10 Best Towns In Quebec To Retire Comfortably
The Canadian province of Quebec is, in many ways, its own country, due to having a distinct culture all its own, complete with its own film industry and language. The predominantly French-Canadian, or Québécois-speaking, province is home to some of Canada's oldest history and is, in many ways, the centerpiece of Canadian culture. And that is a small, but important distinction. So with that in mind, it's good to study the language before making a move. Quebec is also one of Canada's most beautiful provinces, boasting breathtaking natural scenery and numerous communities that would make a great place to spend one's golden years
Baie-Saint-Paul
Nestled along the north shore of the St Lawrence River sits the charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul. Currently home to about 7,381 people, the town is the birthplace of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. While in town, people can enjoy some of the town's beautiful scenery in the 13-hectare Quayside Woods, featuring beaches and marshland. To learn more about the town's history, which dates back to 1636, be sure to visit the Remy Mill, built in 1825. The Mother House (Maison Mère) is a fine example of old-world Quebec architecture, in the form of a former convent now converted into a museum.
If you're looking to pick up some unique gifts for yourself or others, be sure to stop by the Chez Urban General Store. Baie-Saint-Paul is about 87 kilometers (54 miles) away from the province's capital city of Quebec. BSP is a great place for its numerous amenities, including the Baie-Saint-Paul Hospital. Meanwhile, houses can be found in town for around $295,000, which is well below Quebec's median price of $490,000.
Dorval
Founded in 1667, the beautiful Montreal suburb of Dorval, Quebec, is one of the oldest established European settlements in North America. This vibrant community of 19,302 people has a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Each June, the town hosts a Model Train Exposition. The yearly event is a must-visit for hobbyists and those interested in taking up a hobby. Dorval is also just one of a handful of towns in the province that are officially bilingual. As a result, it's a great spot for those who aren't as fluent in Québécois.
You can find a home in Dorval for as low as $339,000, which is significantly under the provincial median. To learn a bit more about your new hometown, you can spend time at the Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage. Pine Beach Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors all year round. Sitting on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, it's a perfect spot for a jog along the water or a BBQ. The nearby Lakeshore General Hospital meets the town's medical needs.
Saint-Sauveur
Around 60 kilometer (37 miles) from Montreal sits the charming resort town of Saint-Sauveur. During the winter months, the Le Sommet ski lodge is home to some of the best slopes in the province. Meanwhile, during the summer months, the Le Sommet Waterpark is a great way to spend the day, either going down waterslides or simply lounging in the pool. As the town is nestled in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, it's also a great place to go hiking all year round.
A great way to learn about the area's history is to visit The Rodrigue Museum (Le Musée Rodrigue), home to 5,000 exhibits. Speaking of homes, as of 2025, median home prices in Saint-Sauveur are generally in the $450,000 to $550 000 range, similar to or above Quebec’s average. This town of 11,580 has its medical needs serviced by the Sauveur Medical Clinic (Clinique médicale Saint-Sauveur). While in town, make sure to stop in a Mont Bistro for some modern French cuisine.
Boucherville
Founded in 1667, the charming town of Boucherville is a larger community with a population of 41,743. However, don't let that deter you, as this Montreal suburb is as warm and inviting as can be. As of recent data, average home prices in Boucherville are typically above $500,000.
While in town, residents and visitors alike can learn about the town's history at the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine house (La maison Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine). Built in 1766, the house was the one-time home of Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine, former Premier of the Province of Canada. For those who enjoy spending time in nature, make sure to visit National Park Boucherville Islands (Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville).
The Laurie-Eve-Cormier Aquatic Complex (Complexe aquatique Laurie-Eve-Cormier) is a great place in town to stay in shape. The facility is perfect for people of all fitness levels. With all this town has to offer, the only thing it's missing is you.
New Carlisle
The charming town of New Carlisle is a great place to live, particularly for those who aren't fluent in Québécois due to the town's mostly Anglophone population. However, there is much more to this charming town than its language, of course. Settled in 1784, the town is currently home to 1,336 people. Housing is inexpensive compared to provincial averages, too.
While in town, the Kempffer-HNC Cultural and Interpretive Centre (Centre culturel et d'interprétation Kempffer-HNC) is the perfect place to learn all about the history of your new hometown. To enjoy the area's beautiful scenery, regardless of the time of year, be sure to spend time in the René-Lévesque Space (l’Espace René-Lévesque), which features a stunning garden. During the Spring and Summer months, the Plage Le Green Beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. When hunger strikes, be sure to stop by the Luna Boutique Cafe.
