No matter where you live, there\u2019s something appealing about the Great White North. Do you dream of moving to Canada when you retire? If so, you\u2019re not alone. Every year, many seniors flock to Canada to enjoy gorgeous countryside, rich culture and a reasonable cost of living.<\/p>\n
In this guide, we\u2019ll talk about:<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s get started planning your retirement! Here are the best places in Canada to retire.<\/p>\n
Region: Ontario<\/p>\n
Population: 994,837<\/p>\n
Median apartment rent: $1,041<\/p>\n
Average salary: $60,000<\/p>\n
Who should retire here: Shoppers, Diners, Cyclers<\/p>\n
We just know you\u2019re going to love to retire in Ottawa, Ontario. This city is jam-packed with history, entertainment and nature. There\u2019s literally something to do here for everyone. Whether you\u2019d like to take a canal cruise, catch some live entertainment or just enjoy a scenic walk around a natural park, Ottawa is an absolute gem.<\/p>\n
The senior population in Ottawa is about average for Canada at 12%. That means you\u2019ll have people your age to associate with, but won\u2019t feel like you\u2019re in a retirement community. If you do<\/em> prefer a retirement community, however, there are plenty to choose from. Dozens, in fact, ranging from assisted living to hospice.<\/p>\n Region: Quebec<\/p>\n Population: 1.78 Million<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $833<\/p>\n Average salary: $71,917<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Art Lovers, History Lovers, Alternative Lifestyles<\/p>\n Montreal, Quebec is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated right on the river and teeming with gorgeous architecture, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019ve stepped onto a movie set when you retire here.<\/p>\n Montreal has a senior population that\u2019s a bit more active than your average over-60 crowd. The city is a \u201cgreen city\u201d which means the citizens are dedicated to protecting the land they live on. Through recycling, walking and cycling to destinations and other green initiatives, the city has made great strides in becoming more eco-friendly.<\/p>\n To retire to Montreal, you\u2019ll only need a modest income. The cost of living is moderate and you can get by on what you have saved, if you\u2019ve been planning your retirement for a while. People who live \u201calternative\u201d lifestyles are especially welcome in Montreal. The LGBTQ+ community is well-accepted in this city.<\/p>\n Region: Ontario<\/p>\n Population: 133,113<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $992<\/p>\n Average salary: $35,100<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Wine Lovers, Privacy Seekers<\/p>\n St. Catharine\u2019s isn\u2019t the first place people who are looking to retire think of. But this little town in Canada is an excellent choice for those of you who are seeking privacy. With a tiny population of just over 100,000, St. Catharine\u2019s offers all the space you need to retire in peace and quiet.<\/p>\n Average apartment rent is relatively low, and home prices will vary but are affordable by most standards. You can score a three bedroom home for as low as around $250,000 USD. You can use your Google conversion tool to determine what that means for you, but it\u2019s relatively inexpensive, and you won\u2019t wipe out your savings should you choose to buy here.<\/p>\n St. Catharine\u2019s is the largest town that neighbors Niagara Falls, so expect a bit of tourism should you retire here. However, the tourists who venture here tend to be quiet nature lovers who simply want to view the attraction and move on.<\/p>\n Region: Ontario<\/p>\n Population: 20,112<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $700<\/p>\n Average salary: $36,340<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Privacy Seekers, Lake Lovers, Fishing Fans<\/p>\n Next on our list of the best places to retire in Canada is Cobourg. Cobourg is a small town on Lake Ontario, and it\u2019s perfect for those of you who want a small town feel and a bit of privacy. Your neighbors will be peace-seekers, too, with a love for nature and, of course, for fishing.<\/p>\n Cobourg isn\u2019t completely isolated from the outside world, though. It\u2019s within driving distance of both Toronto and Oshawa, so you can take in theater, a ball game or just go shopping. In your hometown, you\u2019ll celebrate some great festivals including Canada Day and the Big Band Festival Series.<\/p>\n You can rent an apartment at a low monthly rate, or score a new home for lower than you\u2019d find in the big cities. If you do want to live in a retirement community, there are several beautiful options in Cobourg to choose from.<\/p>\n Region: Ontario<\/p>\n Population: 164,926<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $1,199<\/p>\n Average salary: $90,179<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Shoppers, Science Lovers, History Buffs<\/p>\n Greater Sudbury has a larger population than Cobourg, but it\u2019s still going to give you the feel of a smaller community. Whether you choose to rent or buy, your property in Greater Sudbury is going to be far from the tall buildings and cityscapes. Instead, you\u2019ll enjoy views of lakes, nature trails and the world\u2019s largest Canadian nickel.<\/p>\n There are many museums and science centers in Greater Sudbury, so history, science and art lovers will stay well connected to the things they love. And just when you thought you\u2019d run out of things to do, you can catch a glimpse of the world\u2019s second largest freestanding chimney \u2013 right in your hometown.