• Our services
  • About us
Plan my move
Best places to retire in Canada

Top 5 Best places to retire in Canada with the Best quality of life – 2023

  • Last updated on: January 23, 2023

You are gradually approaching retirement. With every passing day, you dream of a time you’ll get to live free from the daily hustle and bustle of life. A time when you’ll finally get to pick up those new and old hobbies while sitting in the comfort of your home in a small and quiet neighborhood or a condo in the center of a vibrant city. Ideally, it is quite difficult to identify some of the best places to retire in Canada. Here you will get answers to the questions you have about security, cost of living, and healthcare which will help you decide where you’d like to retire and enjoy your golden years.

Best places to retire in Canada - infographic

Methodology

We based our ranking of the best places to retire in Canada on the 3 following criteria: housing affordability, hospital proximity, and percentage of seniors (people over 65 years). We collected the data from Statistics Canada, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and Zumper.

Using this data, we’ve ranked the best places to retire in Canada while also considering their quality of life. The criteria used to determine the quality of life are: health, pollution, green space and recreation, and climate.

MovingWaldo's list of the Best places to retire in Canada

1. Ontario
2. British Columbia
3. Alberta
4. Saskatchewan
5. Quebec
MW-AutoPromo_EN

1. Ontario

Ontario - best places to retire in canada

Best Places to Retire in Ontario

1. Peterborough

  • Population: 147,681
  • Proportion of seniors: 25.2%
  • Closest hospital: Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC)
  • Average house sale price: $675,100
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,600

The city of Peterborough has many retirement communities, including Chartwell Jackson Creek Retirement Residence and Applewood Retirement Residence, making it one of Ontario’s best places to retire. The city has the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital providing a wide range of services.

2. Chatham Kent

  • Population: 104,316
  • Proportion of seniors: 23.6%
  • Closest hospital: Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA)
  • Average house sale price: $389,318
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,578 

Chatham Kent offers mild weather, which is great because it allows for longer summers and moderate winters. Also, Chatham Kent is only a short drive away from cities like Detroit and Toronto. As a result, you can take advantage of this city’s quieter neighborhoods and visit nearby cities as needed.

3. Collingwood

  • Population: 24,811
  • Proportion of seniors: 30.0%
  • Closest hospital: Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $578,600
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,050

The Balmoral Place Retirement Community and the Chartwell Georgian Traditions Retirement Community are both excellent retirement communities in Collingwood Residence. There are also two modern hospitals: the Collingwood General Hospital and the Marine Hospital.

4. Brampton

  • Population: 656,480
  • Proportion of seniors: 12.5%
  • Closest hospital: William Osler Health System’s Brampton Civic Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $1,098,200
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,000

Brampton has evolved from a village with around five hundred residents into a bustling suburban city with over 600,000 inhabitants. Brampton’s independent living and assisted living facilities meet the needs of its residents physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Specifically, the Peel Regional Police (PRP) keeps Brampton retirees and their properties safe and secure, which provides 24/7 security for residents.  

5. Brighton

  • Population: 12,108
  • Proportion of seniors: 33.1%
  • Closest hospital: Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $586,000
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,325 

Brighton residents can get help with their elderly needs from Community Care Northumberland and Quinte Access. One thing is certain about retiring in Brighton; there are many senior services. Among your options are the Brighton Computer Club, Brighton Lawn Bowling Club, Croquet Club, as well as many other clubs for seniors.

 

Read more about the best places to retire in Ontario



(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

2. British Columbia

British Columbia - best places to retire in canada

Best places to retire in British Columbia

1. Okanagan Valley

  • Closest hospital: Kelowna General Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $710,664
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,920

Okanagan is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after places to retire in BC. Its amazing weather, leisure activities, and relaxed lifestyles are very appealing. If you look forward to spending your retirement golfing, hiking, or biking, then Okanagan Valley presents you with some of the best places to retire in BC.

