
  • Lifestyle: “Rustic” big city and affordable life
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.25%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 639

Halifax is the largest city in the province, and population-wise, it’s practically half the province by itself.

Since it’s the regional capital of almost everything, you will find the best medical professionals and healthcare facilities available in the region if you move to Halifax. It has a very coastal vibe, and you get to taste some amazingly fresh seafood.

The coastal closeness also impacts the climate. You get relatively milder winters and a lot of humidity. It’s a big city, but it doesn’t really incorporate all the features of one, and that’s not a bad thing.

You get a thriving nightlife, but not too much traffic during the rush hour. It’s more historical and less “artsy” in nature. Also, the outdoor activities are mostly centred on the seas.

So if you are more into hiking or hunting, you may not find Halifax much to your liking.

3. Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,660 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 17,511
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 25°C January: -4°C
  • Lifestyle: Touristy, arts and theatre, shopping
  • Housing Price: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.21%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 4 (but thousands more in the surrounding towns and cities)

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small lakeside town positioned on the bank of Lake Ontario, just north of Niagara Falls. If you’re a fan of the falls, they’re just a short drive away. The town is also close to the US border and New York, which makes for a great weekend getaway.

The town receives a fair amount of tourism during the summers from locals and Americans. It’s a growing retirement community, and over half of the city’s inhabitants are over age 45.

The downtown district looks like something from a magazine cover. Vibrant gardens are interspersed between local restaurants, bookshops, boutique retailers, and gift shops. There are some really nice cafes as well.

Another great reason to retire in Niagara-on-the-Lake is that you’ll be able to access the local wineries. The city also hosts the Shaw Festival in the summer, which hosts a variety of theatrical events. There are plenty of local community events, so you’ll never run out of things to do.

4. Collingwood, Ontario

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,097 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 24,942
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 29°C January: -16°C
  • Lifestyle: Relaxed, small-town, sailing, golfing, nature, and beaches
  • Housing Price: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.0%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 54

Collingwood, Ontario is a wonderful place to retire if you like the idea of living by the water. Sunset Point Beach on the Georgian Bay is a must-see attraction and is a great place to spend summer days relaxing and reading a great book on the beach.

The town itself is relatively small and has a tight-knit community. It’s naturally developed into a retirement community thanks to its low cost of living and access to activities like golfing, sailing, scuba diving, boating, and fishing.

There are plenty of outdoor parks, public campsites, and nature trails, so it’s the perfect place for those looking to get out of the city and into nature.

With just under 25,000 residents, you’ll never feel stifled or overly crowded. The people here tend to be very friendly and welcoming, and summers see a fair amount of tourists coming to take advantage of the beaches.

5. Fredericton, NB

Fredericton, NB
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,374 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 63,116
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 25.5°C January: -15°C
  • Lifestyle: Artsy, small-town feel with big-city facilities
  • Housing Price: Low
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.42%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Surgeons: 559

Fredericton is the capital city of the New Brunswick province. Population-wise, it’s quite small for a capital, but for retirees, it’s a blessed mix. The city is not too crowded, but as the regional capital, it has a lot of facilities a city of its size typically doesn’t have (though public transportation doesn’t run on Sundays).

Property prices are low enough that you can afford a place if you have enough savings, especially if you are going for a condo.

The rent is also significantly cheaper. It has a humid continental climate, and it’s a riverside city. So if you fish, it might be an amazing city to settle down in.

The city has a lot of historical buildings, museums, and parks, and hosts quite a few festivals for a city of its size. The largest hospital in the city has over 300 beds, several specialists, and a level 3 trauma center.

If you want to live somewhere that’s a nice, affordable blend of nature and a moderately big city, Fredericton might be the place for you.

6. Saint John, New Brunswick

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living:  $1,382 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 69,895
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 25°C January: -3°C
  • Lifestyle: Quiet, touristy, laid-back, strong sense of community
  • Housing Price: Low
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.785%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 664

Saint John, New Brunswick is a popular retirement destination for those looking for low-cost living in a quiet city. There isn’t much of a party or nightlife scene, but there are plenty of good restaurants and a decent amount of small shops in downtown Saint John.

One of the best reasons to give Saint John a shot is that it’s full of friendly people. There’s a strong sense of community here, and people tend to help each other out. This makes it a good place for meeting new people and developing friendships.

It’s a very historical city as well, so if you enjoy architecture and the feel of being in a small European city, Saint John’s architecture can be very attractive. It’s also the only city located on the Bay of Fundy, which provides ample opportunity to do a bit of fishing or sit and enjoy nature.