<\/p>\n The cost of living in Greater Sudbury is a bit higher than some other places to retire in Canada, but the peaceful feel of the town makes it worth the premium. The average salary is almost $100,000 but residents of Greater Sudbury get by on much less than that, so don\u2019t be alarmed.<\/p>\n Region: Quebec<\/p>\n Population: 542,298<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $995<\/p>\n Average salary: $46,371<\/p>\n Who should retire here: French Speakers, Foodies, Skiers<\/p>\n Parlez-vous francais? If so, you\u2019ll be right at home in Quebec City. Most of the population here speaks French, so be sure to brush up on your language before you retire to this city in Canada. It truly is a beautiful city, with gorgeous architecture \u2013 there are even cobblestone streets to explore.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re into food, Quebec City will be a treat for you! Poutine, crepes and authentic French onion soup are just a few of the local flavors you\u2019ll have to try. Of course, you\u2019ll need to check out the maple syrups and candies when you retire here as well!<\/p>\n Quebec City is on the edge of the Saint Lawrence River where you can windsurf, kite surf and kayak. In the winter, you\u2019ll live super close to skiing and other snow sports, so don\u2019t be afraid to get out there and show off your skill on the slopes!<\/p>\n Region: Ontario<\/p>\n Population: 110,172<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $666<\/p>\n Average salary: $41,470<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Ski Bums, Nature Lovers, Wildlife Lovers<\/p>\n Thunder Bay has a very exciting name, but we think you\u2019ll love to retire to this sleepy town in Ontario, Canada. Thunder Bay is home to great skiing and more wildlife than you can imagine \u2013 it\u2019s not unusual to spot moose, cougars and even black bears in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n The average salary and median apartment rent in Thunder Bay are quite reasonable. You can manage your rent and utilities and still have plenty left over to do things you love. Take in a waterfall or charter a boat tour on the weekends. Or, just hike the miles of trails in Thunder Bay.<\/p>\n Boating and fishing are common in Thunder Bay, as the town is on the shore of Lake Superior. There are plenty of rentals to choose from for a weekend getaway, or when the family comes to visit you when you retire.<\/p>\n Region: New Brunswick<\/p>\n Population: 85,198<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $995<\/p>\n Average salary: $51,000<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Kids at Heart, Casino Gamers, Beach Goers<\/p>\n Moncton is a town in New Brunswick that\u2019s one of Canada\u2019s best kept secrets. This town boasts a tiny population of just over 85,000 residents, so when you retire to Moncton you\u2019ll have plenty of privacy! But don\u2019t worry. Whether you have the kids come to visit or you\u2019re just a kid at heart, there\u2019s plenty to keep you busy in this little town.<\/p>\n Formerly a shipbuilding community, Moncton is now home to a zoo, casinos, theme parks and even Magnetic Hill Park. Magnetic Hill is an optical illusion, and a crazy one! This hill seems to defy gravity, but don\u2019t take it from us. You\u2019ll have to see it to believe it!<\/p>\n Retiring to Moncton you can expect to pay around $1,000 or so each month for rent. However, home prices in the area are extremely low, so consider snagging the retirement home of your dreams when you retire here.<\/p>\n Region: Saskatchewan<\/p>\n Population: 273,010<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $965<\/p>\n Average salary: $60,000<\/p>\n Who should retire here: River Lovers, Brewery Tourists<\/p>\n If you love touring breweries and distilleries, you\u2019re going to love to retire to Saskatoon. This city is in the Saskatchewan region of Canada and there are more breweries than you can shake a stick at! You could literally visit a different brewery every weekend and it would take you months to visit them all.<\/p>\n Not interested in beer or wine? That\u2019s okay. There\u2019s still plenty for you to love about your retirement in Saskatoon. Located on the South Saskatchewan River, Saskatoon is a college town that features plenty of nightlife, entertainment and culture. A zoo, plenty of parks, museums and more await you in saskatoon.<\/p>\n When you retire in Saskatoon you\u2019ll enjoy a low cost of living and home prices that have been steadily declining in recent years. You\u2019ll pay a little more for rent, but as this is a college town it\u2019s usually possible to negotiate your monthly cost with property owners.<\/p>\n Region: Quebec<\/p>\n Population: 167,162<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $1,367<\/p>\n Average salary: $57,000<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Theater Fans, French Speakers, Festival Goers<\/p>\n The next city in Canada you\u2019ll want to consider when you retire is Sherbrooke. Like Quebec City, the population of Sherbrooke is largely French speaking. You can, however, get by if you don\u2019t speak the language, though it might be a good idea to carry a pocket dictionary with you!<\/p>\n Sherbrooke has a rich history, with inhabitants dating some 8,000 years back. You\u2019ll enjoy the architecture as well as the proximity to the Saint-Francois and Magog Rivers. If you\u2019re an intellectual, you\u2019ll especially love the city. It\u2019s populated with students and professors, so you\u2019ll always have someone to chat about your theories with!<\/p>\n In Sherbrooke, you\u2019ll find hiking, skiing and, of course, seniors your age. You might have to spend a little more on your rental or retirement home, but we love that the cost of living is actually reduced by the activities that allow you to just get back to nature.