2. Keremeos

  • Population: 1,608
  • Proportion of seniors: 47.2%
  • Closest hospital: South Similkameen Health Centre
  • Average house sale price: $350,000

Keremeos is a small town in British Columbia, Canada. It has only around 1,500 residents, with the largest age group being between 65 and 69. This indicates that Keremeos is one of the most in-demand cities for retirees and senior citizens. 

3. Penticton

  • Population: 36,885
  • Proportion of seniors: 30.3%
  • Closest hospital: 
  • Average house sale price: $644,300
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,100

Penticton is another town located in the southern interior of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Penticton is also a highly sought-after retirement community in Canada. With seven public beaches, three ski hills, a wide selection of professional golf courses, and Walking, hiking, or cycling trails, among others, Penticton offers a relaxed, calm, and comfortable neighborhood to have the best retirement. 

4. Mid Vancouver Island

  • Population: 864,864 (Vancouver Island and Coast)
  • Proportion of seniors: 26%
  • Average house sale price: $705,200
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $2,500

Many of the best retirement communities in the country are located on Vancouver Island. Mid Vancouver Island is located at the center of Vancouver Island. It has an average temperature of 15-20 degrees throughout the year and is close to the ocean, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Summers are usually warm but not uncomfortable, and winters are rarely below zero, meaning there’s rarely snow. 

5. Surrey

  • Population: 568,322
  • Proportion of seniors: 15.3%
  • Closest hospital: Surrey Memorial Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $950,843
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,825

Surrey has a low cost of living, a diverse population, and a rich and interesting community. It’s a wonderful place to retire. You can also find some beautiful beaches along the coast in Surrey, including Centennial Beach, Crescent Beach, and White Rock Beach. There are many shopping malls, hospitals, community centers, non-profit groups, and public parks in Surrey.


(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

3. Alberta

Alberta - best places to retire in canada

 Best places to retire in Alberta 

1. Lethbridge

  • Population: 98,406
  • Proportion of seniors: 18.1%
  • Closest hospital: Chinook Regional Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $328,751
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,261 

Compared to the major cities in Alberta, such as Calgary and Edmonton, Lethbridge has a smaller population and lower cost of living. Many people choose Lethbridge for retirement because of its reasonable home prices. Homes in Lethbridge are half the price of those in other large cities. Lethbridge has the most conveniences within walking distance. Hospitals, banks, ATMs, grocery stores, and so on are all nearby. 

2. Cochrane

  • Population: 32,199
  • Proportion of seniors: 16.2%
  • Closest hospital: Lady Minto Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $478,000
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,100 

According to a 2020 RCMP report, Cochrane is the 25th safest community in Canada. As a community, Cochrane is the type where you can become good friends with your neighbors by talking over the back fence or simply going for a walk. The warm and friendly community is a hotspot for retirees.  

3. Medicine Hat

  • Population: 76,376
  • Proportion of seniors: 20.0%
  • Closest hospital: Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $283,463
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,127 

Medicine Hat is a great retirement destination. The cost of living and housing there is also relatively low, like Lethbridge. Crime is not a major issue in Medicine Hat. Thus, you can feel safe even if you live alone. The city’s lack of serious crime makes it more attractive for seniors and retirees. 

4. Red Deer

  • Population: 104,392
  • Proportion of seniors: 15.1
  • Closest hospital: Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre
  • Average house sale price: $332,885
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $990 

Red Deer City is in Central Alberta, and it’s close to the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway II), which provides easy access to the rest of Alberta and other parts of Canada. During the summer, residents of the city can also enjoy a lot of fishing at Kin Kanyon and Bower Ponds, two hotspot parks.  

5. Banff

  • Population: 8,305
  • Proportion of seniors: 12.1%
  • Closest hospital: The Banff Mineral Springs Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $639,619
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $1,006 

A popular destination in Alberta, Canada, Banff is one of the country’s most iconic destinations. Set among the majestic Rocky Mountains, it has been a favorite of retirees for many years.

