Canmore, AB
When you drive west from Calgary on the Trans Canada and head on up into the Rockies, Canmore is the first stop—well worth it and just a bit less "touristy" than nearby Banff. The downtown area is full of casual hangouts like streetfront restaurants and outdoor cafes. There are music shops, bookstores, and an array of galleries, along with a local museum or two. The real appeal, though, is that Rockies vibe. It’s hard to take your mind off the mountains, with spectacular views of The Three Sisters, Mount Rundle, Grotto Mountain, and others you’ll just want to drink in. You can also do that while hiking some of the 70 kilometers of multi-use trails within the town limits. Nearby, there are cave tours, spectacular skiing in winter, and rafting on the Bow River.
While the entire area is stunning, Kananaskis Valley offers moderate trails with jaw-dropping vistas that’ll get you lots of envy on Instagram. You could also head over to Banff, 20 minutes away, if you really want the true Alberta Rockies’ tourist-town experience. You can certainly spend much more than just a weekend in the area.
Carleton Place, ON
For our money, a town like Carleton Place is the quintessential hidden gem in Ontario. If you’ve never been to any of the scores of lakes on the Frontenac Arch, you’re missing out. This area is rife with pristine lakes and peaceful places. Stay in Carleton Place and you'll love the tranquil Riverside Park on Ontario’s own Mississippi River; it's a mecca for anglers. The town has museums, galleries, and nature trails. Mississippi Lake is a bird sanctuary and home to various other wildlife. You'll also find it an ideal starting point for day trips into The National Capital, a half hour away.
That proximity is one reason this area is an emerging retirement destination. It combines affordable living with quality of life and convenience. There are great places to retire right in Carleton Place and more in nearby places like Stittsville, Carp, and Richmond.
Duncan, BC
To be honest, we could populate this entire list with Vancouver Island small towns. It's a destination not just for Canadians but for the world. The Duncan area is simply rife with panoramic, eye-filling natural beauty, including nearby Genoa Bay and Stoney Hill. The entire east coast is filled with Instagrammable spots.
Among Island locations, though, Duncan is exceptional for its microclimate. It's set on an inland lee, ideally capitalizing on the area's legendary Mediterranean climate. Visit, and you'll definitely dream of living here. Real estate costs are lower than in Victoria (let alone Greater Vancouver) and there's that friendly small-town vibe. Thelma, one person who's retired here, says, "I love it here. Everyone is really nice and treats you really good. I certainly say you should move in here." Read more from people who have retired in Duncan.
Innisfil, ON
This weekend getaway for GTA families and seniors features several local beaches including Bonsecours, Leonard's Beach, and Simcoe Beach. You can swim and play in the water all weekend long, but it’s also a great place for kayaking or canoeing Lake Simcoe's clear waters, sheltered here in Cook’s Bay.
The town itself is a great place to retire, but there’s also nearby Bradford, West Gwillimbury, noted by Moneysense for its combination of low crime, high average annual income, and homes' high net worth. These towns epitomize rural living "north of Toronto," and include all you need. Golf lovers will love Nottawasaga Resort, Big Cedar Golf Club, and other nearby courses. Scenery lovers will enjoy trips through the rolling hill country here, and hikers love the Bruce Trail.
Hilda loves her home in the area. “There are so many good people here,” she'll tell you. Find great places to live in Bradford or in other nearby cities like Barrie or Newmarket.
Parksville, BC
Everyone should visit Vancouver Island at least once in their life. Parksville is perhaps the best Island destination of them all, thanks to its beaches and Mediterranean climate. Parksville Beachfest is a weeks-long family-oriented festival at the height of summer, including a sand sculpting competition, live music, buskers, artisans, outdoor theatre, and lots of great food. Paradise Fun Park is another great place the whole family will enjoy.
While you’re there, consider that it’s often called "Canada's retirement destination." There’s been an influx of retirees over the years thanks to its relatively low-cost real estate. It’s an idyllic retreat from the rat race. Find a great place to retire in Parksville, or consider that not far from here, Qualicum Beach is another excellent retirement destinations, and further up the coast, Comox and Campbell River also beckon.
Picton (Prince Edward County), ON
Picton is the jewel of Prince Edward County, one of the province’s up-and-coming wine regions. The town itself has flair, exemplified by colourful local shops, artisans’ boutiques, and markets that make it a pleasant weekend getaway. Sandbanks Provincial Park is quite possibly the best beach on Lake Ontario. There's lots to do and wonderful places to stay.
This area is an ideal retirement destination for people who want to leave behind the hustle of Greater Toronto and enjoy life in a colourful town with a moderate climate, close to Lake Ontario. Picton is shortlisted by MoneySense as a top place to live, cited for its easy access to health care and the local arts scene. There are also several excellent retirement communities in Trenton, Belleville, and the town of Napanee.
West Kelowna, BC
West Kelowna epitomizes BC's rugged, raw, inspiring interior, surrounded by the Columbia, Cascades, and Coastal mountainscapes. Typical of the province, the town is home to hundreds of dedicated green spaces. There are 1500 local businesses, including numerous ski resorts, and innumerable hiking trails through old-growth forests. Visit town and you'll sense the community spirit. It's one of those places where "everybody looks out for everyone else."
If your thoughts drift to staying longer, consider that it's always ranked well on lists of best places to live in Canada due to low taxes, a preternaturally healthy economy, and a climate tempered by chinook winds and Lake Okanagan. It's one of many great BC towns that inspire civic loyalty and deep love. Mary Lou moved here from elsewhere in the province and says simply: "I know I'm safe here." Learn more about great places to live in West Kelowna.
Sources
canadianrealestatemagazine.ca
city-data.com/canada
Moneysense.ca/canadas-best-places-full-ranking/
Moneysense's Best places to retire in 2017
thegreatwaterway.com/../prince-edward-county/
zolo.ca
innisfil.ca