7. Comox Valley, British Columbia

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,630 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 72,445
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 23°C January: 2°C
  • Lifestyle: Calm, quiet, sailing, fishing, golfing, and scenic vistas
  • Housing Price: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.529%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 490

Nestled in the heart of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is an incredible place for those looking for an active retirement. Boating, fishing, and sailing are great ways to spend the warm summers, and the beaches are outstanding (Miracle Beach Provincial Park is definitely worth checking out).

If you enjoy golfing, there are several public and private golf clubs in the valley, giving you a variety of field options and great scenery.

Overall, Comox Valley has a small-town feel, so it’s a great place for those seeking a quiet retirement. That being said, the town hosts public events throughout the year, so you’ll have the opportunity to socialize with your neighbours periodically.

One of the best reasons to retire in Comox Valley is that you’ll be able to wake up to the sight of the majestic Beaufort Mountain Range every morning.

8. Kingston, ON

Kingston, ON
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,144 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 132,485
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 25°C January: -3°C
  • Lifestyle: Mild-paced, healthy, and a bit costly
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.36%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Surgeons: 1,277

If you don’t mind living in a city where half the population is made up of young students and not old retirees like yourself, Kingston might be the place for you. It has a long and proud history, especially military history, thanks to its strategic location.

As a retiree, you’d like Kingston’s relaxed aura and comfortable pace of living. The city is sunny for almost half the year. Local transportation is efficient, quick, and affordable.

But the most potent point in Kingston’s favour is perhaps its excellent medical facilities. Kingston General Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Southern Ontario.

The city has many great places that you can visit or spend your retirement time in, like Lake Ontario Park or the Museum of Healthcare, the only one of its kind in the country.

You can also pursue several outdoor activities in the city, like sailing, fishing, golfing, or hiking.

9. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,276 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 167,680
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 25°C January: -12°C
  • Lifestyle: Relaxed, touristy, scenic, great food scene
  • Housing Price: Low
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.67%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 465

If having a view is important to you, then Prince Edward Island is one of the best regions in Canada to retire in. Charlottetown, in particular, is known for its scenic vistas and offers riverside dining opportunities at the convergence of the North River and Hillsborough River.

The food in Charlottetown is incredible, and I’ve personally had the chance to eat at several of the local seafood restaurants during a weekend trip with my girlfriend.

There’s a local airport, which makes it easy for extended family to visit, and there’s plenty of local shopping and family-friendly activities.

Another interesting attraction that some retirees may enjoy is the Red Shores Racetrack and Casino. Here, you’ll be able to watch horse races and do a bit of responsible gambling.

The only real downside of Charlottetown is that the weather can be a bit glum outside of summertime. Rain, snow, and hail are common throughout the winter and spring.

10. Burlington, ON

Burlington, ON
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,156 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 196,914
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 27°C January: 2°C
  • Lifestyle: Casual, social, and “outdoorsy.”
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.76%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Surgeons: 6,312

There are 115 parks in the small city of Burlington, so you won’t have trouble finding fresh air in the city. It’s just about 40 minutes away from Toronto, so if you have family there, you might love living in this quaint little town.

It has a strong creative community and enough art venues, especially considering its population. The city is also very bicycle-friendly.

There is one major hospital in the town, but for some serious issues, you may have to go to Hamilton, which isn’t too far off. One chink in Burlington’s armour is its housing prices.

Even if you want to rent, you may find the city relatively expensive to live in. But if you find a way around this expense (co-op, small house, etc.), the city will seem quite affordable. Or you can choose the city’s retirement facilities.

You can also find a wide spectrum of retirement living in the city, including active retirement living, assisted living, and home care.

11. Kelowna, BC

Kelowna, BC
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,164 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 222,162
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 27°C January: 0°C
  • Lifestyle: Retiree-friendly, casual, and bustling (only when the tourists’ swamp)
  • Housing Price: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.53%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Surgeons: 830

Kelowna is actually sort of cliché when it comes to retirement communities. Until the last census, over 18% of the population was made up of retirees – way above the national average.

It sees all four seasons, housing is a bit expensive (especially if you try and live closer to the lake), and if you are an oenophile (a fancy way of saying wine-lover), Kelowna is a place to be. It’s a perfect blend of nature, quiet and big-city rush (especially in tourist season).

If you don’t mind being a bit out of the city for cheaper housing and like to drive and enjoy outdoor leisure activities and picnics by the lake, then you may find Kelowna affordable enough.

