Discover the 6 best places to retire in Canada

Imagine waking up to sparkling water views framed by iconic mountain ranges every single day.

Lucky for us, this can be your reality as a retiree in Canada. When it comes time to kick back and enjoy your retirement, you can take your pick of incredible places at just a stone’s throw from beaches, hiking trails and even your favourite hockey team.

Ready to find a new place to call home? Take your pick of the top six places to retire across the country.

Top 6 best places to retire for Canadians

1. Vancouver, BC

• What you’ll love: Mild temperatures, easy access to the outdoors, and convenient public transport

If you want green spaces, mountain peaks and jaw-dropping walks through rainforest canopies on your doorstep, you’ll love calling Vancouver home.

Located on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, Vancouver is an incredibly livable city that’s perfect for your Canadian retirement. Expect world-class medical facilities, great air quality, vibrant cultural attractions and an engaged community thanks to the Vancouver Municipal Regional Retirees Association.

As your fellow Vancouverites will attest, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy here. Don’t miss a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a stroll along the Stanley Park Seawall or a day at the markets on Granville Island. Just don’t forget to pack your umbrella, as Vancouver ranks as the ninth rainiest city in Canada.

2. Halifax, NS

• What you’ll love: A safe, compact, and walkable city with sparkling coastal views

Dreaming of retiring by the water? Consider setting up roots in Halifax, a historic maritime city in Nova Scotia.

Perched on the harbour in the Halifax Peninsula, expect a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of scenic walks, historical sites and cultural attractions (such as the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and performances by Symphony Nova Scotia) to keep you busy.

The locals are known to embrace newcomers with open arms, making Halifax a friendly, small-town community to retire as a Canadian.

3. Ottawa, ON

• What you’ll love: Clean streets, accessible healthcare facilities and plenty of community amenities for over 50s

Who said retiring was all about slowing down and moving out to the suburbs? Ottawa, our capital city, blends a lively arts scene with a jam-packed calendar of festivals and events (don’t miss Winterlude, our country’s biggest winter festival, held annually in February).

With minimal road congestion and an abundance of hospitals and specialist healthcare services, it’s easy to see why Ottawa ranks as one of the most livable cities in the country.

Retiring in Ottawa means living in one of the safest cities in Canada, too, with a Crime Severity Score of just 50.2—the eight lowest in our country.

4. Calgary, AB

• What you’ll love: A bustling, livable city with more sunshine than most parts of Canada

Grab those shades and stock up on sunscreen, folks! If you’re looking to retire in one of our sunniest cities, make a beeline for Calgary.

Not only is this the most populated city in Alberta, but Calgary is consistently ranked as one of the top five most livable cities in the world.

The best of Alberta is on your doorstep, too. Reach the Canadian Rocky Mountains within less than an hour, cycle along the sparkling Bow River and enjoy a diverse mix of cultural festivals—from the annual Calgary Stampede to Calgary Pride.

5. Victoria, BC

• What you’ll love: An active community with an abundance of beautiful beaches

Pack your swimsuit and make a splash on the southern tip of Vancouver Island by settling in Victoria, widely considered one of the top cities to retire in the entire country.

Tee off at one of Victoria’s many golf courses, stroll through lush parklands and enjoy diverse cuisine at the oldest Chinatown in Canada.

6. Saint John, NB

• What you’ll love: Welcoming locals and easy access to the stunning Bay of Fundy

Looking for a place that lives up to our country’s friendly reputation? Look no further than Saint John in New Brunswick, widely considered to be home to some of the happiest people in Canada. Expect a mix of historic neighbourhoods, thriving community groups, and plenty of coastal hiking trails throughout the nearby Fundy National Park.

Other places to consider for your Canadian retirement

Still searching for your perfect spot to retire? We’re just getting started. Perhaps one of these cities will tick your boxes instead?

• Canmore, AB: Breathe in the fresh mountain air with easy access to Banff National Park’s hiking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
• Burlington, ON: Feel at home from day one in a safe, welcoming community situated on the northwest shores of Lake Ontario.
• Winnipeg, MB: With a strong cultural heartbeat, plenty of delicious dining options and with Lake Winnipeg only an hour north of the city, it’s not hard to see why this is one of Canada’s most livable cities.
• Kelowna, BC: From dog-friendly beaches to incredible ski resorts just a short drive away, Kelowna is the perfect place to retire as an active Canadian.

Protect your loved ones with final expense insurance

Planning for your retirement involves making a lot of major decisions. From finding holistic ways to take care of your health to seeking financial support for end-of-life expenses, there’s no need to navigate this period of your life alone.

Get peace of mind and avoid placing the pressure of final expenses on your loved ones. With FiftyUp you can focus on what you do best – living. We’re committed to helping you stay in control of your final expenses with flexible coverage amounts made to suit Canadians aged 50 and up. Find out more about FiftyUp Final Expenses Insurance.