<\/p>\n Region: British Columbia<\/p>\n Population: 675,218<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $1,500<\/p>\n Average salary: $72,662<\/p>\n Who should retire here: City Slickers, Shoppers, Alternative Lifestyles<\/p>\n Like Montreal, Vancouver, British Columbia is a great destination for those of you who may live alternative lifestyles. Gays and lesbians, swingers, minimalists and more are welcome in Vancouver, so come and make yourself at home!<\/p>\n To retire in Vancouver is to commit to spend your twilight years surrounded by nightlife, shopping and culture. You\u2019ll love the arts and music in Vancouver, and if you\u2019re an artist, that\u2019s even better! Your work is welcome in Vancouver. Exhibit at one of the festivals or choose a gallery to apply to.<\/p>\n Your income in Vancouver will be modest but if you\u2019ve stockpiled a retirement fund, you\u2019ll do just fine! You can expect to pay around $1,500 for an apartment, but don\u2019t be surprised when you find homes for sale for very low monthly mortgages.<\/p>\n Region: Quebec<\/p>\n Population: 265,349<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $1,101<\/p>\n Average salary: $47,500<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Art Lovers, Politicians, Scenic Tourists<\/p>\n The next location on the best places to retire in Canada is Gatineau. This berg is located in the National Capital Region, which includes Ontario, Ottawa and, of course, Gatineau. It\u2019s situated right on the Ottawa River, which means great views, plenty of water activities and certainly a lot of politics!<\/p>\n When you retire to this city in Canada, you\u2019re signing up to live in a small city with a lot of personality. You\u2019ll find children\u2019s museums for the grandkids, art museums for your spouse and year round recreation in parks for yourself. You can catch an IMAX film, canoe in Gatineau Park or play roulette at Casino du Lac-Leamy.<\/p>\n The average salary in Gatineau is lower than some other cities in Canada, but remember that you live amongst politicians and quarry workers. These outliers in income mean that your \u201caverage\u201d income will do just fine to sustain your in Gatineau.<\/p>\n Region: Ontario<\/p>\n Population: 113,520<\/p>\n Median apartment rent: $1,084<\/p>\n Average salary: $61,000<\/p>\n Who should retire here: Intellectuals, Fishing Fans, Outdoorsy Folk<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for some outdoor adventure amongst fellow intellectuals, Waterloo is going to be one of the best places for you to retire in Canada. The city has a relatively low population, and you\u2019ll find that it\u2019s quite affordable to live here.<\/p>\n Waterloo is home to many colleges and universities, so you\u2019ll frequently find scholars and professors milling about the local shops. In addition, if you love the outdoors you\u2019re going to love Waterloo. The fishing, skiing and hiking are simply amazing, so be sure you bring your gear when you retire.<\/p>\n Waterloo is one of the twin cities of Ontario, comprised of Kitchener and Waterloo. The KW region is riddled with athletics, arts, entertainment and shopping, so you\u2019ll never lack for things to do in Waterloo!<\/p>\n Canada does have some more strict standards for emigration. In other words, not just anyone can pack their bags and move to the Great White North. Canada is a peaceful country \u2013 in fact, it\u2019s often poked fun of for how calm and accepting they are. You will, however, need to have a few valuable skills to bring to the country.<\/p>\n With that said, Canada is one of the most peaceful and satisfying places to retire. Whether you prefer an idyllic cabin by a lake in the mountains or a suite with a view of Canada\u2019s biggest cities, we know you\u2019ll love to retire in the nation. Pack your bags (and your snow gear) and enjoy your retirement in Canada \u2013 you deserve it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" No matter where you live, there\u2019s something appealing about the Great White North. Do you dream of moving to Canada when you retire? If so, you\u2019re not alone. Every year, many seniors flock to Canada to enjoy gorgeous countryside, rich culture and a reasonable cost of living. In this guide, we\u2019ll talk about: The best places in Canada to retire Average costs of living in Canada and cities you can move to on a budget The cities that have the highest populations of seniors Let\u2019s get started planning your retirement! Here are the best places in Canada to retire. 1. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[94,26],"class_list":["post-495","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-canada","tag-retire"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
2. Montreal<\/h2>\n
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3. St. Catharine\u2019s<\/h2>\n
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4. Cobourg<\/h2>\n
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5. Greater Sudbury<\/h2>\n
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6. Quebec City<\/h2>\n
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7. Thunder Bay<\/h2>\n
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8. Moncton<\/h2>\n
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9. Saskatoon<\/h2>\n
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10. \u00a0Sherbrooke<\/h2>\n
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11. Vancouver<\/h2>\n
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12. Gatineau<\/h2>\n
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13. Waterloo<\/h2>\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n