The main medical facility is quite sizeable, with over 700 beds, and the number of doctors per capita is high enough as it is in the city. One major attraction that draws many a retiree to this city is the dry weather.

12. Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,274 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 393,812
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 20°C January: 7°C
  • Lifestyle: Densely urban, friendly, and costly
  • Housing Price: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.52%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Surgeons: 758

A very high doctor count per capita, and a meagre property tax (Assuming you can afford to buy a place) make it one of the best places to retire in Canada when you are not on a budget.

The temperature is moderate and dry. In fact, it’s one of the driest cities in the region. It receives about half as much snow as Vancouver.

Transportation can be a bit costly, especially to and from the island. Housing is also a bit expensive, but as a trade-off, you get to live in a densely populated yet friendly city.

And even though you might not be looking for any flings in your retirement age, it’s also Canada’s most romantic city. If you love flowers (and are not allergic to pollen), the “garden city” will feast your eyes with a variety of flowers.

If you are an extroverted, social creature who thrives in urban densities and can afford to pay for it, Victoria is for you.

13. London, ON

London, ON
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,190 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 515,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 20°C January: -6°C
  • Lifestyle: Mild-paced, casual urban living
  • Housing Price: High
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.35%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 1,531

In London, you get almost everything you want in a big city, without all the rush and the crowd.

That’s one of the best ways to describe this city. Its strongest points are its proximity to the US (Detroit), proximity to Niagara Falls (but it might get repetitive after a while), affordability, and greenery.

It’s called the forest city for a reason, and if you love nature and taking long walks, London might be the city for you.

Housing in the city is not very expensive compared to some other cities its size in the province. Being the regional healthcare center, London offers plenty of medical facilities and professionals.

You might have access to all kinds of medical experts and nurses for assisted living (if you need it at an advanced age). It has a humid continental climate, and the city gets heavy snowfalls.

14. Quebec City, Quebec

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living:  $1,084 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 732,725
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 23°C January: -8°C
  • Lifestyle: Upbeat, fun, inexpensive, lots of public parks
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.877%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 345

If your French is good and you’re looking for a city with a European feel to it, then Quebec City is definitely worth considering for retirement. Located in the heart of Quebec, this city is known for its culture, food, and art scene.

It’s known for providing great social services and has a growing community of retirees. This makes it a great city to socialize with fellow seniors. Quebec City also has plenty of doctors and state-of-the-art medical facilities, which means you probably won’t have to leave town to find good treatment.

The Saint-Lawrence River runs through Quebec City, and there are plenty of small parks where you can catch a beautiful sunset, watch the boats go by, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Lastly, Quebec City has a growing number of top-rated senior living facilities. If you come to the point where assisted living is necessary, this means you won’t have to uproot and move to another city.

15. Winnipeg, MB

Winnipeg, MB
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,159 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 833,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 26°C January: -11°C
  • Lifestyle: Climate-driven, big-city life
  • Housing Price: Low
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.24%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 1,278

If you are looking for a milder climate and a dry place to live, Winnipeg isn’t that. But if you can bear with the humid summers and cold-dreary winters, “the peg” can be an affordable city to retire in, especially when you want to buy a house (with a thin retirement budget) and still live in a big city.

The city focuses a lot on art and history and has decent medical facilities and a sizeable number of family physicians.

It’s a thriving economic hub which tends to draw a lot of immigrants. So Winnipeg has a well-diversified community. Some time ago, the city got a bad reputation for crime rates, but thankfully, it’s under control now.

The community is helpful, and the cuisine is excellent and diverse. So if you are a foodie and the weather permits it, you can enjoy its various restaurants. One major point in Winnipeg’s favour is its affordability.

16. Ottawa, ON

Ottawa, ON
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,231 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 1,423,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 27°C January: -11°C
  • Lifestyle: Quiet, reserved, and family-oriented
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 1.06%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 885

If you like living in a big city, but you’re an introvert who doesn’t really like socializing, the capital might be a good place for you to retire. It’s quiet, clean, and beautiful.

The quality of life is high, but thankfully not the cost and property taxes. In Ottawa, you’ll have access to some of the best healthcare facilities that the country has to offer.

It’s also very tech-heavy in nature, so if your medical care requires significant technological integration (which would be the case in a few years), Ottawa might be a good place to be.

If you don’t own or want to drive your own car, you might find the city a bit hard to navigate. The local transport is more oriented towards taking people to and from work then to leisure activities.

