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Find care details, insights, and insider perspectives gained from 20+ years of helping seniors and families.
What to know about this topic:
- Spectacular retirement destinations in BC
- Retirement care costs in BC
- Care options in British Columbia
- Using ComfortLife.ca in your research
- Tips to help you find the best community
- Retirement home regulation in BC
No matter where you are looking for a retirement home in British Columbia — from Vancouver Island to interior destinations like Kamloops and Kelowna to Prince George and other places further north — you know you are living in a world-class destination. The reasons the world comes to BC to retire are many, but certainly include the spectacular scenery everywhere and the many attractions of Vancouver and Victoria.
IN-DEPTH REPORTSRetirement communities in British Columbia
FEATURED
Tapestry at Wesbrook Village
3338 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6S 0A6
Tapestry at Wesbrook VIllage is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Berwick House
4062 Shelbourne Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8N 3E6
Berwick House offers comfort, security and our usual high standard of affordable luxury. Steps away from a mall, cinema and other conveniences, you’ll find everything you need for an independent and active lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
FEATURED
Berwick On The Park
60 Whiteshield Crescent, South Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2E 2S9
Nestled on the hillside, Berwick on the Park offers stunning panoramic mountain, valley and river views and flexible retirement lifestyles, including independent living and assisted living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Sunstone Apartments
10775 Delsom Crescent, Delta,
British Columbia, V4C 0A8
Sunstone Rentals is the newest retirement community located in North Delta. A 70 unit independent living facility for those 55+, offers retirement community living for those downsizing.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
FEATURED
Tapestry at Arbutus Walk
2799 Yew Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6K 4W2
Tapestry at Arbutus Walk is an active aging community that offers residents unlimited opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and improve their physical, mental and social well-being.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Berwick Parksville
180 Jensen Ave East, Parksville,
British Columbia, V9P 0G9
At Berwick Parksville, we strive to change the perception of retirement living by empowering our Residents to live their best life with us. We think of it as inspired retirement living.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
FEATURED
Chelsea Park
1968 East 19th Avenue, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V5N 5K3
A boutique residence with a homelike ambience where you can enjoy your independence while receiving quality hospitality services. Offering intimate, well designed, comfortable and affordable living for Seniors.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
FEATURED
Tapestry at Victoria Harbour
777 Belleville St., Victoria,
British Columbia, V8V OB6
Tapestry is an active aging seniors community promoting an active and vibrant lifestyle in a safe and supportive environment. Enjoy the wellness offerings and Restaurant and pub at your leisure.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick On The Lake
3201 Ross Road, Nanaimo,
British Columbia, V9T 6L9
At Berwick on the Lake, residents enjoy red seal chef prepared meals in their choice of 3 dining rooms. Beyond our beautiful amenities, our residents also enjoy a full wellness program. Resort style living at it's best!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Sunnyside Manor
15340 17th Avenue, Surrey,
British Columbia, V4A 1T9
Step into Sunnyside Manor where you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a place where connections are made and friendships flourish. Enjoy freshly prepared meals and ease of living with our all-inclusive services.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Berwick Qualicum Beach
120 First Ave W, Qualicum Beach,
British Columbia, V9K 0B4
Berwick Qualicum Beach offers an array of amenities and engaging programs in our beautifully appointed community. Join our vibrant community today and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle with some new friends.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick by the Sea
Berwick by the Sea 1353 16th Ave., Campbell River,
British Columbia, V9W 0C4
Berwick by the Sea offers you the freedom to spend your time doing the things you love most. Every area of the community has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone. Come join us on your next adventure!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Berwick Royal Oak
4680 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8Z 0B4
Luxurious, Resort-Style Retirement Living where you can age in place; You’re Home at Last at Berwick Royal Oak on Vancouver Island in beautiful Victoria, BC.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Orchard Gardens Seniors Community
295 Gerstmar Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1X 7W9
Formerly Fernbrae Manor, Orchard Gardens Seniors Community offers quality services and a variety of amenities for Kelowna’s seniors. Choose from a studio or one-bedroom suite with independent living monthly packages.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
Berwick Comox Valley
1700 Comox Avenue, Comox,
British Columbia, V9M 4H4
Berwick Comox Valley offers a resort-style retirement residence in a convenient downtown setting. This is West Coast living at its finest, truly affordable luxury.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence
1789 Primrose Court, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V1S 0B7
Enjoy a flexible, independent retirement lifestyle surrounded by nature with the convenience of Downtown Kamloops."
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living
The Concorde Retirement Residence - Verve Senior Living
3235 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton,
British Columbia, V2A 6G5
The Concorde has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with comfortable dining & excellent views of the mountains, along with extensive program activities; The Concorde is perfect for an active living & entertaining lifestyle.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Camelot
455 Kingston Street, Victoria,
British Columbia, V8V 1V8
At The Camelot we offer Boutique Independent Retirement Living with Supportive Services. In the heart of quiet, downtown James Bay near the Inner Harbour, we offer Dinner daily, Housekeeping, security & companionship!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Magnolia Gardens
5840 Glover Rd, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 9K3
An oasis in the heart of Langley City, Magnolia Gardens features bright, spacious suites and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Two choices in senior living: 115 independent living suites, and a 40-suite licensed Care Centre.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
The Waterford
1345 56th Street, Tsawwassen,
British Columbia, V4L 2P9
Featuring bright suites surrounded by pedestrian pathways, and a two-acre water feature in Tsawwassen town-centre. Two choices in all-inclusive senior housing: independent living and a licensed Care Centre suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Westerleigh PARC
725 - 22nd Street, West Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7V 0B3
Westerleigh PARC offers refined independent living in one of West Vancouver's most sought after addresses. Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Wisteria Place
4388 Garry Street, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7E 2V2
Wisteria Place, beckons to active seniors seeking vibrant and satisfying daily life. Majestic views, park greenery, a Zen garden and Koi pond, bring nature, beauty, and peace. Let us welcome you home to life in harmony.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sherwood House
280 Government Street, Duncan,
British Columbia, V9L 0B5
At Sherwood House we offer active adult independent retirement living, pet friendly, featuring delicious homemade meals, daily activities, weekly housekeeping, safely connected in the heart of Duncan, Vancouver Island
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living
1550 West 49th Avenue,, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6M 0B3
Located in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood, Granville Gardens offers residents the opportunity to stay active and live in a well-appointed urban community, surrounded by shopping centres, parks, community centres.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
The Wexford
1737 56 Street, Tsawwassen BC,
British Columbia, V4L 0A5
The Wexford offers all-inclusive, independent senior living one km from Tsawwassen town centre. Bright and spacious suites and costal-inspired living areas are beautifully accented by a rooftop garden and courtyard.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Arbourside Court
13751 - 74th Avenue, Surrey,
British Columbia, V3W 1A8
Welcome to Arbourside Court, a retirement home in the heart of Surrey, BC. Proudly serving our senior residents since 2001. Many activities to enjoy and new friendships to be made, we are always bustling with laughter.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Thornebridge Gardens - Verve Senior Living
649 8th Avenue, New Westminster,
British Columbia, V3M 2R2
Thornebridge Gardens is one of New Westminster’s finest retirement residences, providing luxurious, worry-free surroundings with life enriching services that inspire healthy senior living. Many options are available!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Hawthorn Park Retirement Community - Verve Senior Living
867 KLO Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1Y 9G5
Living at Hawthorn Park Retirement Residence means you have choices & can customize the services you need, as you need them. We offer three lifestyle opportunities; supportive living, assisted living & complex care.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Courtyard Gardens - Verve Senior Living
7051 Moffat Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V6Y 3W2
Courtyard Gardens offers an enriching community, with quality staff & friendly & caring environment. 107 Private & Subsidized suites in Assisted Living, 31 Private Pay Extended Care studio suites & 1 Respite Suite.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long-term care
Oceana PARC
1575 George St, White Rock,
British Columbia, V4B 0B6
At Oceana PARC, our residents thrive with access to physical and mental fitness programming, social activities, chef-prepared meals, transportation and more. Come discover why life is better at our new residence.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Hawthorne Place
750 Memorial Avenue, Qualicum Beach,
British Columbia, V9K 2P6
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Summerhill PARC
135 West 15th Street, North Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7M 1R7
Summerhill PARC near the heart of Lonsdale and 15th Avenue in beautiful North Vancouver offers a highly social retirement community living experience. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Sandalwood Retirement Resort
580 Yates Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 2M3
Life at Sandalwood means your needs are taken care of: dining, linen, housekeeping, transportation & 24 hour security. Enriching activities & events will engage you. Choose from bright spacious 1 & 2 bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Wedgwood House
256 Government Street, Duncan,
British Columbia, V9L 1A4
Very wonderful group of friendly residents who love to do things together. Residents Group arrange entertainment, winemaking and wine & cheese parties each month. They are helpful and welcoming. Wedgwood feels like home!
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Gilmore Gardens - Verve Senior Living
4088 Blundell Road, Richmond,
British Columbia, V7C 5V1
Like a condominium, you furnish your suite with the comforts from your home, including pets. At Gilmore Gardens, it's the people, residents and staff alike, that make this independent senior living community so special.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Amica West Vancouver
659 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7T 1C8
Tucked away between the North Shore Mountains and Pacific Ocean, our residence offers the best of West Vancouver. Enjoy access to trails and shopping—a comfortable yet sophisticated lifestyle at Amica West Vancouver.
Lifestyle Options: Apartments, Independent Living, Long-term care
The Heritage - Verve Senior Living
3630 Brown Rd, West Kelowna,
British Columbia, V4T7Y9
The Heritage Retirement Residence encompasses an active living & entertaining lifestyle with supportive & assisted living measures, Our highly skilled registered health care team will provide assistance when you need it.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living, Assisted Living
Cedar Springs PARC
3633 Mount Seymour Pkwy, North Vancouver,
British Columbia, V7H 0A9
Located near Mt. Seymour in Vancouver's North Shore, Cedar Springs PARC offers retirement living within a beautiful natural environment. 1- and 2-bedroom suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Village Langley - Verve Senior Living
3920 198th Street, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A1E1
We believe that the desire for fulfillment and living a life with purpose does not diminish with a diagnosis of dementia. We focus on the possibilities of each person, supporting each to live with laughter, love and joy.
Lifestyle Options: Memory Care, Long-term care
Sunridge Gardens
22301 Fraser Highway, Langley,
British Columbia, V3A 4H5
An upscale and contemporary senior living community in the historic Murrayville neighbourhood of Langley. Featuring spacious open-concept suites, a beautiful courtyard garden and a wide variety of amenities.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Greystone Manor Retirement Residence
11657 Ritchie Avenue, Maple Ridge,
British Columbia, V2X 8X3
Named one of the top 3 retirement communities in Maple Ridge, Greystone is a premier Park Place residence, with the comfort and services you need to maintain your active lifestyle in a warm and welcoming community.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
Mulberry PARC
7230 Acorn Avenue, Burnaby,
British Columbia, V5E 4N9
Mulberry PARC is a welcoming home and community in the heart of Burnaby, BC with the largest 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom retirement home suites available.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Residence at Orchards Walk
#100 3300 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops,
British Columbia, V2C 0G9
The Residence offers service-oriented living at its finest. With a shopping plaza and stunning views, Orchards Walk is Kamloops’ premier new neighbourhood. Choose between spacious studios and one or two bedroom suites.
Lifestyle Options: Independent Living
The Vineyards Residence
726 Valley Road, Kelowna,
British Columbia, V1V 0E9
The Vineyards approach to assisted living & memory care allows people to go about life as they always have, despite health changes. Beautiful suites & homemade meals. Discover for yourself why we say Life’s Better Here
Lifestyle Options: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-term care
Spectacular retirement destinations in BC
Vancouver is home to a variety of excellent retirement residences. The fresh ocean air and lively city life make it a living and retirement destination for people from around the world. Certainly it is home to some of the highest priced real estate in North America, but with its many attractive city features, including the Harbour, local wildlife, museums, mountain scenes, Stanley Park, night life and so much more, it is worth every penny.
Victoria and Vancouver Island retirement homes offer more affordability than what you will find in Vancouver. Among other things, this is a great destination for Vancouverites who have downsized and want to get away from the bustle of Vancouver living. The lifestyle in Nanaimo, Saanich, Duncan, Mill Bay and other island cities is a bit slower but still full of all the bounteous beauty and recreation British Columbians can expect.
Interior cities like Kelowna and Kamloops are also less expensive than Vancouver. Both cities are considered “well-kept secrets,” ideal places to settle in retirement.
Check out our perennially updated list of best places to retire in BC 
Retirement care costs in BC
Care costs vary widely depending on two variables: the level of care you require and the location. We break down costs you can expect in our overview of retirement costs in BC. However, consult each of the homes listed to learn what it will cost you for your specific needs.
Read Retirement Costs in British Columbia to learn more about the costs of retirement living in BC.
Care options in British Columbia
There are a variety of retirement care options available to seniors in British Columbia. In many cases, these care options will be available under the same roof in a retirement village or residence. BC’s independent living retirement facilities offer a home to seniors who are still active but who want some of their daily living activities taken care of by others. This situation can be ideal for couples where one partner is still quite healthy but another may require some level of care, including assisted living or even memory care. In independent living, meals and housekeeping may be provided.
Assisted living retirement communities in BC offer a more comprehensive care that may include help with mobility and incontinence care. BC’s memory care homes offer dedicated support for the elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Long-term care homes in BC are regulated by the government and offer continuing care and even palliative care.
Need to talk to your parents about moving into a retirement community? Watch The Talk on Comfort Life TV for advice.
Using ComfortLife.ca in your research
Before you begin your search for retirement home in BC, understand that there is no government regulation of homes. Membership in the BCSLA (see below) entails that the home is well-taken care of; make sure that the home has the BCSLA Seal of Approval. Beyond that, there are many other things to keep in mind.
Here are some highlights to supplement our (highly recommended) Retirement Home Checklist:
- Prioritize your needs and wants. Make the retirement home choice process much like any home purchase
- Use our advanced search to find a retirement community with the exact features you want
- Tour the retirement residence’s kitchen and cafeteria and check the menu for quality, variety and any other concerns
- Visit several residences then take a second or even third look before you make your decision
- When you do a secnd visit, visit at a different time of the day to see how the environment changes
- Get a schedule of recreational activities and find out which facilities meet your needs. Compare this across several different homes
- Poke into the corners and get off the beaten path. Check stairwells for cleanliness. Check all the corners of the grounds to see what is there and how well maintained everything is
- Ask the care, nursing and services staff lots of question: as many as you can
- Speak to residents and ask them how they like the place and what it is they like about the place. Be sure to ask them how well they like the staff that work at this particular retirement community
- Be sure to request references from professional organizations, patrons, children of patrons and others that are currently associted with the retirement home or community
Did you know that many retirement communities offer vacation stays? Download our free eBook The Ultimate Retirement Tour Checklist for more tips.
Tips to help you find the best community
Whether you're looking in Victoria or Abbotsford, keep these tips in mind when conducting your search for a retirement community in British Columbia. Start your search before you need a seniors' community or care service. This way there is lots of time to discuss your options without any unnecessary panic or urgency. However, most people wait until the health of senior parent begins to deteriorate and it becomes apparent that they can no longer live in their own home, on their own. There are a variety of care options that meet various needs.
Read BC retirement residence reviews before you commit to a retirement residence.
Retirement home regulation in BC
In British Columbia, there are no government regulations for independent living retirement residences, so it is important to inspect potential retirement communities closely before making a decision. Many retirement communities volunteer membership in the BC Seniors Living Association (BCSLA). The BCSLA has implemented a self-regulated assessment standard (since 2009) for members, called the Seal of Approval. This program identifies retirement communities that adhere to the highest industry standards. Look for this Seal of Approval designation in BC retirement homes, which indicates that a community meets multiple criteria in five areas: safety measures, infection control, staff training, resident services and assisted living supports.,
The government of British Columbia does regulate Long Term Care communities and Assisted Living communities under its Community Care and Assisted Living Act. As noted by the British Columbia Law Institute, the Act focuses on health and safety concerns and is less concerned with the quality of meals or other services provided by residences; it certainly does not concern itself with issues such as false advertising on the part of care homes. Such concerns may be accountable under BC's Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and also by the BCSLA.
In 2012, the BC Ombudsperson published a 400 page report, following three years' investigation into seniors' care in the province. This Report focuses on the province's need for improvements in access to assistance and support for seniors and family members navigating the care system. Annual updates on progress in meeting recommendations are provided by the Ombudsperson's Office here.
BC also has a Bill of Rights for Residents, which provides a summary of care standards identified over the years in the province, in the former Adult Care Regulations and newer Residential Care Regulations. You can download and review the BC Residents' Bill of Rights here.