Rimouski
At the mouth of the Rimouski River sits the town of Rimouski. Currently home to 48,935 people, the waterfront town is a great place to retire due to all it has to offer. The Regional Hospital of Rimouski is available to address any medical needs that may arise. The Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site (Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père) offers an amazing opportunity to learn about the area's incredible maritime history, including boarding The Onondaga Submarine.
For those who like escape games, take a trip to La Société: Jeux d'évasion to see if you can make it out in time. The Bic National Park (Parc National Du Bic) is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise. Homes in Rimouski can be found in the middle $200,000s, below the provincial median.
Mont-Saint-Hilaire
The Montreal suburb of Mont-Saint-Hilaire sits in the shadow of the mountain with the same name. Currently home to 18,859 people, the town is known for its laid-back vibe and friendly people. While in town, you can view some stunning artwork at Le Musée des beaux-arts de Mont-Saint-Hilaire. The Gault Nature Reserve, located near the mountain, is a wonderful place to enjoy the area's natural scenery, regardless of the time of year. If you get hungry while in town, stop in at Chez Cheval for a hearty meal. To see some classic architecture, make sure you stop by the Rouville-Campbell Manor (Manoir Rouville-Campbell). Built between 1832 and 1860, the still-functioning hotel is a monument to the town's amazing history. Homes here can be found for prices that are below the provincial median.
Shawinigan
The charming town of Shawinigan is a wonderful place in Quebec to spend your golden years. Homes in the area can typically be found in the $200,000 to $250,000 range, which is under the provincial median. Currently home to 49,620 residents, there is plenty to see and do in the so-called City of Energy. To learn more about the town's history and future, visit La Cité de l'énergie museum. For a truly wild experience and a chance to get up close with nature, you can take part in Black Bear Observation tour (Observation de l’ours noir) to potentially see some of them in their natural habitat.
While in town, the Shawinigan Sud Arena is a wonderful place to go ice skating or watch a local hockey game. Should any medical needs arise, the Central Mauricie Hospital (Hôpital du Centre-de-la-Mauricie) is fully staffed. A fun fact about Shawinigan is that the town was the birthplace of former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
Saint‑Georges
Founded in 1856, the beautiful Saint‑Georges is home to around 32,395 people. This eclectic town wears its artistic heart on its proverbial sleeve, as evidenced by the Beauce Art: Open-Air Museum Trail (Beauce Art: Parcours Muséal à Ciel Ouvert), an open-air art museum featuring over 100 exhibits. For a different type of art found in nature, make sure to pay a visit to the 70-hectare Seven Falls Park (Parc des Sept-Chutes), home to, as the name implies, seven waterfalls.
When you build up an appetite, make sure to stop in a local favorite, Rock Cafe (Cafe Rock) for a hearty meal. The area has a great cost of living, with houses often in the $250,000 to $350,000 range. This charming city is only about 85 kilometer (52 miles) from the province’s capital of Quebec City. The Chaudière River runs through town, making it a perfect spot to take a walk and enjoy a hot chocolate on a chilly Canadian evening.
Val-d'Or
The town of Val-d'Or, or Valley of Gold in English, earned its name due to the gold deposits found in the area in 1923. Since then, the town has grown to a population of 32,752. Despite the area's popularity, it's still possible to find homes in the area in the $200,000 to $300,000 range, although realtors often list homes for much less.
To learn more about the area's indigenous history, consider visiting the Kinawit Cultural Site. For those who want to dig into the town's mining history a bit, make sure to stop by The City of Gold (La Cité de l’Or), where you can go 300 feet below the earth to see a real gold mining operation. For those who prefer to live in a retirement home, The Pioneers' Estate, Vallée-de-l'Or (Le Domaine des Pionniers Vallée-de-l'Or) has you covered. For a hearty meal, stop in at The Prospector (Le Prospecteur).
All in all, the province of Quebec is a marvelous place to live. Its unique culture, history and incredible scenery has something for everyone. As we've seen there are also plenty of affordable places in the province to spend your golden years. Whether you prefer a more active lifestyle or just want to take it easy, you are sure to find what you are looking for. Just remember to study your français québécois before making the move. And with that, bon voyage.