 
(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

4. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan - best places to retire in canada

Best places to retire in Saskatchewan

1. Prince Albert

  • Population: 37,756
  • Proportion of seniors: 16%
  • Closest hospital: Victoria Hospital
  • Average house sale price: $229,100
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $950

Prince Albert is undoubtedly one of the best places to retire in Saskatchewan and Canada. With a healthcare system ranked in the top 25% of all municipalities, Prince Albert offers some of the best healthcare in the region. The most notable attributes of Prince Albert aside from its accessibility to healthcare are its low taxes and transit-friendly options.

2. Kamsack

  • Population: 1,779
  • Proportion of seniors: 26.7%
  • Closest hospital: Kamsack Hospital and Nursing Home
  • Average house sale price: $110,000

Kamsack is a town in the Assiniboine River Valley, where the White sand River joins the Assiniboine River in the garden of Saskatchewan. Kamsack is a small town with a population of around 1,800 residents. So, if you look forward to retiring in a more closely-knit neighborhood, this is the place for you. Its size, however, does not limit it from having the necessary social amenities for a healthy and secure retirement.

3. Langham

  • Population: 1,518
  • Proportion of seniors: 15.1%
  • Closest hospital: Langham Senior Citizen Home (Langham Care Home)
  • Average house sale price: $269,950

Langham, in Saskatchewan, is located just 20 minutes from the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. Langham is a safe, clean, and friendly community. It strives to retain its small-town character. Providing quality infrastructure and new development opportunities, Langham is an affordable place to retire.

4. Warman

  • Population: 12,419
  • Proportion of seniors: 12.1%
  • Closest hospital: Warman Medical and Urgent Care Centre
  • Average house sale price: $299,393
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $950

Warman’s desirable residential community attracts a range of residents of all ages. Warman is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. Therefore, newer, more modern facilities are expected to be constructed in Warman. You will have the opportunity to explore the beauty and growth firsthand when you retire here.

5. Yorkton

  • Population: 16,280
  • Proportion of seniors: 21.1%
  • Closest hospital: Yorkton Regional Health Centre
  • Average house sale price: $232,300
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $930

Yorkshire is a great community that prides itself on having affordable and safe neighborhoods. Yorkton was voted the most ‘Active-Living Friendly’ city in Saskatchewan in a study by the University of Regina. Yorkton provides excellent healthcare and promotes physical activity through a variety of cultural and recreation programs.

 
(*Statistics Canada, Zumper, Numbeo & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

5. Quebec

Quebec - best places to retire in canada

Best places to retire in Quebec

1. Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville

  • Population: 26 883
  • Proportion of seniors: 21.1%
  • Closest hospital: Hôpital Pierre-Boucher
  • Average house sale price: $501,000
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): 1,350$

Quebec has some of the best retirement-friendly cities in Canada, including Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. Featuring relatively affordable housing and plenty of greenery, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville is a safe and quiet place to retire.

2. Joliette

  • Population: 21,384
  • Proportion of seniors: 26.4%
  • Closest hospital: Centre Hospitalier de Lanaudière (Hôpital de Joliette)
  • Average house sale price: $380,000
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $883

The city of Joliette is located 50 kilometers northeast of Montreal. Joliette is known as a welcoming city for retirees as it offers many senior services. It is nearby hospitals, shops and most essential services are accessible by bike or on foot. Joliette is also considered one of the safest cities in Quebec and Canada.

3. Saguenay

  • Population: 144,723
  • Proportion of seniors: 24.8%
  • Average house sale price: $257,644
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $650

When you retire in Saguenay, Quebec, you can take advantage of affordable properties, reliable transportation, and high-quality health care. The city’s railway services provide easy access to most of the city’s attractions. Saguenay, Quebec, has grown into a popular destination in Canada since its founding in 2002.

4. Sainte-Adèle

  • Population: 14,010
  • Proportion of seniors: 27.5%
  • Closest hospital: Centre hospitalier Laurentien & Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme
  • Average house sale price: $485,000
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $960

With a population of 14,010 residents, Sainte-Adèle is a unique location for fine dining, concerts, art galleries, summer theatres, the Zénon-Alary Museum, and festivals, bicycle trails, pedestrian walks, golf courses, horseback riding centers, snowmobile trails, three downhill ski centers, and cross-country ski trails. It’s an exciting, yet peaceful place to retire.

