When discussing the best places to spend the golden years, most people probably think of Florida, Costa Rica or Italy. However, there is another place that is perfect for retirement. Maybe not so warm and sunny, but it offers a high quality of life and a lot of natural beauty.
You guessed it right: it’s Canada, and we have the 7 Best Places to Retire. The country is vast and you can find everything from sprawling urban areas and pristine coastlines to cozy landscapes and snow-capped mountains.
There’s something for everyone, both locals and those looking to move, so let’s see what the best places are.
1. Victoria, B.C
Victoria is a small town located on Vancouver Island where many people escape from busier Vancouver. It is located by the sea, which means you get healthy sea air. Compared to other parts of Canada, the climate is pleasant.
What really sets Victoria apart for retirees is that they can lead quite active lives there. There are numerous routes in the area for cyclists, runners and walkers. Sailing, fishing and kayaking are some of the other activities you can enjoy.
The disadvantage? The cost of real estate and the cost of living in general.
- Population: 398,000 (Greater Victoria)
- Weather: Mild
- Cost of living per person: $2,300
2. Parksville, BC
About two hours north of Victoria, Parksville is another great place to retire in British Columbia. With the highest number of seniors per capita, it has been called the country’s pension capital. So what draws them in?
First of all, the community is very welcoming. Furthermore, the entire area is known for its Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches. The Strait of Georgia is home to diverse marine life. While sailing you can watch whales and seals. What also makes Parksville unique is that you can play golf all year round, which is not as common in other places.
- Population: 13,700
- Weather: Mediterranean
- Cost of living per person: $2,900
3. Vancouver, B.C
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of a city, Vancouver is the option for you. Not only does it offer a rich cultural scene, but it also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, kayaking or whale watching.
Moreover, it features one of the best medical systems in the world and is family friendly – your children and grandchildren will love it.
Like Victoria, it is quite pricey and only suitable for those who have been saving for retirement for a while.
- Population: 2.6 million (Greater Vancouver)
- Weather: Mild
- Cost of living per person: $1,700 – $2,700
4. Calgary, AB
For those who still don’t want to give up the cosmopolitan life, but are looking for something affordable, there is Calgary. Housing is much cheaper than in Vancouver or Toronto (in August 2023 the average real estate price was $487,000). Moreover, the quality of life is better there – Calgary is among the top 10 most livable cities in the world!
Located just steps from Banff National Park, it will delight outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts. The weather is nice there too. Did you know that Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada?
- Population: 1.64 million (Calgary metropolitan area)
- Weather: Continental – dry and sunny
- Cost of living per person: $1,900
5. Ottawa, ON
Not too big or busy but still with varied culture and entertainment – that is Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Like Calgary, it often ranks among the top cities to live in the country. And it’s not hard to say why.
Tons of parks and green spaces, museums, galleries and friendly locals with whom you’ll connect in no time. What’s not to love?
- Population: 1.5 million (Ottawa metropolitan area)
- Weather: Humid continental climate with warm summers but freezing winters
- Cost of living per person: $1,500
6. St. John’s, NL
St. John’s is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador and is located on the east coast. However, compared to other provincial capitals, it is quite small, making it very welcoming and also affordable.
It offers a number of high-quality healthcare facilities, such as the Health Sciences Center and St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, which is especially something to consider for retirees in need of medical attention.
On the other hand, nature lovers will appreciate the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a number of nature reserves, parks and hiking trails.
- Population: 212,000 (St. John metropolitan area)
- Weather: Mild – coastal
- Cost of living per person: $1,500
7. Niagara Falls, ON
Niagara Falls is not just the lush nature at Niagara Gorge. It also means budget-friendly housing, easy access to healthcare and a pleasant microclimate that means summers last longer than in other parts of the province of Ontario.
And there is much more than that. You can easily travel to upstate New York and enjoy all it has to offer: wine tasting in the picturesque Hudson River Valley, whitewater rafting in the Adirondacksor exploring the Big Apple.
- Population: 82,000
- Weather: Warm summers, mild winters
- Cost of living per person: $1,800
