Best Place to Retire in Canada Right Now: 15 Top Picks

When you retire, you can live almost anywhere you want. That makes picking a location much more difficult. Canada pension plans are financially secure, making it a top destination for many. Canada has many advantages, with its healthy middle class, lower tax burden, and longer life expectancy.

Plenty of desirable retirement communities have affordable housing costs and friendly people. But, how do you find the right one? In this guide, we’ve narrowed the search for you and selected the best place to retire in Canada based on individual preferences. Whether you are looking for cultural activities, smaller communities, or vibrant cities, there is something here for everyone.

Keep reading to learn about:

• Top 15 places to retire
• How to choose a retirement destination

An Overview of the Best Places to Retire in Canada

The Top 15 Retirement Spots in Canada

Below is a full list of the best places to retire depending on your budget, weather preference, and lifestyle choice. Every place has its charm and unique qualities that appeal to all generations.

01. Victoria: The Jewel of Vancouver Island

Victoria, British Columbia, is often considered to be the best place to retire in and one of the overall best places to live in Canada. The city enjoys a mild climate, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere where retirees can live comfortably. The lush gardens offer a rewarding experience paired with a relaxed lifestyle.

Retirees can explore the famous Butchart Gardens, enjoy whale watching tours, or bask in the beauty of the Inner Harbour. Additionally, Victoria is well connected with other areas of Vancouver Island. With major highways and ferry routes, residents can visit other cities, such as Nanaimo, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

02. Calgary: Canada’s Sunniest City

If you’re seeking a cosmopolitan lifestyle with sunshine, Calgary in Alberta can be one of the best places to retire. It is one of the top cities in the country in terms of high-quality healthcare. Retirees enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, world-class amenities, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

The city has excellent seniors plans, varying real estate prices, and great retirement communities. Public transit offers extensive networks, making Calgary a great place to retire.

03. West Vancouver: Coastal Charm and Casual Lifestyle

West Vancouver is a district municipality in British Columbia, located northwest of the city of Vancouver. It offers the perfect balance between modern amenities and comfortable living. West Vancouver has a mild climate, a vibrant cultural scene, and countless historical buildings.

This municipality offers a rewarding experience with great amenities for those who prefer exclusive but welcoming communities. It has a rich history and high-quality healthcare.

04. Port Colborne: Nature’s Spectacle and Scenic Living

Port Colborne is a city in Ontario, Canada, located on the northern shore of Lake Erie. It sits at the southern end of the Welland Canal, which connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, allowing ships to bypass Niagara Falls. The proximity to Niagara Falls makes it the best place to retire.

With just a 40-minute trip, you can see the iconic natural wonders of Niagara Falls. It boasts stunning parklands, exciting casinos, and a host of museums and galleries.

05. Canmore: All-Season Adventure & Mountain Splendor

Canmore is a town in Alberta, Canada, located in the Rocky Mountains, just outside the eastern gates of Banff National Park. For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Canmore is a dream come true.

From hiking and skiing to fishing and golfing, Canmore’s recreational opportunities are boundless. Although it’s one of the most expensive places to live in Alberta, Canmore remains one of the best places to retire for those who seek a more luxurious lifestyle.

06. St. John’s: East Coast Charm and Maritime Delights

St. John’s is located on the east coast of Canada, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

It is the capital city of the province with a foggy oceanic climate and a strong sense of community. It offers great healthcare, affordable housing, and many areas to live comfortably on a Canada pension plan.

07. Ottawa: Heart of the Nation’s Capital Region

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers retirees a unique blend of history, culture, and pretty landscapes. Ottawa is considered one of the best Canadian cities to retire because it is well-equipped to support seniors through every retirement stage.

The city has high-quality healthcare and top-tier hospitals specializing in physiotherapy and emergency care. There are welcoming communities centered around senior-oriented programs to boost the quality of life. That’s why many Americans moving to Canada choose this as a place to retire.

08. Picton: Lakeside Serenity and Gastronomic Delights

Picton is a town in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. It is a popular retirement destination due to its affordable real estate and rural location.

It has the convenience of a small town charm in terms of basic necessities like grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, but it is a lot quieter than downtown Toronto and less hectic. People settle in Picton to enjoy smaller communities and stay close to local wineries, art galleries, and sandy beaches.

09. Saskatoon: Prairie Paradise

Saskatoon is a city in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. It offers a mix of modern amenities with a small-town-feel, making it one of the best places to retire.

It has great healthcare and some of the lowest living costs compared to major Canadian cities.

10. Montreal: A Cultural Melting Pot and Dynamic Retreat

Nestled in the heart of Quebec, Montreal is a captivating city that blends cultural diversity with a vibrant urban lifestyle.

It is one of the Canadian cities that offers large French-speaking retirement communities. It provides excellent healthcare, access to nearby towns, many festivals, and low crime rates. Montreal has high purchasing power and a great outdoors. It is a bike-friendly city with a high quality of life and a multicultural environment.

11. Vancouver: A Vibrant Coastal Haven

Vancouver is the provincial capital of British Columbia and one of the best places to retire for anyone who prefers to be at the center of all cultural events. The city has a moderate climate, lots of green parks and mountains, and great restaurants.

It promotes a healthy lifestyle for seniors on the Old Age Security program. This universal seniors plan is available to most Canadian citizens and residents who are 65 years old. Vancouver has many historical buildings to explore and places to retire in Canada.

12. Halifax: Coastal Charm and Maritime Delights

Halifax is a city on the east coast of Canada of Nova Scotia. It is a quiet and welcoming place to retire in Canada. The city has affordable real estate, a low cost of living, and low crime rates. It provides modern architecture with coastal beauty.

The scenery is breathtaking, along with decent education, and a versatile cuisine. A financial advisor may recommend Halifax as a place to retire due to the affordable rent and housing units.

13. Kelowna: A Wine Country Retreat with Cross Country Ski Trails

Kelowna in British Columbia is a hidden gem for retirees seeking a relaxed and beautiful scenery. It offers vineyards, orchards, and great lakes for those looking to savor the finer things in life.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to keep them engaged, with easy access to golfing, boating, and fishing. The surrounding mountains offer opportunities for hiking and skiing, making it a popular retirement destination.

14. Fredericton: A Charming Riverside Retreat

Saint John River in Fredericton, New Brunswick, offers retirees a charming and peaceful retirement experience. It has a welcoming community and attractive landscapes for those seeking a slower-paced, close-knit lifestyle.

Fredericton’s downtown core features well-preserved heritage buildings, local shops, and inviting cafes. It is one of the most livable cities, known for its thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events throughout the year. There are also botanical gardens, perfect for leisurely strolls.

15. Quebec City: A Historic and Cultural Haven

Quebec City, in the province of Quebec, is a popular retirement destination due to its high safety and low crime rate. It is also beautiful and peaceful, with world-class healthcare, business opportunities, and rich local culture.

Quebec City has many cultural heritage sites, museums, art galleries, and festivals. Many retirees can immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene, attend theatrical performances, and indulge in culinary delights. In winter, the city attracts many tourists due to its picturesque scenes.

Choosing the Perfect Retirement Destination in Canada

To choose the best place to retire in Canada, you must determine your retirement goals. Everyone has their own lifestyle, housing options, weather, and natural landscapes they prefer. The options below can help you find the perfect destination.

1. Choose a location that’s within your budget

When selecting where to retire in Canada, consider the cost of living and future financial goals. Look at housing prices, groceries, healthcare, retirement planning, and other daily expenses. Compare regions to find a place that fits your budget without giving up comfort. A financial advisor may suggest you avoid living in the downtown areas of capital cities if it doesn’t align with your current budget.

2. Choose a location that feels like home

Prices and retirement expenses vary across Canada. Whether you prefer a house, condo, or retirement community, consider cost, size, safety, social security benefits, and proximity to shops and services. For example, Southern Ontario is the most populated and economically developed region in Canada. If you want urban neighborhoods with active nightlife, then cities like Toronto can feel like home.

3. Choose a climate that works with your overall health

Canada offers diverse climates, ranging from mild coastal regions to colder, snowier areas. The best place to retire in Canada is the one that makes you feel comfortable and doesn’t worsen your health. Consider factors like temperature range, precipitation levels, sunshine hours, and seasonal activities for retirement planning. Living in Vancouver can be a great choice for those who prefer urban settings with nature. It is one of the best places to retire for those who want to be at the center of all cultural events.

4. Choose a location to stay close to family and friends

When you retire in Canada, you have to pay taxes and receive expert advice on various expenses. Old age also comes with many health problems, so picking the ideal place comes down to choosing a location close to family or friends.

5. Choose a safe destination with low crime rates

Canada is a safe place to live due to its low crime rates, high living standards, and good quality of life. When choosing the best places to retire in Canada, select destinations where you feel safest walking around alone. Some of the safest places include Quebec City, Montreal, and Halifax.