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Top 5 Best places to retire in Canada with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
Canada
  • Last updated on:
  • Picture of Ann Nacario Ann Nacario

Canada is often chosen as a great retirement destination due to its high quality of life, safe areas, stunning natural landscapes, and multicultural society. Retirees benefit from social services, political stability, and low crime rates, fostering a sense of security.

Canada promotes friendly communities, robust public infrastructure, laid-back lifestyle, and experiencing all four seasons, which further contribute to its appeal. With a diverse range of climates and activities throughout the year, Canada provides retirees with a comfortable and enriching environment for their post-working years.

MovingWaldo has lists that will get answers to the questions you have and will help you decide where you’d like to retire and enjoy your golden years. Here are the best places to retire in Canada with the best quality of life this year.

Best places to retire in Canada Infographic Map 2025

Methodology

Due to “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places to retire in Canada with the best quality of life this year.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Canada, we based our ranking on three criteria: housing affordability, percentage of seniors (people 65 years and over), and the number of healthcare and recreational centers nearby plus the quality of life. 

Affordability assesses the prices of homes for sale and apartments for rent. The statistics primarily derive from reputable real estate and rental websites, providing insights into the average property purchase costs and the average rent for one-bedroom apartments.

The number of recreational centers nearby refers to the place with the most number of facilities promoting fitness and activities for seniors in the area. The percentage of seniors refers to the demographics of seniors residing in a specific area.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on health, pollution, green space and recreation, and climate. These factors played vital roles in determining the overall appeal of these retirement destinations.

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1. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

  • New affordable elder’s lodge for vulnerable seniors
  • Population: 36,768
  • Proportion of seniors: 18.1%
  • Average property buying cost: $251,000
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,026

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is one of the least expensive places to live compared to Vancouver and Toronto. Vulnerable elders will soon have access to multiple new affordable housing units (elder’s lodge) in the community of Prince Albert, in part thanks to a $3.1 million investment by the governments of Canada, Saskatchewan, and Prince Albert.The city offers a range of friendly activities for adults aged 50 and above through Community Services Seniors Activities. These programs promote low-impact exercises such as aquacise and lane swimming at the Frank J. Dunn Pool, as well as the Senior’s Walking Program in partnership with the Seniors Walking Club. The Margo Fournier Center hosts active adult fitness classes focusing on functional exercises.

CREA (Sept 2024), Rentcafe (Sept 2024) & Statistics Canada (2021)

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

2. Lethbridge, Alberta

  • Many senior necessities within walking distance

  • Population: 92,563
  • Proportion of seniors: 21%
  • Average property buying cost: $391,452
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,348

Compared to larger Canadian cities, Lethbridge offers a reasonable cost of living and housing prices. Locals mention that this place is affordable and quiet, with numerous amenities, and even more within a three-hour radius, benefiting 21% of the population, who are seniors based on the 2021 census. Lethbridge has the most conveniences within walking distance when living near the Lethbridge Public Health Site/Health Unit. Hospitals, banks, ATMs, grocery stores, and so on are all nearby.Moving to Lethbridge is advantageous due to its proximity to various places in Alberta. Seniors can engage in outdoor activities, with Nicholas Sheran Park, Popson Park, and Bull Trail Park North all accessible. In Lethbridge, Seniors facing domestic issues can find help through the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network, which offers services such as safety plans, emotional support, and housing assistance.

CREA (Aug 2024), Zumper (Sept 2024) & Statistics Canada (2021)

Lethbridge, Alberta

3. Peterborough, Ontario

  • Offers multiple recreational programs for seniors

  • Population: 128,624
  • Proportion of seniors: 27.90% 
  • Average property buying cost: $695,300 
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,193

Peterborough is conveniently located between Toronto and Ottawa and is home to a significant elderly population of 28.10%. The city is equipped with the state-of-the-art Peterborough Regional Health Centre, offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services, further enhancing its appeal for retirees.Three seniors’ activity centers—Activity Haven, Maple Ridge Recreation Centre, and McDonnel St. Activity Centre—provide older adults with tailored social and recreational opportunities. Recreation programs for seniors are available at major facilities like the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, the Balsillie Family Branch YMCA, and the Trent Athletics Centre. The Peterborough Public Library extends programs for older adults, including book clubs and computer training workshops, along with a collection of large-format print books and audiobooks.Aside from multiple programs for seniors, Peterborough even made it to our list of best places to retire in Ontario in part because of its rental affordability. 

CREA (July 2024), Zumper (Sept 2024) & Statistics Canada (2021)

Peterborough, Ontario

4. Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec

  • Provide ample green spaces for retirees

  • Population: 26,273
  • Proportion of seniors: 25.6%
  • Average property buying cost: $628,300
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2 200

Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville located on the western flank of Mont Saint-Bruno in Montérégie, Quebec, stands out as one of the best places to retire in Canada. Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville boasts The Manoir Saint-Bruno seniors’ residence, serving elderly and retired individuals since 1997 and offering accommodation for both autonomous and those with a loss of autonomy. While it may be on the more expensive side, the town’s abundant greenery and tranquil atmosphere provide a secure and peaceful setting for retirees to enjoy their stay in Quebec, making it all worthwhile.

Realtor (Sept 2024), Centris (Sept 2024) & Statistics Canada (2021)

Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec

5. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

  • Favorable climate for seniors

  • Population: 222,162
  • Proportion of seniors: 25.50%
  • Average property buying cost: $659,700
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,009
Retirees in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, enjoy stunning natural beauty with vineyards, orchards, and Okanagan Lake (and many others), fostering an active lifestyle with a relaxed pace of life. The favorable climate encourages outdoor living.
The Okanagan Valley has many initiatives, like Senior Centre Without Walls (SCWW) that connects residents aged 65 and above through telephone or virtual means, providing emotional support. Better at Home, operating in Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country, offers community-based services from volunteers, addressing the nonmedical needs of older adults.

Realtor (Sept 2024), Zumper (Sept 2024) & Statistics Canada (2021)

  • Content verified by a local expert
Ken Davreux
Ken DavreuxReal estate agent at Century 21 Premier Properties Ltd.
Read More

Having lived all over Canada, I can safely say that the Okanagan Valley is my happiest place. With lots of sunshine and great weather, you can’t help but smile all the time, which is ideal for retirees. The lack of biting insects and the relatively warm, dry weather make being outside and staying active a way of life!

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

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Conclusion

Choosing a place in Canada to retire with the best quality of life involves considering various factors such as healthcare services, safety, cultural amenities, outdoor activities, and affordability. Each location offers unique benefits, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal preferences and priorities with the available amenities and services for a fulfilling retirement experience. Select a city or town that speaks to you and enjoy your retirement.  

Are you planning to move to Canada soon? Check these 5 Best Long Distance Moving Companies in Canada. 

 

Last year’s ranking (2024)

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

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated with a focus on safety, affordability, and quality of life. Please note that some locations from last year’s rankings may have been excluded from this year’s list due to deviations from our methodology. This could include areas with insufficient rental/safety data or those with higher/lower averages compared to the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings in conjunction with their individual needs and preferences to make well-informed decisions.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

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