The city is not very retirement-friendly. But if you can take care of yourself and are pretty self-dependent, that won’t matter much. Crime is relatively low. The winters can be rough.

17. Calgary, AB

Calgary, AB
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,307 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 1,611,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 21°C January: -2°C
  • Lifestyle: Bustling, fast, and dynamic
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.635%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 2,352

Despite being one of the most populous cities in the country, Calgary is relatively very affordable. The cost of living is low, and so are property taxes.  It has a relatively dry climate, and winters are quite cold but not brutally so.

It’s home to many petroleum-related headquarters and has acquired quite a bit of wealth. As a thriving metropolitan, it has attracted a lot of people from other countries and other parts of the country.

This essentially means that it’s a great place to work but might not be an ideal place to retire if you want closeness to nature and a quiet atmosphere.

However, if you are too used to the socially charged and bustling life of a big city, and want to keep enjoying life to the fullest and engage in a plethora of activities that a big city has to offer, then Calgary might be just the place for you.

18. Montreal, Quebec

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,150 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 1,860,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 26°C January: -14°C
  • Lifestyle: Upbeat city, great food, museums, shopping, and excellent public transportation
  • Housing Price: Medium
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.767%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 838

If you’re looking for a lively city with a vibrant art scene, then Montreal is an incredible city to live and retire in. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best in Canada, and there are numerous small galleries and museums scattered throughout the city.

When it comes to food, it’s hard to beat Montreal. There are over 6,500 restaurants in the city, which is more restaurants per capita than in New York City. Whatever your favourite cuisine is, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.

The public transportation in Montreal is also exceptional, which allows you to travel throughout the city without having to pay excessive cab fees or worry about driving through the winter snow.

There are a lot of French speakers in Montreal, but I’ve found that the majority of the city is bilingual, so this shouldn’t be a barrier.

19. Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living:  $1,290 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 2,632,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 22°C January: 6°C
  • Lifestyle: Costly, dynamic and healthy
  • Housing Price: Very high
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.264%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 2,604

The third most populous city in the country is a beautiful metropolitan that offers a rich and dynamic big-city life and can be a great place to retire if you are loaded. Despite very low property taxes, you’ll find housing painfully expensive. But if you can afford it, Vancouver has a lot to offer.

Despite being home to over 2.5 million people and a concrete jungle, the city has its fair share of natural sights. It’s surrounded by forests, and the beauty of the city attracts so many tourists that tourism is the second-largest industry.

The city is also famous for being one of the healthiest in the country, and while with a population of millions, it’s not easy to generalize. Still, Vancouver’s citizens pride themselves on developing healthy habits.

It has one of the smallest overweight populations, and relatively fewer people smoke.

20. Toronto, Ontario

  • Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,317 per month (without rent)
  • Population: 6,313,000
  • Weather: Average Max Temp – July: 28°C January: -8°C
  • Lifestyle: Active city lifestyle, lots of indoor activities, great restaurants and shopping
  • Housing Price: Very high
  • Residential Property Taxes: 0.599%
  • Number of Local Doctors & Physicians: 6,305

Toronto is the capital of Ontario and is one of the top-rated cities in the world. If you enjoy big-city life, then there’s no better place to retire in Canada. While things are a bit more expensive here than the rest of Ontario, you’ll also never run out of fun ways to spend your retirement!

The city itself is dynamic and exciting, offering a wide range of eating opportunities, upscale living, museums, shopping, and other indoor activities. The public transportation here is also excellent, making it easy to get around without having to drive far.

Given Toronto’s central location and international airport, it’s great for retirees who see themselves travelling globally. Conversely, visiting friends and family can fly directly into Toronto, and you’ll have a great time showing them around the city.

Of course, the downside of Toronto is that it’s a big city. Although there are some beautiful parks here, finding a quiet, peaceful moment can be a bit difficult.

FAQs About Retiring In Canada

Here are a few answers to some of the most commonly asked questions I receive about retiring in Canada.

How Much Money Do I Need To Retire In Canada?

This mostly depends on how you expect to live as a retiree. Currently, it’s possible to live comfortably in Canada with an average retirement amount of around $70,000 per year.

Of course, the more money you have saved in your retirement fund, the more luxurious a lifestyle you’ll be able to live.

What Is The Best Province To Retire In Canada?

British Columbia is frequently rated one of the best provinces to retire in Canada, thanks to its beautiful nature, public parks, and quiet living. However, if you’re looking to retire in a larger town or city, then I’d recommend Ontario.

What Is The Cheapest Place In Canada To Retire?

One of the cheapest places to retire in Canada is Saint John, New Brunswick. The cost of living is below the national average, and home values haven’t skyrocketed the way they have in other provinces.

Which Province Offers The Best Healthcare For Seniors?

British Columbia currently offers top-rated healthcare and doctors for Canadian seniors.

Conclusion

If you still have years till you retire, but you’ve already started planning, there is one simple fact you have to understand: Your options are directly proportional to your finances.

If you have sizeable retirement savings, you can have your pick of the litter. The smaller your retirement funds, the fewer your options will be. 

Learn about the cheapest places to live in Canada here.

15 thoughts on “20 Best Places to Retire in Canada And Enjoy Your Golden Years (2024)

  1. Thank you very much for your excellent information but I am wondering why you did not mention Prince Edward Island. I’m planning to buy a house there for retirement.

  2. Living in Victoria, I would like to correct the doctor information in article. There are no family doctors available to take new patients. And yes, the real estate cost is that high. The rent is more like $2000-$2100 for a one bedroom apartment/condo. I love Victoria and it is a nice looking city. However, when I retire in near future I plan to look for more retiree friendly city. Victoria isn’t what it use to be, sadly.

  3. Thanks for the lovely article. I live in Halifax and was extremely surprised to read there was no hiking or hunting! There is plenty of hiking, hunting and golf!! The wonderful part of it is that these wilderness trails are within the parameters of Halifax!! https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/trails
    There is so much to do and see!!! Deer hunting is very big here, as is trapping.

    Thanks for your article, you have peaked my interest in a few places in Ont!!

    1. Housing is through the roof, property taxes increased again this year, 90,000+ people are without doctors and high rises are going up instead of renovating architecture with character. The Mayor wants to be Boston and the new-ish waterfront could be anywhere on the US east coast except for the Queens Marque that’s ugly as sin.

  4. I enjoyed your article however, I don’t agree with some of your points on London. It’s an excellent place to raise a family but I would not rank it #7 for retirement. Our average temp in July is 27 not 20, and with humidity it’s often in the high 30’s +. Heat and air quality warnings are not good for the aging and limit ability to enjoy the outdoors. We get the occasional snow storm due to our location between two Great Lakes, otherwise don’t count on snow for winter activities. The lakes are a great feature not mentioned. Boating and swimming in less than an hour to either lake. More important/interesting than Niagara Falls is that we are about 2 hours west of Toronto, with rail service. As for house prices, knowing what you can buy in a safe neighbourhood in the 500 range gives me pause to what the prices mean for other cities.

    https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Canada/Ontario/Places/london-temperatures-by-month-average.php

    Thank you for writing about the Forest City.

  5. I live in the Ottawa area and it is very expensive to live in or within a 50 km radius of the city. Housing prices are currently outrageous and taxes have increased 5% over the past 3 years. Something to keep in mind if looking here to retire. Living across the river in Gatineau, QC is more economical but the healthcare is stressed.

  6. Victoria has had a shortage of family doctors since well before COVID and it’s getting worse by the week so I have no idea how you’re working out your stats

  7. I’m not sure how you get your statistics but Kelowna Housing prices are the 3rd highest in B.C. and rent is between $1700.00 to $1950.00 for a decent one bedroom.
    Gas prices are their lowest in 2 months at 2.03 per litre. Food is expensive and the medical system is in a major crisis in this province. Retirees are selling and moving to places such as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Atlantic provinces because they can no longer afford to live here.

      1. You neglected to mention one small detail about Kelowna: the smoke from wildfires, the constant evacuation alerts, the fire risk and the excessive temperatures in the summer.

  8. Hi Christopher,
    Edmonton was a huge oversight! We built a home with amazing views of the North Saskatchewan River for a fraction of the price of most of the cities you mention and have a comfortable retirement. We have fantastic cultural experiences and first class universities Sure we experience some harsh weather in the winter but it’s Canada after all and we have an international airport for inexpensive escapes if you desire. Did I mention lower taxes! Unless you have a huge retirement fund Toronto, Vancouver and Kelowna are definitely unaffordable.
    You definitely need to update your list.

  9. Your review of Collingwood, Ontario should mention winter sports (skiing, snow boarding, etc.). Collingwood has evolved into a 4 season destination, but started as primarily as a very popular ski town, that has numerous ski resorts.
    Perhaps all of the reviews in this article should also mention seasonal influxes of tourists and day trippers.

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