5. Granby

  • Population: 69,025
  • Proportion of seniors: 25.8%
  • Closest hospital: Hôpital de Granby (Centre Hospitalier)
  • Average house sale price: $382,500
  • Average rent price (1-bedroom): $854

The quality of life in Granby is exceptional, and it is a wonderful place to retire. You will have immediate access to many services, enjoy a pleasant outdoor environment, wonderful parks, and live in a safe and healthy environment.

 
(*Statistics Canada, Zumper & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

Cheapest places to retire in Canada 

1. Cold Lake, Alberta

  • Population: 15,661
  • Proportion of seniors: 8.1%
  • Closest hospital: Cold Lake Healthcare Centre 

The average cost of living without rent in Cold Lake is around $850, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing $800.  

2. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

  • Population: 34,872
  • Proportion of seniors: 21%
  • Closest hospital: Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital 

Moose Jaw offers cheaper rent than bigger Prairie cities like Regina and Winnipeg. It costs $900 to get a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Moose Jaw. The average cost of living is around $610 without rent. 

3. Regina, Saskatchewan

  • Population: 226,404
  • Proportion of seniors: 15.5%

If you choose to live in Regina, you can expect to spend around $1,160 a month for essential services without rent. The average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Regina is $995. 

4. Winnipeg, Manitoba

  • Population: 749,607
  • Proportion of seniors: 17.0%

In Winnipeg, you will spend about $1,300 on major living expenses. This cost excludes rent, which is an average of $1,094 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center. 

5. Grande Prairie, Alberta

  • Population: 64,141
  • Proportion of seniors: 9.2%
  • Closest hospital: Grande Prairie Regional Hospital (GPRH)

Retiring in Grande Prairie will cost around $1,300 without rent and $1,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center.

 
(*Statistics Canada, Zumper, Numbeo & The Canadian Real Estate Association)

 

Popular Question: How Much Do I Need to Retire in Canada?

When wondering how much you need to retire in Canada, it’s important to consider your expenses first. The amount you will need to retire will depend on how much you spend in relation to:

  • Rent/mortgage
  • Property taxes
  • Utility bills
  • Groceries
  • Recreational activities & hobbies
  • Transportation
  • Insurance and healthcare 
  • RRSP amount or savings

The government pays retired seniors of 65 and over in Canada monthly stipends to complement income. There is no simple answer to how much money you will need to retire as it depends on how much you consider to be enough. Retirees over 65 in Canada are subject to a maximum payout of $685.50 per month under the Old Age Security (OAS) program.

 

Conclusion

The information you have read on the best and cheapest places to retire in Canada should help you make a more informed decision about where you want to spend your retirement. You might need to downsize if you choose a retirement home. There are cities and towns in every province of Canada that can meet your needs and preferences. Choose a city or town that speaks to you and enjoy your retirement.

Need some assistance with your move? Our Senior Moving Checklist has everything you need to stay organized throughout your move.

MovingWaldo's list of the Best places to retire in Canada in 2022

1. Peterborough, Ontario
2. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
3. Lethbridge, Alberta
4. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
5. Saint-Bruno, Quebec

Share this article on social media

Relevant for your move

More tips
Long distance moving
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Canada – 2023

The beautiful country of Canada is situated in the northern part of North-America. It has a total area of about 9.985 million Km2 which makes it the world’s second-largest country in terms of land area, only next to Russia. The total population is 37,940,640 and its capital is Ottawa. The country ranks among the highest in the international measurements in terms of quality of life, government transparency, civil liberties, education, economic freedom, and healthcare. In addition, the country is known for the respect the differences of everyone, its unparalleled diversity as well as its safety and security.

Read more »

Need help moving?

Check out MovingWaldo’s free moving platform and find everything you need for your move. No sign up required!

Check it out

You are now leaving the MovingWaldo shop

Keep Shopping

View Dashboard

Talk to our experts about your moving project.

Great ! Expect a call shortly. Our moving expert are available during business hours, Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM EST.

Promo code

Enter your promo code and update your cart.

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox