The Getaway
Canada's 20 Best Retirement Spots

Are you considering retiring in Canada? With its welcoming people, stunning landscapes, and top-notch healthcare system, it's no wonder why Canada has become a popular destination for retirees. But with so many cities and towns to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to settle down. Whether you're into the rugged beauty of the west coast or the outgoing nature and charm of the east coast, Canada has plenty to offer for retirees.

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01 Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria has a mild climate, stunning natural beauty, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities that might appeal to seniors. Retirees can enjoy strolls along the Inner Harbor, visits to the Royal BC Museum, and exploring the flora at the famous Butchart Gardens. Victoria also has excellent healthcare facilities, such as the Royal Jubilee Hospital and the Victoria General Hospital, and housing is affordable when compared with several other major Canadian cities.

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02 Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna, located in the heart of BC's Okanagan Valley, is a top choice for retirees in search of a sunny and active lifestyle. The city boasts a mild climate with warm summers and relatively calm winters, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Retirees here can enjoy golfing, hiking, skiing, boating, or fishing on Lake Okanagan. The city is also known for its world-class wineries and fresh produce and is home to several top-notch healthcare facilities.

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03 Niagara on the Lake, Ontario

Located in southern Ontario, Niagara on the Lake is a charming, historic town that offers an idyllic setting for retirees. It's known for its picturesque vineyards, orchards, and wineries, and it's located a short distance from Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

The town's quaint streets feature antique shops and unique boutiques. The historic Fort George and the Shaw Festival Theater make for enriching outings, while the various restaurants and wineries here offer plenty of opportunities for indulgence.

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04 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon is a vibrant, diverse city that offers a high quality of life for retirees. With numerous parks, riverside trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities, it's a great destination for those who prefer an active lifestyle. Saskatoon boasts a strong cultural scene that includes the renowned Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and a thriving culinary scene. Housing in the city is affordable, and healthcare facilities are abundant.

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05 Canmore, Alberta

Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canmore is a charming town that offers retirees a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The town's proximity to the mountains and Banff National Park makes it a skier's paradise.

Canmore boasts numerous art galleries, unique shops, and several gourmet dining options along its main roads. Living in the town is relatively affordable compared to nearby cities, and healthcare facilities are highly rated.

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06 Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

Qualicum Beach, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is a charming seaside town that offers retirees a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle. With its mild climate, stunning beaches, and lush forests, Qualicum Beach is an excellent destination for those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Retirees living here can enjoy strolling along the town's sandy beaches, hiking in the nearby Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, and golfing on the town's numerous courses. The town also has a thriving arts and cultural scene, including the Old School House Arts Centre. Qualicum Beach has affordable housing options and excellent healthcare facilities like the nearby Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

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07 Comox, British Columbia

Nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Comox is a region of stunning natural beauty that offers retirees an active and fulfilling lifestyle. The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its surrounding mountains, beaches, and parks. Retirees can indulge in hiking, skiing, golfing, and fishing while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Comox is also known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, boasting numerous galleries, museums, and festivals that showcase the area's rich history and artistic talent. Affordable housing options and excellent healthcare facilities, such as the Comox Valley Hospital, make it a practical choice for retirees.

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08 Kingston, Ontario

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Kingston is a picturesque and historic city that offers retirees a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. The city is renowned for its many museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the stunning Rideau Canal, which showcases the city's rich history and heritage.

Kingston is surrounded by natural beauty, including numerous parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. It has a range of affordable housing options for seniors and excellent healthcare facilities, including the Kingston General Hospital.

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09 Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax, located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, is a bustling and historic city that offers retirees a charming and active lifestyle. The city is steeped in history and boasts numerous museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the Citadel National Historic Site and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Its waterfront offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The city also boasts numerous parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Halifax has plenty of senior-friendly housing and excellent healthcare facilities, including the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

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10 Quebec City, Quebec

Nestled on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is renowned for its European-inspired architecture, which includes the famous Château Frontenac and the picturesque Old Quebec neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It's a senior-friendly location that features plenty of parks and gardens, as well as highly-rated healthcare facilities and senior housing. Quebec City is an ideal retirement destination for any senior who enjoys European charm and natural splendor.

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11 Stratford, Ontario

Aptly named for the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford is a vibrant, culturally-rich city. It's renowned for its world-class theater scene, with the Stratford Festival offering an annual lineup of top-notch performances. Stratford is also known for its picturesque downtown strip, which features a variety of unique galleries, shops, and restaurants.

Seniors in Stratford can take advantage of affordable housing and senior living options, as well as world-class healthcare options located within the city.

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12 Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fredericton is a welcoming city that's known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events taking place each year. That includes FLOURISH, a music and arts festival, and the Freddy Beach Ribfest.

This waterfront city is surrounded by natural beauty and historic architecture. Seniors thinking of moving here can feel confident in their decision knowing that crime rates here are low while health care and housing options are plentiful.

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13 Regina, Saskatchewan

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian prairies, Regina is a welcoming city that offers retirees a unique and laid-back lifestyle. Seniors here can enjoy the city's sunny weather, prairie landscapes, and abundance of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and golfing.

Retirees can also enjoy the city's various cultural venues, such as the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Globe Theatre. Housing here is affordable, and the city is home to multiple 24-hour healthcare facilities.

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14 Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is a unique cosmopolitan destination that offers retirees an array of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. It boasts numerous museums, galleries, and cultural venues, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History. The city's culinary scene offers a wide range of flavors and locally sourced ingredients to satisfy any palate.

Ottawa's Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park are picturesque settings for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, ski, and snowshoe in the stunning surroundings. With its friendly community, diverse cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings, Ottawa is an ideal retirement destination for those seeking a balance of city living and outdoor recreation.

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15 Lacombe, Alberta

Lacombe, a charming city in central Alberta, is a peaceful and welcoming destination. Its rich history is showcased in numerous museums, including the Michener House Museum and the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museum. The city also boasts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Lacombe Culture and Harvest Festival.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city's many parks and trails, including the scenic Lacombe Lake Park. Furthermore, Lacombe has affordable senior living options and excellent healthcare facilities, such as the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre.

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16 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, is a dynamic city that offers retirees a range of cultural experiences and recreational activities. The city features a variety of museums, galleries, and cultural venues, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, providing retirees with plentiful opportunities to engage in Canadian culture.

Winnipeg's culinary scene offers an array of flavors, from traditional Ukrainian perogies to modern fusion cuisine. The city also boasts many parks and trails, including Assiniboine Park and the Forks National Historic Site.

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17 Collingwood, Ontario

Collingwood is a safe, affordable town that's located on the southern shores of Ontario's Georgian Bay. It's a tranquil and charming retirement destination that's rich in natural landscapes and recreational activities. The town is at the base of the Blue Mountains and a short drive from Wasaga Beach. Collingwood is also home to a variety of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that offer a delightful blend of local flavors and international cuisine.

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18 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island. It's a quaint, welcoming town that combines historical and cultural experiences, giving local retirees plenty to enjoy. The city is steeped in history and boasts many historic landmarks, such as the Province House National Historic Site and St. Dunstan's Basilica. Bountiful natural landscapes, such as the Prince Edward Island National Park, surround Charlottetown.

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19 Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, is an exciting retirement destination with a diverse range of experiences and amenities. The city boasts a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with numerous theaters, music venues, and galleries showcasing local and international talent.

Montreal is renowned for its French-inspired cuisine but also offers a variety of ethnic flavors, such as Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern. The city is also a shopper's paradise, with many high-end boutiques, designer stores, and markets to explore.

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20 Okotoks, Alberta

Okotoks, a charming town located just south of Calgary, features tranquil, quiet living with all the conveniences of big city life. The town sits at the base of Alberta's foothills, offering those who live here plenty of prairie views and big skies to enjoy.

Elizabeth Street on the city's south side features unique shops, antique stores, and charming dining options for retirees to enjoy. Okotoks has its own urgent care health facilities, while 24-hour emergency care is just a 20-minute drive away in Calgary.

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